Nebby is inspired to build a great image of gold, outside of Babylon proper (v1) to which his followers will fall down and worship. Scripture tells us that the width of the image was a mere nine feet, but that the height was an impressive 90 feet, close to the size of a modern day nine-story building. The form of this figure is not disclosed, though it is often depicted as that of a man overlade in gold, or as an oblique (though it would be a bit narrow).
A carefully devised and detailed gathering was put into place for the statue's dedication. Princes, councelors, treasurers and other provincial rulers (v2-3) of the Babylonian Empire gathered in what appears to be an effort on Nebby's part to gain/test the loyalty of his people (and possibly unite his growning kingdom through the use of religion as a tool). A special minister (herald/priest) spoke to the auspicious group (v4-6) relaying the strange command of the king. The people, at the music's cue, were to fall down in worship of the image. Those who would refuse or failed to do so would be executed (v6) via a fiery furnace. This is not too far from the choice the Antichrist will offer people of his time.
The music swelled and the people fell (v7) with the exception of certain Jews. Chaldeans (religious advisors) accused (v10) the Jews of betrayal and reminded Nebby of his decree. (Short note: The Jews were never so assimiliated that they lost the identity of "Jew.") The Chaldeans pressed beyond casting disparaging remarks on a group as a whole, and named names. They asserted that these were the same Jews "that thou hast given affairs of Babylon." (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were given positions of leadership directing the affairs of the most important province.) The audacity one would appear to have, after being honored by the king...well disobedience in refusing to bow down to the image would be taken as traitorous.
In his rage (v13), Nebby commands the three Jews to be brought before him. They are asked (and I believe Nebby was sincere in his inquiry) if the charges against them were true. Nebby understood the Chaldeans were jockeying for positions within the empire and were jealous of the stature of the Jewish advisors. Nebby even offers the three a second opportunity to prove their allegiance by worshiping the image...with the understanding that a refusal would bring certain death (v15).
The three answer with great respect, without a second thought, without a request to pray about it or to consult with one another. All that they had been instructed, all the truths found in relationship with the God of their forefathers provided them with the understanding that decisions such as this have fixed biblical principals - so absolute that prayer for guidance and direction is not necessary. Their answer was to not be disloyal to God (v16). Further, they asserted that their lives were not in the hands of Nebby (v17), but that God, if it were His will, was able to deliver them (v17). Death (v18) or life, God would have their faith. This "faith no matter the results" is the same in what we see of Daniel's 7th week martyrs.
It is an understatement that Nebby was irate. At the rebuff Nebby ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter and that the most mighty in the military were to bind the three prior to tossing them into the furnace (v19-20). The commandment was so urgent, and the furnace was so exceedingly hot, the men who were to throw the three into the furnace were themselves consumed by the flame (v22-23).
Nebby stood in astonishment and questioned his counselors as to how many had been thrown in (v24). He saw from a distance (we know this because of the dangerous heat) four men, not three, loose and walking around in the fire. It was astonishing...soldiers themselves were killed just from throwing the three into the furnace...yet the men Nebby saw were not suffering. And the fourth, Nebby testified, was like that of a son of god (v25-26). As Nebby comes near, he addresses the men as servants fo the most high god (El Elyon, v28). El is a biblical, abbreviated name of Elohym. Elyon is a superlative, speaking to strength, the possessor of Heaven and Earth...the most high god, above all others). This is the same name addressing God in Genesis 14 (after Lot's rescue and his meeting with Melchizedek in Jerusalem) and by Abraham as he gave his allegiance to the Most High God. So here we see Nebby seeing the men alive in the midst of a burning furnace, one of which has a likeness of some kind ot the son of God. Nebby commands them to be freed and brought before him. We are told that they didn't even have the smell of smoke upon them, nor were they harmed from the flames or heat (v27).
Nebby cries out (v28), "Blessed be the God of Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego," the one who had limitless power who could even change the king's word. This doesn't mean, however, that Nebby is a believer. He more probably is only blessing the name of their God and agreed to yield their bodies so that they were no longer forced or expected to worship any other god but their own.
(More Daniel coming your way when you least expect it)
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