Daniel 3:16-30

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, (see Daniel 1:7, 3:12) "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. (see 1 Samuel 17:32-37, Psalm 27:1-2, Isaiah 26:3-4, Jeremiah 1:6-8) But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (see Joshua 24:15, 1 Kings 19:14-18)

 

Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. (see Leviticus 26:18-28) Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. (see Daniel 2:15) So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

 

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?"

 

"Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied.

 

"Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" (see Psalm 91, Isaiah 43:2, Jeremiah 1:8, 19)

 

Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. (Deuteronomy 4:20, 1 Kings 8:50-51, Daniel 3:17-18) Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! (see Hebrews 11:33-34)

 

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (see Psalm 34:6-10, Isaiah 37:33-37, Daniel 6:19-22, Acts 5:17-20, 12:5-11)  Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. there is no other god who can rescue like this!" (see Ezra 6:6-12)

 

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. (see Daniel 2:49, 3:12) 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.