Daniel 3 Nkjv (2024)

FAQs

What is the main point of Daniel chapter 3? ›

In chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar intensifies his tyrannical demands. From a statue in a horrifying dream in the prior chapter, we move to a statue of the king's own making (3:1). He commands everyone to worship his statue (3:3-6) and thus the contest between divine pretension and God is set in motion.

Faith in the omnipotence of God. Submission to God's will, no matter what it may mean. Their understanding of God does not claim that believers are exempt of evil and challenges, or that God is obligated to save them from all danger. They do not believe they should let go of God in case He does not intervene.

When the three Hebrew children—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were thrown into a fiery furnace because of their faithfulness to God, King Nebuchadnezzar, came to witness their execution—but he was stunned to see not three but four men in the fire…and he recognized that the fourth man in the fire was none other than ...

They did not know whether God would deliver them or allow them to die in the flames. They knew, however, that He was able to deliver them. In either case, they clearly told the king that they would not serve his heathen gods or worship his golden image. They were determined to be faithful to God, no matter what.

OBJECT LESSON: INTEGRITY MEANS STANDING STRONG

It means doing the right thing at ALL times. No matter who is watching. These three men did the right thing. They stood strong and did not back down to King Nebuchadnezzar – even when they could die – even if God did not save them.

Daniel is a story of a person being faithful to God. More importantly, the life of Daniel recorded in the Old Testament gives evidence of God's faithfulness. God knew Daniel – He knew Daniel's needs and what Daniel was struggling with – and it's clear that God cared for Daniel.

The book of Daniel makes it clear that the true God is the supreme ruler over heaven and earth (Daniel 4:17), even when all seems lost and the consequences of sin seem overwhelming.

Daniel's prophetic visions offer hope that God will bring all nations under his rule. Daniel's visions are packed with apocalyptic imagery, offering hope to Israelites living in exile under Babylonian rule. Daniel remains faithful to the God of Israel, while maintaining influence in the surrounding culture of Babylon.

But Daniel's visions also hold out a promise that one day God will confront the beast, rescue his world and his people, and bring his Kingdom. This book is for every generation, and it speaks a message of hope that motivates faithfulness.

It is found in the parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:42) as part of the remarkable imagery of that parable; while in the companion parable of the Drag-Net (Matthew 13:50) it stands as a symbol of the final destiny of the impenitent, a synonym of "hell"; compare Jeremiah 29:22; Daniel 3:6,22; Revelation 20:14-15, etc., ...

What does the fiery furnace symbolize? ›

Surviving in the fiery furnace is a wonderful example of God's protective nature, and his power over all things. This reading clearly shows that this fire was deadly, yet Meshach, Shadrach & Abednego were wholly protected; completely unharmed.

These three men knew who their God was! There was no confusion about the nature of this idol that was raised up by the King. They could clearly see that evil was at work and stayed loyal to God. We need to be able to discern what is from God and what is of the world, and commit our hearts to worshiping God alone.

Chapter 3 contains the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their rescue from a blazing furnace.

( 1Kgs 8:46-48 ). Moreover, by praying three times a day, Daniel synchronized his body with the divinely ordained times of temple sacrifice. His prayer in Dan 9 likewise is likewise timed with the evening sacrifice ( Dan 9:3 ). Thus Daniel's bodily posture claims space and time as his own in a distinctively Judean way.

No one can deliver out of my hand.” God keeps his own steadfast to the end. The strength to take a stand isn't in you any more than it was in Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Luther, or disciples of any age…it's in Christ, the one who promises that nothing and no one will snatch you out of his hands.

Lessons from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Regardless of the outcome, they were committed to their faith, even when faced with a painful death. Because of their faith, God delivered them from the evil – and in doing so, brought the mighty king of Babylon to recognize his Lordship over heaven and earth.

In particular, the story Daniel and the lions' den gives us three separate lessons we can learn: The world will often turn their back on us and find ways to target our faith; We need to focus on God no matter the distraction or opposition we find in our lives; and God will always reward our faith in Him.