Deliverance from The Fiery Furnace Daniel 3

The King Built a Gold Statue 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Set up on plain of Dura in province of Babylon. He sent messengers to all leaders in the land to come – princes, prefects, governors, advisers, counselors, judges, magistrates, and all provincial officials – come dedicate the statue.

Bow to image When any musical instrument is heard, bow before the image, in worship. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. All bowed except Jews who refused to bow down. Astrologers informed king about Jews.

This statue was 6 miles south of Ancient Babylon, another “golden” statue recently fell in downtown Baghdad That statue was of a man who set himself up as a supreme leader and told people he was the reincarnate Nebuchadnezzar, and rebuilding ancient Babylon

Shadrach, Meshach and AbedNego Men you put in charge of the province of Babylon defied your Majesty by refusing to serve your gods or worship your statue. Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage. 3 Hebrews brought to the king. “Is it true, you refused to bow?” I’ll give you one more chance!

Don’t bother We don’t need to defend ourselves. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power. But even if He doesn’t we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue.

Nebuchadnezzar was furious Face became distorted in rage. “Heat the furnace 7 times hotter. Bind them and throw them in. Fire killed the soldiers as they threw the three Hebrews in. They fell, tied, fully clothed into the furnace.

“I see 4 men.” Three men were thrown in. But “Look” I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren’t hurt by the flames and the 4 th looks like a divine being. King came close and shouts for them to come out of the fire. They stepped out, unharmed, no smell of smoke.

PRAISE GOD King said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted Him. They defied the king and were willing to die rather than worship the king’s image. If anyone speaks against their God they will be torn limb from limb. He promoted 3 Hebrews to higher positions and gave them honor.