Conclusion of JEHOVAH'S SERVANTS REFUSE TO COMPROMISE

King Nebuchadnezzar was enraged. At once, he summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  He asked:  "Is it really so, O Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you are not serving my own gods, and the image of gold that I have set up you are not worshiping?"  No doubt Nebuchadnezzar spoke these words in shocked disbelief. After all, he must have reasoned, 'How could three men of sound mind disregard such a plain command-and one that carried such a severe penalty for disobedience?' -Daniel 3:13, 14. 

Nebuchadnezzar was willing to give the three Hebrews another chance.  "Now if you are ready," he said,  "so that when you hear the sound of the horn, the pipe, the zither, the triangular harp, the stringed instrument and the bagpipe and all sorts of musical instruments, you fall down and worship the image I have made, all right.  But if you do not worship, at the very same moment you will be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. And who is that god that can rescue you our of my hands?" -Daniel 3:15. 

Apparently, the lesson of the dram image (recorded in Daniel  chapter 2)  had left no lasting impression on Nebuchadnezzar's mind and heart. Perhaps he had already forgotten his own statement to Daniel:  "The God of you men is a God of gods and a Lord of Kings." (Daniel 2:47)  Now Nebuchadnezzar seemed to be challenging Jehovah, saying that  not even He could save the Hebrews from the punishment that awaited them. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not need to reconsider matters.  Immediately they responded : "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are under no necessity in this regard to say back a word to you. If it is to be, our God whom  we are serving  is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king, he will rescue us.  But if not, let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will nor worship." -Daniel 3:16-18. 

Next time: INTO THE FIERY FURNACE!

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