Summary of Daniel Chapter 3.
- The King's Command: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon erected a massive gold image (about 90 feet high) on the plain of Dura and commanded all government officials and people to bow down and worship it when specific musical instruments played. The penalty for disobedience was to be thrown into a blazing furnace.
- The Refusal: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish officials who were friends of Daniel, refused to worship the idol, as it would violate the first two of the Ten Commandments. They calmly told the king that their God was able to save them, but even if He chose not to, they would still not serve his gods or worship the image.
- The Fiery Furnace: Enraged, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. The men were bound and thrown into the fire, which was so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were killed by the flames.
- The Miracle: King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished to see four men unbound and walking in the fire, completely unharmed. He described the appearance of the fourth man as "like a son of the gods".
- The Outcome: The king called the men out of the furnace. They were physically untouched, without even the smell of fire on them. Nebuchadnezzar then praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and issued a decree that no one in his kingdom should speak against their God. He also promoted the three men.
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