The Book of Daniel

Chapter 3

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1984-2001 by Dr. Richard W. Fry Published by Promise of Life Ministries. Printed in the United States Of America. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or database, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, photocopying, recording, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express written consent of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Making copies of any part of this publication for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright laws.

Verse 1

Nebuchadnezzar is trying to alter the vision and become the entire image. This is a typical human response to a vision, a word, or a command of God.

An example of people trying to change the word of God is via the “prosperity” message. God tell us that if we obey his word he will cause us to prosper. If we are faithful in tithes and giving, he will open the windows of heaven and he will reward us. But all too often, people forget the “obedience” part and try to “buy” blessing and prosperity from God through tithing and giving of offerings.

Assuming it is half as thick as it is wide (4.5 feet), 90x9x4.5=3,645 cu. ft., or 4,400,000 pounds (2200 tons). At $300.00 and ounce, the value of the statue alone would be $21,120,000,000.00.

The statue was, therefore, most likely not solid gold, but an image overlaid with gold.

Notice how quickly the good impressions that were made upon Nebuchadnezzar at the close of the last chapter have been lost.

He stated, in 2:47, “...Your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.”

Now, in direct defiance of that same God, he sets up an image of himself to be worshipped.

Verse 4

People:

This signifies racial divisions.

Nations:

This signifies geographical divisions.

Languages:

This signifies linguistic divisions.

Verse 5

And All Kinds Of Music:

This is not a small band.

The plain of Dura was circular and quite vast. Hundreds of thousands of people were gathered together, and the band had no amplifiers. The purpose of the band was twofold:

• A signal to worship.

• To stimulate for worship.

Fall Down And Worship The Golden Image:

The end of the last chapter saw Nebuchadnezzar falling down and worshipping Daniel. Since the last chapter, Nebuchadnezzar has had time to think and reflect on the situation. A possible line of thought for Nebuchadnezzar would be:

• Daniel told me that he is not the one who knew the dream.

• Daniel told me that his God knew that dream and the interpretation of it.

• Daniel told me (2:37) that I was a king of kings because his God has given me a kingdom, power, strength and glory. I am the head of gold (v. 38).

• I should do away with the rest of the vision and become the entire image.

• Everyone should worship me.

Verse 8

Chaldeans:

These were the priestly cast (2:2).

Accused The Jews:

Literally, “...came near and ate their pieces of the Jews.”  They didn't just want to accuse them; they wanted them dead.

Verse 12

Certain Jews:

They begin very coolly. They do not mention names immediately. First they mention “Jews,” implying they are inferior.

Obviously they want to feel out Nebuchadnezzar to observe his reaction to the roundhouse of charges.

Whom Thou Hast Set:

Now they not only directly involve Nebuchadnezzar in this affair, but they indirectly accuse him of wrong doing, or, at the very least, of using poor judgment.

“Thou, O great king, have set these inferior men over the affairs of the province of Babylon. We feel they are not worthy of their high positions and, very likely, you have made a mistake.”

Now they mention the names of men and their crime. Thus, the overall inference is:

“These men are ungrateful for the high appointment you have conferred on them.”

Verse 13

Then Nebuchadnezzar...commanded:

The Chaldeans plan had worked.

• The king doesn't even question the validity of their accusations.

  • After all, they are inferior.

Verse 14

Is It True:

Literally, “Is it on purpose?”

Nebuchadnezzar has no doubt as to their guilt, but was this done on purpose?

Verse 16

Not Careful:

Not afraid.

Verse 17

If It Be So:

This related directly to Nebuchadnezzar's statement in verse 16, “You shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

Our God Whom...:

This is their response to the kings question in verse 16: “Who is that God who shall deliver you out of my hands?”

But If Not:

This is, again, in reference to the statement in verse 16,  “You shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”

Be It Known...:

No compromise even in the face of death. Compromise always looks to a source other than God.

Verse 19

And Nebuchadnezzar The Form Of His Visage Was Changed:

He was so enraged that the structure of his face was actually disfigured.

Seven Times Hotter:

There is only one possible reason for heating the furnace in this manner: to prevent their God from delivering them.

Verse 20

Most Mighty Men:

National Heroes.

Verse 21

This verse makes it perfectly clear that the men were fully clothed in the fire.

Verse 22

Those Men:

The Heroes.

Verse 23

Fell Down Bound:

They went into the fire still bound.

Verse 25

Four Men Loose:

The fire did not burn their bonds and free them.

Luke 4:18

John 8:32, 36

Like The Son Of God:

This is LOGOS, the second person of the Godhead, not Jesus.

Verse 26

Then :

Then had to be many hours later because the heat would have been too intense.

• Nebuchadnezzar has had ample time to consider his actions and the “treachery” of the Chaldeans.

• He has had time to reflect on how he acted in a rage and did not seek out wise counsel.

• He has had time to think about how he challenged the love and power of God.

The entire time he can see that the three men have been delivered from his hand.

Before you go making Nebuchadnezzar one of the church elders, this confession is only mental ascent. He only believes that their God is greater than his gods. He has not yet reached the point of personal surrender and trust.

Notice in verse 26 Nebuchadnezzar orders them to come out rather than go in himself and join them.

Verse 29

This is not Nebuchadnezzar's best day.

He was wrong to make the people worship a golden image, he now makes yet another mistake by ordering them to worship the true God.

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