Daniel is curiously absent in the narrative for chapter 3. We can safely assume that he was not there and definitely did not bow. What is concerning, however, is that we can safely assume that there were others of their nationality present who bowed. So that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not bow poses even greater significance to the story. Not only did they stand up and stand out among those that didn’t believe in God the Creator but also among their peers, which is often much harder to do. To do what is right among those that know it is right, but still choose to do wrong, takes courage. Unfortunately, however, it is our peer group who often gives us a bad name or even sells us out! Things have not changed, still God delivers us.
God Delivers Us
As the drama unfolds past the building of the immense statue, obviously King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the “head of gold” to exist in perpetuity. He seems to have forgotten the “stone kingdom” portion of the dream. The three young men find themselves face to face with the king for testing again. The king presented the challenge to them, yet they did not waver. In response to so-called options, they retorted in uncompromising fashion. The English Standard Version renders it this way in verse 17: “If this be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” At first read, the word “if” seems to pose an element of doubt or capitulation.
Given the context of their previously displayed faith (Daniel chapter 1, https://robert-a-l-blake.com/dream-of-the-king/), I believe it is appropriate to substitute the words “since” or “because” in place of the conditional word “if”. Based on their follow-up statement in verse 18—“but if not”, the condition did not implicate God’s existence or power. Instead, it reflected on His willingness to rescue them. We find the latter to be true, as not only does God allow them to be cast into the furnace, but joins them there! We read the king’s response to this climactic close to the chapter (Daniel 3:24-30), but one can only imagine the impression this made on their fellow countrymen.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, help us stand for You at all times, no matter who is looking or compromising their beliefs. Keep us faithful to You, knowing that if we stand up for You, that You will stand up for and deliver us. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray, amen.”
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