Study
4 From the Book of Daniel is: Daniel 3
In
the opening part of this chapter the king manifests a very different attitude
towards the Lord from that of 2:47. The probable reason is that between
chapters 2 and 3 there is an interval of several years, during which
Nebuchadnezzar had evidence that his own god was greater than the God of the
Jews (cf. verse 15b). It accounts also for the enmity of the Chaldean officials
against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They would resent Jews continuing to
hold rule over the province of Babylon.
1- What
threefold accusation was brought against the three Hebrews? Consider how subtly
it was worded to stir the king’s anger.
2- How does
this trial of faith differ from anything these men had had to meet hitherto?
For similar instances of courage see Acts 4:8-12; 5:29-32; 2 Tim. 4:16, 17.
What purposes were served by the miracle of deliverance which God wrought?
