daniel-3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3

Section I. - Authenticity of the ChapterThe objections which have been urged against the authenticity of this chapter are much more numerous than those which have been alleged against the two previous chapters.I. The first which deserves to be noticed is stated by De Wette (p. 383, under the general head of “improbabilities” in the chapter), and Bleek, p. 268, as quoted by Hengstenberg, “die Authentie des Daniel,” p. 83. The objection is, substantially, that if the account in this chapter is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:1

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold - The time when he did this is not mentioned; nor is it stated in whose honor, or for what design, this colossal image was erected. In the Greek and Arabic translationns, this is said to have occurred in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. This is not, however, in the original text, nor is it known on what authority it is asserted. Dean Prideaux (Consex. I. 222) supposes that it was at first some marginal comment on the Greek version that at last... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:2

Then, Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes - It is difficult now, if not impossible, to determine the exact meaning of the words used here with reference to the various officers designated; and it is not material that it should be done. The general sense is, that he assembled the great officers of the realm to do honor to the image. The object was doubtless to make the occasion as magnificent as possible. Of course, if these high officers were assembled, an immense... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:3

And they stood before the image - In the presence of the image. They were drawn up, doubtless, so as at the same time to have the best view of the statue, and to make the most imposing appearance. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:4

Then an herald cried aloud - Margin, as in Chaldee, “with might.” He made a loud proclamation. A “herald” here means a public crier.To you it is commanded - Margin, “they commanded.” Literally, “to you commanding” (plural); that is, the king has commanded.O people, nations, and languages - The empire of Babylon was made up of different nations, speaking quite different languages. The representatives of these nations were assembled on this occasion, and the command would extend to all. There was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:5

That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet - It would not be practicable to determine with precision what kind of instruments of music are denoted by the words used in this verse. They were, doubtless, in many respects different from those which are in use now, though they may have belonged to the same general class, and may have been constructed on substantially the same principles. A full inquiry into the kinds of musical instruments in use among the Hebrews may be found in the various... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:6

And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth - The order in this verse seems to be tyrannical, and it is contrary to all our notions of freedom of religious opinion and worship. But it was much in the spirit of that age, and indeed of almost every age. It was an act to enforce uniformity in religion by the authority of the civil magistrate, and to secure it by threatened penalties. It should be observed, however, that the command at that time would not be regarded as harsh and oppressive by... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:7

All the people, the nations, and the languages fell down ... - All excepting the Jews. An express exception is made in regard to them in the following verses, and it does not appear that any of them were present on this occasion. It would seem that only the “officers” had been summoned to be present, and it is not improbable that all the rest of the Jewish nation absented themselves. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:8

Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews - It does not appear that they accused the Jews in general, but particularly Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel 3:12. They were present on the occasion, being summoned with the other officers of the realm Daniel 3:2, but they could not unite in the idolatrous worship. It has been frequently said that the whole thing was arranged, either by the king of his own accord, or by the instigation of their enemies, with a view... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:9

O king, live for ever - A customary form of address to a monarch, implying that long life was regarded as an eminent blessing. See the notes at Daniel 2:4. read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:9

Group of Brands