Daniel 3 Only To MY God
Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden image that he commands all the people to bow down to. Daniel’s friends say; “I will bow only to MY God.”
After having the dream of the statue representing many different kingdoms, Nebuchadnezzar decides to build one of his own. He insists that ALL of his officials bow down and worship it. There are at least three in authority who refuse. Not because they are ‘superior’ to everyone else, but because their God is.
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Nebuchadnezzar can’t stop thinking about the statue in his dream. He knows that Babylon is the head of the statue. The head is made of pure gold! “That is well deserved recognition” thinks Nebuchadnezzar. The more he thinks about it, the more determined he is to make a statue of pure gold, similar to the one from his dream.
“I want it to touch the sky” Nebuchadnezzar tells the smiths. “It is to be of the purest gold and made to look like me.”
“That will be very costly, my king.”
“I don’t care what it costs! It is my mark, that I will leave upon the world.”
Nebuchadnezzar checks in on the work at least once every two weeks. The artisans employed on this project are numerous. It seems like half the city of Babylon is involved. The work is done in the plains of Dura, as this will be the statue’s resting place.
The work teams have specific tasks. Some dig the trenches the forms will be poured into. It has to be made it two parts, otherwise there would only be detail on one side. Others line the trenches with clay and allow it to harden so none of the gold will leak out when it is poured. It takes two days to melt enough gold and pour it before it rehardens to fill the two trenches.
After the gold is poured, another crew uses long trowels to level and smooth the backs of the two halves. The trowels are run across the ditch width and is pulled back and forth along the ground. The, still liquid, gold is smoothed and pressed into any voids with the trowel. Air bubbles are also popped at this time.
Once the gold is set, the halves are carefully pulled from the trenches, turned over, and carving begins. This portion takes the longest as it is done by a single craftsman. Too many hands would spoil the design.
On a quiet day, Nebuchadnezzar spends hours watching his masterpiece take form under the hands of the artist. He compares it to the image he has in his own mind. In some areas it surpasses his wildest imagination, and in others, he wishes he could convey what he envisions to the artist. He tried once, but the artist threatened to stop working on it. Artists can be SO temperamental. If it wasn’t for the quality of his work, Nebuchadnezzar would have run him through with a sword on the spot. Kings can be temperamental too!
The day has arrived for the two pieces to be joined. Nebuchadnezzar watches as the back of the statue is placed back in its trench and liquid gold is poured in the center of its back. Then the front is placed on top with the backs facing each other. It has to be lifted so that the gold does no get pushed to one side. After cooling, the statue is rotated 90 degrees and liquid gold is carefully layered into the joining seam until no seam remains. Once that seam is completely filled, the statue is rotated 180 degrees and the same method is used to fill the final seam.
This process tales all day, but the finished product is worth the wait. The craftsman comes over to examine the seam and joints. He carefully extends the pattern from the front to the back, so one cannot distinguish where one half ends and the other begins.
It’s finally ready! To be put into place that is. Gold is soft, so it takes great care to lift this monument to Nebuchadnezzar to its upright position. Using ropes, pulleys, and HUNDREDS of strong backs, Nebuchadnezzar’s statue is raised to its final position. A dais in the center of the plains of Dura hosts the statue.
While the statue is under construction, Daniel and his friends meet to discuss it.
“What do you think the king is going to do with that monstrosity he is creating? Will he insist people worship it?”
“I have no doubt that he will. The question is not what the king will do, but what will we do?”
“I will NEVER bow to any God but the Lord God almighty of Israel” vows Mishael.
“Nor will I” agrees Daniel.
The other two nod.
“What if the king says; ‘Do it or die’?” asks Daniel.
“NO MATTER WHAT, we will NEVER bow to any god but the Lord.”
It is a firm promise. NONE of the friends will bow down, no matter what the cost.
Nebuchadnezzar goes out to his statue the first thing in the morning the day after it is raised into place. He wants to inspect it before calling an assembly. He is the only one on the site, except for the artist. Nebuchadnezzar has him here in case any last-minute adjustments need made. He circles the statue, looking as high as he can and inspecting everything within his reach. He stops and examines one spot on the edge of the statue’s heel. The artist stands back and watches. When he is finished, Nebuchadnezzar comes over to the artist.
“You have done excellent work. I notice that there is a small defect on the heel of one sandal. It almost looks like someone etched their name in my statue. I’m certain that NO ONE would dare to do that, would they?”
The artist’s face is crimson. “It is the work of MY hand. I ALWAYS sign my work.”
“But it is MY statue.” Nebuchadnezzar stares at the artist. Neither move for what seems like an eternity. “Remove it” growls Nebuchadnezzar.
“I cannot remove etchings my king, but I can camouflage it.”
“Then do so. My statue will be tribute to NO ONE but me.”
“As you command, my king” the artist concedes.
With a practiced hand, the artist turns his name into scroll lines in the sole and makes matching scrolls on the other sandal. Nebuchadnezzar watches as the man works. When he is finished, the artist turns to the king. Nebuchadnezzar graces him with a nod of approval.
An edict goes out this same day. It is to all those in positions of authority in the kingdom of Babylon. It is addressed to the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces. Nebuchadnezzar is leaving on one out. They are instructed to assemble in two days to dedicate the statue.
Daniel and his friends meet again just before the celebration. “What are we going to do? I know the king will insist on everyone worshiping his idol. I’m not bowing to that thing.”
“None of us will.”
“But we also can not be disrespectful to those who do. Stand in the back of the assembly. No one will even notice you” instructs Daniel.
“I already have enough problems with those who were passed over for the apprenticeship. They complain loudly to any who will listen.”
“I have the same problem. They look for anything to make my master doubt my ability or loyalty.”
“I have the same problem. The resent me and do not respect me.”
“We are the foreigners in a foreign land. It is not surprising that they resent the fact that we have attained positions, especially at our age. Do not engage them. Pay them the respect that is due them. But DO NOT bow down to their gods just to make them happy. OUR God is the one who elevated us. We will trust Him with our lives, no matter what.”
While Daniel and his friends are meeting regarding the upcoming ceremony, so are their detractors. They are nearly certain that these three upstarts will refuse to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image. This is their chance to rid themselves of their ridiculous presence. Who ever heard of putting a captive in command of a native citizen?
“Keep eyes on them whenever you can. I KNOW that the king is going to require everyone to worship his image. I will bet my life that those three won’t comply.”
“And, even if they do, we can say they didn’t.”
“It will be our word against theirs. Who is going to believe them? Certainly not the king.”
“He will probably be so busy that he won’t even notice. We will have to bring it to his attention, being his loyal subjects and all.”
“Then we won’t have to see their Hebrew faces again.”
One more meeting takes place the night before the dedication. Nebuchadnezzar calls the captain of the guard, Arioch, to attend him. “Tomorrow is the dedication of my monument. I want you to heat the fiery furnace, the one use in melting the gold tomorrow. It will be used for any who defy my command to worship my statue.”
“It will be ready my king for ANY who defy you.”
The morning of the dedication ceremony boasts a clear blue sky. One that seems to go on forever. The sun is glinting off the statue as the people moved about. People have to shield their eyes from the effect at times. The plains of Dura is packed with those in authority in Babylon. It is good that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t call for ALL the people to attend, as there would not be enough room to hold them all.
A raised platform has been erected beside the statue. Even on it, Nebuchadnezzar and those on the platform barely reach the top of the statue’s feet. It is 60 cubits tall and 6 cubits wide (90 feet, 27.4 meters tall; 9 feet, 2.74 meters wide).
The furnace is also ready. It is visible to those on the north side of the gathering. It is giving off enough heat that people are keeping clear of it.
A single trumpet sounds a short blast to get everyone’s attention. Once everyone settles, the herald addresses the people.
“You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:4-6).
The people stand ready. The herald waits a full minute so that his words sink deep into the hearts of those gathered before him. He turns to the musicians and nods to them. The air is rent with the sound of the trumpet. As the other instruments join in, there is a cacophony of noise that fills the valley from end to end. There is no melody or rhythm to it.
As soon as the first note is heard, the people begin falling on their faces, in mass, before the statue. Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar stand watching the people. Nebuchadnezzar is enraptured by what he sees. “All these people worshiping ME” he thinks to himself. Daniel is discretely looking out at the crowd to find his friends. He sees them all. They spread out in the gathering, so as not to draw too much attention to themselves. A single person alone is less likely to draw attention than a group of three. They are pressed as far back in the crowd as possible. And, anyone not looking for them, would not notice them.
The ‘music’ ends and the people begin to rise to their feet. They are congratulating one another on their display of loyalty. The three friends make their way towards one another. Those who have been the most vocal regarding Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego already know where they are standing. They watch as the three move towards one another. One look at them tells these men exactly what they want to know. There is not a trace of sand on any of the three. One of the most-vile of these men has a wicked smile stretched across his face. “They did not bow” he tells himself.
The group of ‘loyal subjects’ makes its way to where Nebuchadnezzar is standing. They have a report to make. Once they are before the king, they bow deeply and await his acknowledgement.
“Did you enjoy the ceremony?”
“O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:9-12).
Daniel shuts his eyes for a brief moment. He knows exactly who these men are. They are the ones his friends told him about. All he can do is trust in the Lord. “He will see us through this, one way or another.”
The kings face becomes bright red and he commands one of his guards; “Bring Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego to me at once!”
Everyone waits as the three young men in question are brought before the king. When the three stand before the king, they bow to show their respect.
Nebuchadnezzar’s rage decreased by a fraction upon seeing them paying him respect, but there is still a matter to be addressed. He decides to give them a second chance.
“Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:14-15).
The three friends didn’t even need a moment to contemplate their answer. With heads held high, Abednego answers for the three. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).
Nebuchadnezzar’s face goes crimson in an instant. He bellows to Arioch; “Heat the furnace seven times hotter! And bind these three before they try and escape.”
Arioch stokes the fire and opens all the drafts to draw in more air. The furnace is glowing red hot by the time he is ready. He signals his men to bring the prisoners.
Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego give Daniel a silent nod and walk with their captors, without any resistance, to the door of the furnace. The door is large enough for two men to enter at once when retrieving molten ore.
Arioch draws the door back using hooks so his hands do not become one with the metal. The soldiers holding the three friends shove them through the door. The heat is so great when the door was opened that, the soldiers are burned alive after their initial shove of the three.
The screams of the soldiers’ jolts Arioch to the core and he quickly shuts the door before any more of his men are burned up.
Nebuchadnezzar is waiting by the viewing window as the three friends are thrust into the fire. He is expecting to see three men writing in pain and burned up within seconds. That is NOT what greets his eyes. He blinks and rubs his eyes for a moment before he calls out in astonishment to those who are in attendance. “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” (Daniel 3:24a).
His counselors look at one another in confusion, wondering why the king would be asking this. They answer him, none the less. “True, O king” (Daniel 3:24b).
Nebuchadnezzar stands to his feet and points towards the window in the furnace. “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25).
The others move so that they can see as well. Even Daniel looks into the furnace. A smile spreads across his face. He knows the reason for this miracle. Only his God could do this.
“Open the door” Nebuchadnezzar orders Arioch. Once it is open, he steps as close as he can without being burned alive himself. He calls out into the fire; “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” (Daniel 3:26).
The three friends turn and see the king through the flames. They move to him with ease and step back out of the furnace as if they were stepping back into their own home. They look back one last time as the fourth man, who was with them in the fire, fades from view.
As soon as the three are out of the furnace, Arioch closes the door and all the dampeners. The heat in the furnace begins to decrease, but it will take time for it to cool off.
The three friends step away from the furnace and towards where the king waits. Everyone who had been witnessing the event crowd around the three friends to examine them. “The satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them” (Daniel 3:27).
Nebuchadnezzar moves everyone away from the three friends. He stands before them and raises his hands toward heaven.
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way” (Daniel 3:28-29).
Those who had delivered the three friends to the king melt into the crowd, terrified of what the king might do to them. Before they move too far, they hear the king make another proclamation.
“Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego are now the highest officials in the provinces. You will all follow their commands.”
Daniel smiles at his friends. “Thank You Lord God of ALL creation for revealing Yourself to these people today” Daniel silently prays.
(to be continued)
No one would even have noticed, had it not been for petty jealousy. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego didn’t make a big production out of not bowing down. They quietly abstained. But there were those who didn’t like these young men being raised above them. They thought they had found a way to get rid of them. It backfired!
Through these three men’s dedication to God, He was allowed to ‘show off’ to the people. HE is, was, and forever will be Lord of ALL creation and able to do ALL things. He doesn’t have to do miracles to prove that He is God. Because He is God, miracles abound. Even the miracle that we can take in the air around us and use it to sustain our lives. Creation itself is His miracle.
Father God, thank You for ALL the miracles in my life. From the very fact that I am alive, to all that You do with my life. For shrinking my husband’s brain abnormality to ¼ the size it was when it was discovered. For giving him good days. Even for the ‘bad’ days, for he is still with me. I don’t know what ‘miracles’ You have in store for our future, but I’ll take ALL of them that You want to send our way!
