JEHOVAH'S SERVANTS REFUSE TO COMPROMISE

Despite their devotion to various patron gods, most of those gathered before Nebuchadnezzar's image would have no qualms about worshiping it.  "They were all accustomed to worship idols, and the worship of one god did not prevent their doing homage also to another," explained one Bible scholar.  He continued:  "It accorded  with the prevailing views of idolaters that were many gods . . .and that it was not improper to render homage to the god of any people or country."

For the Jews, however, it was a different matter.  They had been commanded by their God, Jehovah: "You must not  make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion." (Exodus 20:4, 5) Therefore, as the music began and those gathered prostrated  themselves before the image, three young Hebrews -Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-remained standing. -Daniel 3:7. 

The refusal of three Hebrew officials to worship the image infuriated certain Chaldeans. At once, they approached the king and "accused the Jews."  They were to be punished for disloyalty and treason, the accusers said:  "There exists certain Jews whom you appointed over the administration of the jurisdictional  district of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these able-bodied men  have paid no regard to you, O king, they are not serving your own gods, and the image of gold that you  have set up they are not worshiping." -Daniel 3:8-12. 

How it must have frustrated Nebuchadnezzar that the three Hebrews disobeyed his order! It was clear that he had not succeeded in turning  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into loyal advocates of the Babylonian Empire. Had he not educated them in the wisdom of the Chaldeans? Whey, he had even changed their names!  But if Nebuchadnezzar thought that a grandiose education would teach them a new way or worship or that changing their name would change their identities, he was sadly mistaken.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained loyal servants of Jehovah. 

Next time: Conclusion of; JEHOVAH'S SERVANTS REFUSE TO COMPROMISE

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