“Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king.” Daniel 3:13
Imagine the scene. King Nebuchadnezzar planned this day to be a
glorious day of celebration and unity of his leadership team. They all would worship him and his government. Then, in the middle of all this grandeur, he hears there are those who dare to reject his command. This is the exact opposite of what the king planned. So Satan stokes the fire of the king’s pride as a prelude to the king stoking the fires of the furnace to kill those who would dare to rebel against him, the head of gold. Then after hearing the report of the Chaldeans the king makes his decision. He does what no believer should ever do. He forms his opinion after only hearing one side of the story. (Proverbs 18:17)
Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury This earthly, pagan king acts just as we would expect. He hears the report and takes what he hears as a personal affront. His pride overwhelms his emotions. He reacts with rage and fury – the words imply extreme wrath. The king is angered to the point of wanting to destroy those who are responsible. From a human perspective, this is a natural reaction.
Gave the command to bring We see how, despite the king’s wrath, that God is in control. Nebuchadnezzar could have issued a decree to throw the offenders in the furnace – given the viciousness of this man that would not have surprised us. God overrules, however, for he wants Nebuchadnezzar to meet these men face to face so he can hear their faith that will ultimately bring God much glory. (Likely Nebuchadnezzar thinks the terror of appearing before him would make these rule breakers back down. God has another plan however.)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego The king was told the offender’s names. Perhaps their faithfulness in serving him in the past made him question how this could be. Perhaps when he heard their names he did not want to lose their skill as administrators. We do know that he acts in rage and fury perhaps because he cannot believe that several of his most trusted leaders would dare defy him publicly before the entire world.
So they brought these men before the king The word brought is used often in Daniel. It is usually linked to a judgment that is about to fall (Daniel was brought to the lion’s den, the Lord is coming to rule the earth). This implies a decision has been made. The men are guilty and judgment is required. This is the way most Christians are judged in the world, condemned before the fact. Armed guards are likely sent to bring the men into the king’s presence. The arrest is likely public – they are paraded before all the others standing on the plain of Dura . This bystanders likely nod their heads in agreement – they knew if anyone would defy the king’s orders to worship his image it would be Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego. The king would want the violators to experience the shame of public humiliation as part of the penalty for disobeying him. Perhaps he thought this would make them more receptive to asking his forgiveness for disobeying his decree.
What can we learn? Put yourselves in Hananiah’s, Azariah’s and Mishael’s place. The had to make a decision to obey God or man. It appears they did not have a lot of time to decide what to do. Together they stand and defy the king’s order – they cannot defy their God. There is strong reaction to their stance. Perhaps some called out to them to kneel. Perhaps they saw others rush off in the direction of the
king. They know this is a test of who they love most. They did not have James’ instruction (but we do), “knowing that the trying
of your faith works patience”. The young men wait on the plain. They do not know what will happen to them. They know the king’s threat (the burning fiery furnace) and they know God’s command (“you shall have no other gods before me”). The two commands are in conflict. (God and the world’s wisdom always are.) So they wait. Perhaps they look at the furnace (walk by sight). Armed guards come to take them to the king (walk by sight), they are paraded in front of their
subordinates (walk by sight). They believe they must obey God but for right now he is silent (walk by faith). As they walk toward the king they have no idea of what God’s will is for them but to stand.