daniel-3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:10-11

Thou, O king, hast made a decree ... - See Daniel 3:4-5. As the decree included “every man” who heard the sound of the music, it of course embraced the Jews, whatever religious scruples they might have. Whether their scruples, however, were known at the time is not certain; or whether they would have been regarded if known, is no more certain. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego - Daniel 2:49. It is quite remarkable that the name of Daniel does not occur in the record of this transaction, and that he does not appear to have been involved in the difficulty. Why he was not cannot now be certainly known. We may be sure that he would not join in the worship of the idol, and yet it would seem, as Nebuchadnezzar had summoned all the high officers of the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:13

Then Nebuchadnezzar, in his rage and fury - The word rendered “fury” means “wrath.” Everything that we learn of this monarch shows that he was a man of violent passions, and that he was easily excited, though he was susceptible also of deep impressions on religious subjects. There was much here to rouse his rage. His command to worship the image was positive. It extended to all who were summoned to its dedication. Their refusal was an act of positive disobedience, and it seemed necessary that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:14

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true - Margin, “of purpose;” that is, have you done this intentionally? Wintle renders this, “Is it insultingly?” Jacchiades says that the word is used to denote admiration or wonder, as if the king could not believe that it was possible that they could disregard so plain a command, when disobedience was accompanied with such a threat. De Dieu renders it, “Is it a joke?” That is, can you possibly be serious or in earnest that you disobey so... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:15

Now, if ye be ready, that at what time ... - At the very time; on the very instant. It would seem probable from this that the ceremonies of the consecration of the image were prolonged for a considerable period, so that there was still an opportunity for them to unite in the service if they would. The supposition that such services would be continued through several days is altogether probable, and accords with what was usual on festival occasions. It is remarkable that the king was willing to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king - They appear to have answered promptly, and without hesitation, showing that they had carefully considered the subject, and that with them it was a matter of settled and intelligent principle. But they did it in a respectful manner, though they were firm. They neither reviled the monarch nor his gods. They used no reproachful words respecting the image which he had set up, or any of the idols which he worshipped. Nor did they... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:17

If it be so - Chaldee, איתי הן hên 'ı̂ythay - “so it is.” That is, “this is true, that the God whom we serve can save us.” The idea is not, as would seem in our translation, “if we are to be cast into the furnace,” but the mind is turned on the fact that the God whom they served could save them. Coverdale renders this whole passage, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we ought not to consent unto thee in this matter, for why? our God whom we serve is able to keep us,” etc.Our God, whom we serve - Greek, “our... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:18

But if not - That is, “if he should “not” deliver us; if it should “not” occur that he would protect us, and save us from that heated oven: whatever may be the result in regard to us, our determination is settled.”Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods ... - This answer is firm and noble. It showed that their minds were made up, and that it was with them a matter of “principle” not to worship false gods. The state of mind which is denoted by this verse is that of a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:19

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury - Margin, “filled.” He was exceedingly enraged. He evidently was not prepared for a stand so firm and determined on their part, and he did not appreciate their motives, nor was he disposed to yield to them the privilege and right of following their honest convictions. He was deeply excited with anger when the complaint was made that they would not worship his gods Daniel 3:13, but he had hoped that possibly they had not understood his command, and that what... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:20

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army - Margin, “mighty of strength.” Chaldee, “And to mighty men, mighty men of strength who were in his army, he said.” He employed the strongest men that could be found for this purpose. read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:10-11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:13

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:14

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:20

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