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Deliverance from The Fiery Furnace. Daniel 3. The King Built a Gold Statue. 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Set up on plain of Dura in province of Babylon.
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Deliverance from The Fiery Furnace Daniel 3
The King Built a Gold Statue • 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. • Set up on plain of Dura in province of Babylon. • He sent messengers to all leaders in the land to come – princes, prefects, governors, advisers, counselors, judges, magistrates, and all provincial officials – come dedicate the statue.
Bow to image • When any musical instrument is heard, bow before the image, in worship. • Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. • All bowed except Jews who refused to bow down. • Astrologers informed king about Jews.
This statue was 6 miles south of Ancient Babylon, another “golden” statue recently fell in downtown Baghdad • That statue was of a man who set himself up as a supreme leader and told people he was the reincarnate Nebuchadnezzar, and rebuilding ancient Babylon
Shadrach, Meshach and AbedNego • Men you put in charge of the province of Babylon defied your Majesty by refusing to serve your gods or worship your statue. • Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage. • 3 Hebrews brought to the king. • “Is it true, you refused to bow?” • I’ll give you one more chance!
Don’t bother • We don’t need to defend ourselves. • If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us. • He will rescue us from your power. • But even if He doesn’t we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue.
Nebuchadnezzar was furious • Face became distorted in rage. • “Heat the furnace 7 times hotter. • Bind them and throw them in. • Fire killed the soldiers as they threw the three Hebrews in. • They fell, tied, fully clothed into the furnace.
“I see 4 men.” • Three men were thrown in. • But “Look” I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren’t hurt by the flames and the 4th looks like a divine being. • King came close and shouts for them to come out of the fire. • They stepped out, unharmed, no smell of smoke.
PRAISE GOD • King said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. • He sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted Him. • They defied the king and were willing to die rather than worship the king’s image. • If anyone speaks against their God they will be torn limb from limb. • He promoted 3 Hebrews to higher positions and gave them honor.