Babylonian eyes were fastened on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. In a way, it is good for us that this incident did not involve Daniel. Daniel seems like such a tremendous character, superior to us. But here were three lesser characters, standing in a threatening situation. And these three young men did not bow.
Immediately some people, who were probably jealous already, came running up to Nebuchadnezzar, exclaiming: “There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Dan. 3:12). Notice this matter of the gods. against God again. This is not a clash merely of one culture against another, or one people against another — it is the true God versus the false gods.
Naturally, Nebuchadnezzar was used to getting his own way, especially in such a crucial situation as this. So you can imagine his reaction: he was furious. And in his rage he commanded Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to be brought before the furnace.
As Nebuchadnezzar confronted the three men, he asked them:
Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at that time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer,
and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made, well; but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? (Dan. 3:14, 15)
As these three young men stood against a total culture, the accepted consensus of their day, they made a reply that is the crucial statement for our study: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Dan. 3:16-18).
Source:Schaeffer, F. A. (1996, c1982). The complete works of Francis A. Schaeffer : A Christian worldview. Westchester, Ill.: Crossway Books.
