Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

In the third chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue that was ninety feet tall, on the plains of Dura. The King held a dedication ceremony that all the government officials were required to attend. When the royal orchestra would start to play, all the officials were to bow down, and worship the statue. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow, and were reported to the King.

 Nebuchadnezzar warned the three that would be thrown into a fiery furnace, if they continued to refuse. They still refused and the King’s heart was filled with anger. He ordered the furnace to be turned up. It was seven times hotter than usual. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were chained and thrown into the furnace. The fire was so hot that it consumed the guards, who cast them into the furnace.

 The King stood from a distant to watch the fire consume the Hebrew children. Then he saw someone who few witnessed in the Old Testament. He asked his aides, "Did we not throw three men into the furnace?" They told him this was so. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Lo I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the furnace and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.(Daniel 3:25 KJV)"

 After the three came out of the furnace, the King and all his men saw that the fire had not touched them. Even their hair and clothing was not singed. Nebuchadnezzar promoted the three and he issued a decree. It stated that if anyone who spoke against the God of Israel would be put to death.

 In a previous post Nebuchadnezzar discovered that God had the power to revel dreams. In this article he discovered that God had power over death and life. But God was still not finished with Nebuchadnezzar. One of the things that puzzle many is that Daniel was not present when his friends are thrown into the furnace. Most Scholars have concluded that Daniel was on a diplomatic mission as this time. It is possible that since he was Governor of Babylon, Daniel may have been required to do some traveling. One other thing worthy to mention is that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were some of those listed as the "Heroes of Faith," in Hebrews Chapter 11. They are not mentioned by name, but verse 34 states, "Quenched the violence of the fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to fight the armies of the aliens. (KJV)