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Daniel 3:28-30 — Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree

Now we find a commendable reaction by King Nebuchadnezzar. He did not try to claim that there was any trickery used to protect the three Jews when they were thrown into the furnace. His first statement was, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God” (Daniel 3:28).

Nebuchadnezzar described the fourth person in the furnace as “like a son of the gods” in Daniel 3:25 and as an “angel” sent by God in Daniel 3:28. Scripture tells of many occasions when God sent angels to protect and minister to His followers. (See Genesis 19; Psalm 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Acts 5:19.)

Nebuchadnezzar recognized God’s power in delivering the three young men, and granted that their God was superior to his. However, he did not have a personal experience with God, though he had been impressed with what he had seen. He continued to call Him “the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,” not acknowledging Him as his own God.

Once again, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are back in Nebuchadnezzar’s favor. The king said that anyone who spoke against their God would be severely punished, and then promoted these three men in the province of Babylon. Twice now they have been miraculously delivered; and twice they have been promoted! The Lord Jesus Christ is able to take care of His own in the world.

If you have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to use you as a witness to His grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense), don’t think it strange if He sends trials to mold and prepare you for such work. The three friends of Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace were not hurt by its flames They lost only their bonds! They emerged from their ordeal as heroes of faith. They brought added glory to God and were promoted to higher service. You too can find in your present extremity many God-given opportunities. Remember, the Lord often chooses His best workers in the crucible of affliction. “Suffering is the fire by which radiant saints are fashioned and through which God’s glory blazes”—Corzine.

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