daniel-3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3

A.M. 3424. B.C. 580. In this chapter we have an account of the extraordinary trial, wonderful deliverance, and further advancement of Daniel’s three friends. (1,) Nebuchadnezzar erects a golden image, and requires all his subjects to worship it, Daniel 3:1-7 . (2,) He is informed that the Jewish princes refuse to worship it, Daniel 3:8-12 . (3,) They resolutely persist in their refusal, Daniel 3:13-18 . (4,) They are cast into a fiery furnace, Daniel 3:19-23 . (5,) They are... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:1

Daniel 3:1. Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold How soon this image was erected, after the dream in his second year, is uncertain. The Greek and Arabic interpreters suppose it to have been in the eighteenth year of his reign, and Dr. Prideaux agrees with them. But whether it was then, or, as some think, later, the design of it probably was, to frustrate the exposition, and defeat the end of the dream: on which account, perhaps, the image was made wholly of gold, and not of different... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:2-3

Daniel 3:2-3. Then Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather together the princes, &c. It would be very difficult, and perhaps impossible, at this distance of time, to ascertain the proper titles and offices of the several characters that are here mentioned, and certainly would answer no valuable end to any reader. It may be sufficient to observe, that it is probable only those were summoned to attend on this occasion who held places under the government. Thousands of others, no doubt, would be... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:4-6

Daniel 3:4-6. Then a herald cried aloud Made proclamation in the languages of the several nations assembled; To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages Whatever parts of the empire you come from, and whatever language you speak. This form of speech was doubtless designed to set forth the largeness and extent of the Babylonish empire. That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, &c. That is, of wind and stringed instruments of various sorts. It is justly observed... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:7

Daniel 3:7. All the people, &c., fell down and worshipped And what wonder, considering that all the charms of music were made use of to allure them to a compliance on the one hand, and the terrors of the fiery furnace to frighten them into it on the other? Thus beset with the double temptation of allurement and terror, they all yielded to the will of the idolatrous king. Observe, reader, there is nothing so unreasonable, or sinful, which the careless world will not be drawn to by... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:8-12

Daniel 3:8-12. At that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews It is not improbable that these Chaldeans were such as envied these friends of Daniel their preferments, having perhaps themselves expected the places to which they had been advanced. They spake and said, O king, live for ever They approached the king with a great show of loyalty, and concern for his life, honour, and interest. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, &c. They put him in mind of the law he had... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:13

Daniel 3:13. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage, &c. How little was it to the honour of this mighty prince that he had rule over so many nations, when, at the same time, he had no rule over his own spirit! How unfit was he to rule reasonable men, who would not himself be ruled by reason! Surely it did not need to surprise him to hear that these three men did not now serve his gods, for he knew very well they never had done it, and that their religion, to which they had always adhered,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:14-15

Daniel 3:14-15. Nebuchadnezzar said, Is it true, O Shadrach? &c. Or, of purpose, as the margin reads it, and as the word is used, Exodus 21:13. Is it designedly and deliberately done, or was it only through inadvertency, that you have not served my gods? What! you that I have nourished and brought up; that have been educated and maintained at my charge; that I have been so kind to, and done so much for; you that have been in such reputation for wisdom, and therefore should better have... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:16

Daniel 3:16. Shadrach, Meshach, &c., said, We are not careful to answer thee, &c. In so plain a case there is no room for deliberation: we have an answer ready at hand, that we ought to obey God rather than man. Admirable example this of a true faith in God, and ready obedience to his will! How worthy of our imitation! It is such an instance of fortitude and magnanimity as is scarce to be paralleled. They did not break out into any intemperate heat, or passion, against those that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:17-18

Daniel 3:17-18. If it be so If we are brought into this strait: if we must be thrown into the fiery furnace unless we serve thine image; our God whom we serve is able to deliver us, &c. As we are firmly persuaded of the power of our God to deliver us, so we trust in his mercy and goodness, that he will deliver us out of this imminent danger. This they spake out of a well-grounded hope, not from a certain foresight of being delivered; for such an assurance would have detracted much... read more

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:2-3

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:4-6

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:7

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:8-12

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:13

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:14-15

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:16

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 3:17-18

Group of Brands