Note: the term translated “maliciously accused”
(Dan. 3:8; ESV) literally means “chewed (or devoured) to pieces,” referencing the eating
of flesh, indicative of the malignant force behind the charges.
3.
Interrogation before the King (3:13-18).
o
The
King’s wrath had similarly been on display in chapter two (vv. 5, 12-13).
o
The
Prophet Jeremiah had also highlighted Nebuchadnezzar’s anger against two false
prophets of the Exile, “Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted
in the fire” (Jer. 29:22).
o
A
general truth, regarding those who enjoy absolute authority:
Prov. 19:12: A king's wrath is like the
growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
Prov. 20:2: The terror of a king is like the
growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
o If this principle is
true of earthly kings, how much more should we fear the wrath—and covet the
blessings—of Almighty God (Heb. 10:31)! How much more should we be grateful for
His patience and forbearance (Ps. 103:8)!
v. 14: Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is
it true…?”
v. 15a: "Now if you are ready… to fall down and
worship… very well.”
o
Doubtlessly
amazed, the King gives them an opportunity to defend themselves—and
a second chance to comply with the royal directive!
v. 15b: "…you will immediately be cast into the midst
of a furnace of blazing fire…”
o
Consider
the enormity of the temptation facing the friends of Daniel! All manner
of pragmatic considerations, reasons, and excuses might have been found in
order to justify compromising their faith and identity, thereby saving their
lives.
o
A
“little white lie”—i.e., their previous failure to bow was unintentional
(as the King suggested)—might have saved them!
o
The
reasons to bow were many (Matthew Henry lists no less than seven
in his commentary). The reason not to bow was singular, but overruling
(Ex. 20:1-6)!
v. 15c: “…and what god is there who can deliver you out of
my hands?"
o
Robert
Duncan Culver (The Histories and Prophecies of Daniel, BMH):
This verse directs an important truth our way: that
God’s name and reputation are intimately connected with the obedient faith of His
people.
o
How
distant now is the King’s declaration of Daniel 2:46-47!
o
Nebuchadnezzar’s
victories over foreign opposition (including Judah) had led him to conclude that
he and his patron deities were invincible.
o
Nebuchadnezzar’s
attitude is reminiscent of that of various other princes...
o
Pharaoh,
Ex. 5:2: "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel
go?”
o Sennacherib (Assyria), 2 Kings 18:35: “Who
among all the gods of the lands have delivered their countries from my hand,
that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (cf., 2 Chron.
32:13-17, Isa. 36:18-20).
o Contrast this attitude
with that of Darius in Dan. 6:16: "Your
God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.