# Daniel Chapter 3 > The golden image on the plain of Dura, the fiery furnace, and the fourth man walking in the fire. - Source: https://timeisathandlive.org/studies/daniel/chapter-3 - Site: Time Is At Hand Evangelistic Ministries (https://timeisathandlive.org) - Topics: Bible study, Daniel, Prophecy - Licence: free to read, quote and share, with attribution. --- ## Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image & 666 > **Daniel 3:1** — Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. The king set up his idol at a strategic point so it could be easily seen from a far distance and by everyone. In this matter the king seek to replace GOD with satan. He chose to follow the same tradition of the babel builders of having everyone following the same system of idolatrous worship. Here an earthly movement exalting itself to claim DIVINE glory. The statue was a symbol of worship which belong only to God. It’s a common belief that Nebuchadnezzar had this image erected in response to Daniel’s interpretation of the vision recorded in chapter two. The image measured approximately ninety feet tall and nine feet wide, using calculations of one cubit equalling about eighteen inches. There is a parallel between the events of Babylon and the tower of Babel- . Babel was a rebellion against God, and –the whole world gathered in rebellion against Heaven. The image of Nebuchadnezzar depicts the same kind of global rebellion. In the same geographical location, Nebuchadnezzar gathered representatives from all nations. There was no place for diversity- everybody clustered around the same towering image. Nebuchadnezzar had this image erected in response to Daniel’s interpretation of the vision recorded in chapter two. The statue in his dream was made of different metals, but his is built of one . God says his kingdom is the head of gold and was only for a set period of time. Daniel 2 .38-39. The king said no, I’m bigger than that so, he built his a towering masterpiece entirely of gold. The king constructed his image entirely of gold to portray his empire as a permanent kingdom rather than a temporary one. He rejected the concept of succession as well as any- thing different from his. The image is sixty by six, which is three hundred and sixty when multiplied. Approximately ninety feet tall and nine feet wide, using calculations of one cubit equalling about eighteen inches. Archaeological excavation has proven that astrology and sacred numbers have their origins in Babylon. In the astrological system, the number 12 represents the 12 signs of zodiac and the circle of a calendar year. There are mystery numbers that only those who understands the system know about. In this case, the mystery number strategically disguised. Sixty by six amounts to 360. When the zero is removed from 360, you are left with thirty-six. When the numbers 1 to 36 are added consecutively, the mystery number appears as 666 which means Fiery Flying Serpent and goes back to the Garden of Eden, the same serpent that deceived Eve. The image was a symbol of the sun god and designed to promote sun worship. Babylonians divided the zodiac band into 36 sections. The sky was divided (and is divided to this day)into 36 constellations. In their system, the number 36 represents the whole circle of heaven. All the gods are included in the 36 constellations, but the sun, according to them, is the supreme lord of all, and represented by the number 36 or 666. All pagan religions are involved in astrology and must use the mystery number 666. The leaders of such religion has to wear 666 as part of their insignia. Insignia is a badge or distinguishing mark of authority, office or membership. They claimed that the sun was the supreme god of the heavens; because when it raises the other god’s, moon, stars, and other planets disappear. All pagan priests had to wear the breastplate when he officiated. This breastplate was called the sigilla solis or the sun seal. The seal or breastplate had 36 squares on it arranged from 1 to 36. There are 6 columns and 6 rows as you can see below. The numbers were arranged in such a way that when they are added: horizontally, vertically or diagonally the total was the same 111. When the numbers were multiplied by 6 the total amounts to 666. This is where Cross Word Puzzle has its origin-it is all to do with hidden mysteries. The Babylonians took pleasure in worshipping the sun god, or the venerable day of the sun. The sun had a sacred name, a sacred metal, a sacred colour, a sacred mark, and a sacred number, 666. Hidden mysteries. > **Revelation 17:5** — , tells us that the apostate church is mystery Babylon. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev 17:5 (KJV). The teachings of Babylon or paganism is disguised in mysteries. The mysterious teaching of sun worship has being followed in one form or another all around the world. Every culture on this planet practice sun worship in some form or another. The mystery behind paganism and of baptised paganism is satan in disguise. Paul tells of the mystery of iniquity that is at work in the world, and warned against it. 2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: > **Daniel 3:2** — Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. The king summoned every person in the kingdom that served in an official capacity to attend the dedication of the image. This gathering was comprised of all heads of government, high officials-and all the the elites of Babylon. A general invitation was sent out to all nations. The chief men from all around this mighty kingdom were summoned by a royal invitation. It seems the time had come for idolatry to triumph over the true worship of God Almighty. Messengers were dispatched to all parts of the kingdom to gather together the princes, dukes, and lords. Come to the dedication-Satan prompting them to MOCK, INSULT AND BLASTPHEMED GOD! All officers, civil and military, the captains and commanders of all forces, the judges, the treasurers, counselors, religious leaders and all the rulers of the provinces, the great men were summoned to the great honour and dedication of this idolatrous image. Here we see the pyramid hierarchical official ranking from highest to lowest. These high officials are there not because of conviction but because of their positions. Their religion is success and position in the social set up of this pyramid scheme. In obedience to the king’s invitation, all the magistrates and officers of that vast kingdom leave the services of their particular countries, and came to Babylon, for the dedication of the image. > **Daniel 3:3** — Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. In this verse, they are gathered before the enormous statue for its dedication. The invitation was simple and strait forward. Come to the dedication of the image. > **Daniel 3:4** — Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: The herald’s duty was to proclaim the king’s decree’s and to guarantee that the command was heard and understood by all the people in their various languages. It was for all nations and people, none was exempt! > **Daniel 3:6** — And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. At first it was just an official invitation to the dedication, but now it becomes a command at the peril of life. Young people today are being invited to what appears to be innocent occasions. Social events of happiness, enjoyment, and satisfaction, but then the invitation becomes a demand or a command which they cannot escape. The world is setting up all kinds of images to attract young people, and they are using the best and most valuable materials to make them attractive and cool. The image was expensive and impressive. Great preparations had been made for its dedication. Commercial ads are coming up all over the place and they are most appealing. Technology is taking people in the fast track and overwhelming them with great excitement. The image was satan in disguise and a symbol of false worship. Upon the signal given, they were all to fall down and worship the image WHICH WAS SATAN IN DISGUISE. An invitation to a dedication becomes a demand of worship and adoration of the image. Not only that but with the threat of intolerance and violence. If you don’t worship –you are immediately thrown into a furnace of fire, not much time to decide! The religion here described is not one of reflection, conviction or of conscience. It’s one of intolerance, violence and coercion – it’s not the religion of God. This religion is not one of choice, deep experience nor expression of faith-it’s a religion of force. Here people worship because they are forced to do so- it’s a religion initiated by satan himself. You can kneel down and worship while your heart is elsewhere. This is demonism and not of our Lord. Many are being shot and beheaded and tortured in the name of religion all around the word-these religions are not of God but of satan. The king strictly commanded all manner of persons to fall down and worship the golden image. It doesn’t matter what other gods they worship at other times, but this time they must all worship and bow down to the golden image; that they must all do it in unison at the same time (Ecumenism). At the sound of the music they must get down and worship the image. Music can be soothing, seductive, delusive, that is why every advert comes with it in the background. When you make a phone call and you are put on hold- music is in the background. Often times, the primary role of the music is to produce a false illusion. The consequence for disobeying the king’s order was severe. Anyone found refusing to fall down and worship the golden image was to be thrown immediately into a fiery furnace. This form of capital punishment was customary in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:22). There were the charms of music to allure or to delude them into compliance, or else the terrors of the fiery furnace to frighten them into compliance. Today music and terror are driving the world wild and mad. By these methods false worship has been set up and maintained all around the world- Deception or terror! > **Daniel 3:7** — Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. At the sound of the music, the people of all nationalities, languages and religions immediately fell down and worshipped the golden image. But there are three young men would not bow. When the melody filled the air the crowd immediately became sensitised and mesmerised and fell down to the beat and worship the dead and dumb idol, but the Hebrew boys refused to bow. The Fiery Furnace Daniel 3:8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. > **Daniel 3:9** — They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. > **Daniel 3:10** — Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: > **Daniel 3:11** — And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. > **Daniel 3:12** — There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. The king was enraged because of the things he heard of the Israelites that he previously promoted to prominence. He commanded the men of his court to bring them before him so that he could personally question them. > **Daniel 3:14** — Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Nebuchadnezzar straightway asked the Hebrew boys if they had refused to serve his gods and worship the golden image, he then went on to instruct them of his requirements. > **Daniel 3:15** — Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? The king offered them another chance before they responded to his first question. He prompted the three Jews toward the answer that he wanted to hear by repeating the punishment for those who refused to obey the decree. Nebuchadnezzar assumed that not even their God could deliver them from his punishment when he asked, “Who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” He reminded them that the new law was for all people, it was without exception regardless of nation, language or religion. It doesn’t matter what manner of people you are, it’s for you. It doesn’t matter your office or status, it’s for you. Everybody should fall down and worship this golden image. They were reminded that the penalty for not complying is the burning fiery furnace. Although the boys did not realized it, they were being watched by secret ungodly spies who wanted nothing but their destruction. This is often the case with God’s people, many evil forces lie in wait hoping to find fault in Christians who walk according to His will. The Scriptures tell us that this kind of persecution will certainly befall us. (John 15:18-19)(2 Timothy 3:12). Also, just as Nebuchadnezzar did with them, the world may sometimes offer us an escape from peril by demanding that we conceal or even deny our faith, but we must not compromise-even at the perils of death. Matthew 10:28 King (KJV) And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. > **Daniel 3:16** — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. > **Daniel 3:17** — If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. > **Daniel 3:18** — But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. As exemplified by the lives of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, the Lord calls us to serve and obey Him with uncompromising boldness (Hebrews 13:6). Let us never be ashamed of the One Who has delivered our souls from a fiery fate (Luke 9:23-26; Romans 1:16). > **Daniel 3:19** — Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. Daniel 3:20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzar was upset, and in his rage and fury, he commanded them to be bounded and cast into the lake of fire. But still they would not bend nor bow to worship the golden image. The king was in a rage, but God’s servants were cool calm and composed, before him with undaunted courage. They stood resolute trusting in the true and living God. They never thought for a moment that the crowd was doing it so let’s go along. They could have hid themselves in the crowd, but they stood determined that they would not serve the king’s god. They needed no time for deliberation or negotiation concerning this matter. They never hesitated whether they should comply or not; life is desirable, and death is dreadful, but for them- it was death before dishonouring their GOD. > **Daniel 3:21** — Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. > **Daniel 3:22** — Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. > **Daniel 3:23** — And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. > **Daniel 3:24** — Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. > **Daniel 3:25** — He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. > **Daniel 3:27** — And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. > **Daniel 3:28** — Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Daniel 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. > **Daniel 3:30** — Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon. Idol worship was an issue at babel, and all through the history of this world- and it is an issue today. Sun worship was an issue in the time of Nebuchadnezzar and it is an issue today. Right now, there are what seems to be peaceful invitation to accept sun worship but, soon the invitation will be a demand and a command to all nations and worshippers. Important are the lessons to be learned from the experience of the Hebrew youth on the plain of Dura. In this our day, many of God's servants, though innocent of wrongdoing, will be given over to suffer humiliation and abuse at the hands of those who, inspired by Satan, are filled with envy and religious bigotry. Especially will the wrath of man be aroused against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; and at last a universal decree will denounce these as deserving of death. {P&K 512.1} The season of distress before God's people will call for a faith that will not falter. His children must make it manifest that He is the only object of their worship, and that no consideration, not even that of life itself, can induced them to make the least concession to false worship.