Companions put all trust in God of Israel
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Nebuchadnezzar created a golden image and ordered that "whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." (Dan. 3:6.)
In The Voice of Israel's Prophets, Sidney B. Sperry wrote: "All of the people, certain Jews excepted, did bow down to the image. A number of Chaldeans brought accusation against these Jews, who happened to be Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. For some reason unknown to us, Daniel's name is not included. . . . It is entirely possible that Daniel was nowhere about. . . . In any event, Nebuchadnezzar commanded the accused to be brought before him, but they refused to worship his image despite the threats of being thrown into a burning fiery furnace."When the three staunchly refused to bow before the king's idol, the king was "full of fury." (Dan. 3:19.) He ordered that the furnaces be heated seven times more than usual. Daniel's three friends, bound in their cloaks, tunics, robes and other garments, were cast into the roaring flames. The furnace was so hot that "the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego." (Dan. 3:22.)
When the king and his counselors looked into the furnace they saw not just three men but "four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire." (Dan. 3:25.) The king then recognized Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego as "servants of the most high God" and instructed that they "come forth out of the midst of the fire." (Dan. 3:26.)
Brother Sperry wrote: "The king then blessed the God of the three companions, and issued a decree that nothing should be said amiss against Him in the whole kingdom on pain of death. (Dan. 3:29.) Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were then promoted in the province of Babylon.
"This faith-promoting narrative is one of the most famous in the Book of Daniel," wrote Brother Sperry. "It is celebrated throughout the Christian world, because it tells of the faith, courage and valor of men whose trust was in the God of Israel."
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The Voice of Israel's Prophets, by Sidney B. Sperry; October 1985 and October 1986 general conference reports.
