Daniel 3-4
The Golden Statue – Daniel 3:1-18
Nebuchadnezzar ignores the warnings in his dream and erects an image of himself. Maybe because of his pride or the desire for control over his empire. This image was a huge 90-foot statue made of gold. He gathered all the satraps, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrate and all other officials to come to the dedication. He commanded that all bow and worship his image, which was a test of their allegiance. Loyalty and submission were the main purpose of this golden idol. Babylonians worshiped many gods so the idea of worshiping more than one was considered normal. The king was proclaiming that he was supreme over all the others.
We all know that this was very wrong. God is the only true God and only He should be worshiped. Throughout the Bible we’re told to not worship idols, but to worship the One True God.
Then king Nebuchadnezzar commanded that when the people hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, they must fall down and worship the image. If they didn’t, they would be thrown into a blazing furnace.
The astrologers told the king there were some Jews who were disloyal and refused to obey and paid no attention to the king ‘s orders or serve his gods or worship his image. These were Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. This was probably done out of hatred of Jews and because Daniel had made them look incompetent when only he could interpret the king’s dream.
You may find in interesting that Daniel isn’t mentioned here. Maybe he was on assignment somewhere else in the kingdom or he just didn’t get caught by the astrologers.
The king was furious and confronted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They told the king they didn’t need to defend themselves because God would rescue them if they were put into the furnace, but if God did not save them, they still would never bow down to the king.
They stood before the king with calmness and with courage and boldness. Their faith was strong and they didn’t doubt God’s ability. They had faith in God and were ready to die for their convictions. They had stood firm when challenged to eat impure foods and saw God bless their obedience. This gave them courage to obey now. They didn’t compromise and say ‘everybody else is doing it’ or ‘it’s only a status and God knows our hearts’ or ‘God will understand’. They told the king that they didn’t need to answer to him.
Principle: When the world challenges you, have faith and stand firm for your convictions; never doubt God’s ability.
The Fiery Furnace – Daniel 3:19-30
Because of his pride and arrogance, the king became enraged. They had challenged his power and authority. He was in charge and demanded all worship his statue. When they wouldn’t bow down, the king ordered them into the furnace. He made the furnace seven times hotter than usual and commanded the strongest soldiers to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
The flames were so hot that even the soldiers that put Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fire were killed. God didn’t take the fire away because He had another purpose.
Nebuchadnezzar watched as he saw a fourth man in the furnace. They were walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed. He called for the men to come out. Only the three, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire; the fire had not burned their bodies. The king then gave praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and announced that no one should say anything against their God.
Who was the fourth man in the fire? It was Jesus. He was protecting them ensuring they were not harmed. All were able to see God at work as He showed His absolute power and the ability to do the impossible. This was the reason that God allowed the furnace and the flames. God doesn’t let us go through trials alone; He is always with us. Jesus saved them then and He saves us now.
Principles:
Nebuchadnezzar’ Dream of a Tree – Daniel 4:1-37
Nebuchadnezzar was a vain, violent, vicious man in the previous chapters. It seems he has had a change in attitude. He expressed a desire to explain what God has done for him by writing a letter to the world.
Nebuchadnezzar explained that he experienced a difficult dream and summoned all his advisors’ help to interpret it, but no one could help. Daniel explained what his dream meant.
He dreamed of a large tree giving shelter to beasts of the field and resting place for birds. He heard a messenger telling him to cut down the tree and let the animals flee from under it, let the stump and its roots remain. Daniel explained it was the rise and fall of Nebuchadnezzar. He said the king and his empire was that tree. The king will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals eating grass like cattle and be drenched with dew of heaven. Seven times (years) will pass by the king until he acknowledged the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Leaving the stomp and roots means that his kingdom will be restored when he acknowledged that Heaven rules.
The tree is a symbol of his pride and ambition and the cutting down of the tree is a lesson for us. It is a warning that we should guard against pride and arrogance and recognize God’s sovereignty in our life.
Daniel gave advice to the king in verse 27 which is good advice for us all. He told him to turn away from his sins by doing what is right by being kind to the poor. Then maybe his prosperity would continue.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Fulfilled – Daniel 4:28-37
Nebuchadnezzar had twelve months to repent. He probably forgot about the dream, but God didn’t. He was given the opportunity to repent and humble himself, but did not. Now, God humbled him. He was filled with pride and was patting himself on the back realizing the great Babylon he had built and all the power he had. Then a voice from heaven announced that his royal authority was being taken from him. He would be driven away from people and would live with the wild animals and eat grass like cattle. In other words he would become like a mad man. This was exactly what he had dreamed.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” – James 4:6
Nebuchadnezzar took pride in his own power and honor, so God brought him low, causing him to dwell among the beasts of the field. He learned that those who walk in pride, God is able to humble.
After seven years Nebuchadnezzar was restored and praised the Most High. His sanity was restored, his honor and splendor were restored, his throne was restored and he became even greater than before. Nebuchadnezzar learned that God was the true God and that He rules over everything. He became a true witness to God’s great works.
We see attributes of God displayed through His dealings with Nebuchadnezzar’s life. God has absolute sovereignty of all. He is omniscience, just, merciful, and patient.
God revealed His glory in Daniel 3 by delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace and causing Nebuchadnezzar to knowledge of God’s power throughout his kingdom. God revealed His glory in Daniel 4 when He humbled Nebuchadnezzar for his pride fulfilling His prophecy. By this humbling experience Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty and was then restored to his throne.
Next week we will continue our study of Daniel. Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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