A GOLDEN IMAGE PRESENTS A THREAT

Evidently in an effort to strengthen the unity of his empire, Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image on the plain of Dura. It was  60 cubits (90) feet in height and 6 cubits  (9 feet)  in breadth.  Some believe that the image was simply  a pillar, or an obelisk.  It may have had a very high pedestal on which there was a huge statue in human likeness, perhaps representing Nebuchadnezzar himself or the god Nebo.  Whatever the case, this towering monument was a symbol of the Babylonian Empire. As such, it was meant to be seen and revered. -Daniel 3:1. 

Accordingly, Nebuchadnezzar arranged an inauguration ceremony.  He gathered his satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, treasurers, judges, police magistrates, and all the administrators of the jurisdictional districts. A herald cried out:  "To you it is being said, O peoples, national groups and languages, that at the time that you hear the sound of the horn, the pipe, the zither, the triangular harp, the stringed instrument, the bagpipe and all sorts of musical instruments, you fall down and worship the image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.  And whoever that does not fall down  and worship will  at the same moment be thrown into the burning fiery furnace." -Daniel 3:2-6.

Some believe that Nebuchadnezzar arranged for this ceremony in an attempt to force the Jews to compromise their worship of Jehovah.  Likely this was not the case, for evidently only government officials were called to the event.  Thus, the only Jews present would be those serving in some governmental capacity.  It seems, then, that bowing down before  the image was a ceremony intended to strengthen the solidarity of the ruling class.  Scholar John F. Walvoord notes:   "Such a display of officials was on the one hand a gratifying demonstration of the power of Nebuchadnezzar's empire an don the other hand was significant as recognizing the deities who in their thinking were responsible for their victories." 

Next time: JEHOVAH'S SERVANTS REFUSE TO COMPROMISE

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999