Scripture to Read: Daniel 3:2–6
We read in Daniel 3:2–3, “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” So, we see how Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of his administrators, about eight different offices mentioned, to assemble to worship the statue. Also, Nebuchadnezzar gave a command and had his “herald” announce that command for all in Babylon to hear in Daniel 3:4–6: “Then the herald loudly proclaimed: ‘To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, 5 that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. 6 But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.’” The problem for every Jew in Babylon was that Nebuchadnezzar’s command completely contradicted God’s command in Exodus 20:3–6. God made it clear in Exodus 20 that His followers were never to worship anyone but Him alone.
Challenge & Application
Challenge & Application
• The Jews faced a life-or-death decision with Nebuchadnezzar’s new command; so, what would you do in this situation?
• How does what you’ve read so far in Daniel 3 challenge your faith to trust God?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!