“And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” Daniel 3:2
There is probably quite a buzz in Babylon about what is happening on the plain of Dura. People can see something massive being erected and rumors are likely rampant. Everyonewonders what the king is up to. Suddenly an invitation, really a command, arrives. You will attend!
King Nebuchadnezzar The invitation is from the king of Babylon. Those who received it were likely honored to be invited. Like Haman, when he was invited to eat dinner with King Ahasuerus and Esther, they have no idea of what is in store for them but most are delighted to be included.
Sent word The invitation is sent out throughout the province of Babylon. Remember Daniel is nowhere to be found otherwise this issue would have come to a head a long time ago. That was not in God’s will however. He allowed this test specifically for three young rulers in the province and to teach us about standing alone.
To gather together There will be a grand meeting, a celebration, a dedication on the plain of Dura. Anyone who is anyone will be there. The word gather means to assemble. All will come together on the plain of Dura, rain or shine, (unlike church attendance today) weather is not to stop them from obeying.
The satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates The guest list is extensive. Every government official and every government leader in the province is summoned. From Daniel 6:1 we know there are 120 satraps throughout the kingdom of Babylon. This is the highest level of government official under Nebuchadnezzar. Underneath them are a myriad of lesser officials necessary to manage the province in an orderly fashion.
All the officials of the provinces We see the invitation goes much broader than the province of Babylon. All the officials across all the government provinces in the kingdom are summoned as well.
To come to the dedication of the image The word come means to gather or to be brought. This is a summons to an event one cannot refuse. (We see the greatness of God. Despite the king’s attempt to bring every person who reports to him together, God does not allow His servant Daniel to be included. Trust in God and do not fear men. If we stay in God’s will, He will never allow us to be in a situation or face a test of our faith that does not meet His approval.) The participants are told this is a dedication. The word is first used in Ezra 6:16 to describe the dedication of the house of God in Jerusalem. At that dedication sacrifices are offered to God for a sin offering – God was to be acknowledged and worshipped as God. Since God gave Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael “knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom” we wonder if they began to sense from God the danger this dedication would present to their faith.
Which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. This is an event set up by the “head of gold”, the supreme ruler of the greatest nation on earth. It
is not an invitation from a democratic leader but a decree from a cruel fierce leader who demands total obedience. As we read the passage
we can see Nebuchadnezzar’s intent. He wants a pledge of complete submission to him as their supreme ruler of the world. He demands full commitment from those he allows into his leadership and he wants to see that commitment visibly expressed.
What can we learn? Satan’s attempts to derail us come in all shapes and sizes. It might be subtle like enticing us to eat the king’s food. It might use fear to not tell the king all of God’s truth because it would anger him. It might be a visible, public call to decide who we revere more – God or man. However tests come, we can be assured of one truth – Satan’s temptations to sin always test our faith but are designed by God to make our trust in Him stronger. The king did not have a personal relationship with Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael. All his contact had been through Daniel.
So now these young men now face a test that teaches them, and the king, that the same God who protected Daniel will protect them (and us) as well.