Daniel 3:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} the king {H4430} made {H5648} an image {H6755} of gold {H1722}, whose height {H7314} was threescore {H8361} cubits {H521}, and the breadth {H6613} thereof six {H8353} cubits {H521}: he set it up {H6966} in the plain {H1236} of Dura {H1757}, in the province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}.

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vukhadnetzar the king had a gold statue made, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, which he set up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:1 introduces King Nebuchadnezzar's audacious act of constructing a colossal golden image, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between imperial power and divine sovereignty. This verse details the image's immense dimensions and its placement in the plain of Dura, establishing the physical and spiritual battleground where the faithfulness of God's servants would soon be tested against the king's demand for universal idolatry. It encapsulates the Babylonian king's prideful attempt to assert his absolute authority and perhaps to defy the prophetic vision of his kingdom's eventual decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 3:1 immediately follows the profound events of [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"), where Daniel, empowered by God, interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue composed of various metals. This dream prophesied a succession of world empires, with Babylon represented by the head of gold, followed by lesser kingdoms, and ultimately culminating in God's eternal kingdom that would shatter all earthly powers ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The king's response in Daniel 3:1—making an image entirely of gold—can be seen as a direct, defiant counter-narrative, an attempt to assert the perpetual supremacy of his own kingdom and to reject the divine decree of its temporal nature. This act directly precipitates the conflict involving Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, forming the narrative backbone of the rest of [Daniel chapter 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar II (reigned c. 605-562 BC) was one of the most powerful and influential rulers of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His reign saw significant military conquests, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of its inhabitants, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon. Babylon itself was a city of immense architectural and engineering marvels, and the construction of such a grand image aligns with the known practices of ancient Near Eastern kings who often erected monuments to their gods or themselves as expressions of power, piety, and propaganda. The "plain of Dura" (likely an Akkadian word meaning "walled place" or "circuit") was a suitable location for a large public assembly, perhaps an open area near Babylon, allowing for the gathering of officials from across the vast empire to participate in the mandated dedication ceremony. Such assemblies served to unify the diverse peoples under Babylonian rule through a common religious and political act.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several critical themes that permeate the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **idolatry and human pride**, as Nebuchadnezzar attempts to establish an object of universal worship, asserting his own authority above all others, including the God of Israel. This directly challenges the first commandment given to Israel to have "no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **defiance against divine revelation**, as the king's golden image stands in stark contrast to the multi-metal statue of his dream, seemingly an attempt to negate the prophecy of his kingdom's impermanence. Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the **conflict between worldly power and faithful allegiance to God**, foreshadowing the ultimate test of faith for Daniel's three friends, who would refuse to compromise their devotion to Yahweh, even unto death ([Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Refusal")). This conflict serves as a powerful example of God's sovereignty over human rulers and the ultimate triumph of faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nebuchadnezzar (Aramaic, _Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar'_):** This name refers to Nebukadnetstsar, the powerful king of Babylon. His prominent mention at the outset emphasizes his central role in initiating the events of this chapter, highlighting his authority and the directness of his command to construct the image.
* **image (Aramaic, _tselem'_):** This word denotes an idolatrous figure or form. Its use here immediately signals the religious and confrontational nature of the king's act, indicating that the statue was not merely a monument but an object intended for worship, directly challenging the monotheistic faith of the Jewish exiles.
* **gold (Aramaic, _dᵉhab'_):** Referring to the precious metal, "gold" here signifies immense wealth, power, and perhaps an attempt at eternal glory. By making the entire image of gold, Nebuchadnezzar symbolically rejected the prophetic vision of a succession of kingdoms, asserting the supposed perpetual and supreme nature of his own golden kingdom.
* **plain (Aramaic, _biqʻâʼ'_):** Properly meaning "a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains," this term describes the geographical setting. The "plain of Dura" was an ideal, expansive location for erecting such a massive structure and for gathering a vast multitude for the dedication ceremony, underscoring the public and empire-wide scope of the king's decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,"**: This clause establishes the primary agent and action. King Nebuchadnezzar, identified by his royal title, personally initiated the creation of a golden image. This act is presented as a deliberate, sovereign decision, underscoring his absolute power and the immediate cause of the ensuing conflict. The choice of "gold" is significant, contrasting sharply with the multi-material statue of his dream in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"), suggesting a defiant assertion of Babylon's eternal supremacy.
* **"whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits:"**: This provides the colossal dimensions of the image: sixty cubits (approximately 90 feet or 27 meters) high and six cubits (approximately 9 feet or 2.7 meters) wide. These extraordinary measurements emphasize the monument's imposing presence and the immense resources dedicated to its construction. The repetition of the number six (60 and 6) has often been noted by commentators as potentially symbolic of human imperfection or the number of man, distinct from divine completeness.
* **"he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon."**: This clause specifies the location of the image's erection. The "plain of Dura," a large, open area within the province of Babylon, was strategically chosen. Its vastness would accommodate the immense statue and the multitudes summoned for its dedication, signifying the public, empire-wide nature of the king's decree and the universal demand for worship. This physical setting becomes the stage for the dramatic events that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "image of gold" representing Nebuchadnezzar's pride, his defiance of God's prophetic word, and his desire for absolute, unchallenged authority. The very material, gold, symbolizes wealth, power, and perceived permanence, contrasting with the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms revealed in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"). The immense dimensions (sixty cubits high, six cubits wide) also carry symbolic weight, possibly hinting at human grandiosity and imperfection (the number six often being associated with man, falling short of the divine seven). The act of "setting it up" in a public plain also functions as a form of **propaganda**, visually asserting the king's power and demanding allegiance from all his subjects. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful instance of **foreshadowing**, immediately setting the stage for the impending conflict of faith, where the refusal to bow to this idol will lead to the dramatic account of the fiery furnace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:1 is a foundational text for understanding the enduring human propensity for idolatry and the clash between human pride and divine sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's construction of the golden image is not merely an act of monument building but a deliberate theological statement—an attempt to establish an alternative object of worship and to assert human authority over God's revealed will. This act directly challenges the core tenets of monotheism and sets the stage for a profound demonstration of God's power to deliver His faithful people from the demands of worldly rulers. It underscores that true worship belongs to God alone, and any attempt to elevate created things or human authority to a divine status constitutes idolatry, leading to inevitable conflict with the divine order.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Romans 1:22-23](/romans/1-22 "Exchanging God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:1 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting humanity's persistent struggle with idolatry and the allure of self-exaltation. While we may not erect literal golden images today, the principle remains profoundly relevant. Modern "idols" can take many forms: wealth, power, status, comfort, technology, self-image, or even political ideologies—anything that demands our ultimate allegiance, promises ultimate fulfillment, or assumes a place of supremacy in our hearts that rightly belongs to God alone. This verse challenges us to critically examine our lives: What do we truly worship? What do we prioritize above all else? Are we willing to stand firm in our convictions, even when societal pressures or personal desires tempt us to compromise our devotion to the one true God? The story initiated here reminds us that faithfulness often requires courage to defy cultural norms and trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with daunting consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden images" might we be tempted to build or bow down to in our own lives today, whether consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's act of defiance in this verse challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty versus human autonomy?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise your faith to gain acceptance, security, or success?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that truly worships God alone, resisting the subtle and overt forms of idolatry in our modern world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar build an image entirely of gold, especially after his dream in Daniel 2?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's decision to build an image entirely of gold, despite his dream in [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") showing his kingdom as only the head of gold followed by lesser metals, is widely interpreted as an act of defiance and pride. The dream prophesied a succession of kingdoms, implying the eventual decline of Babylon. By constructing an all-gold image, Nebuchadnezzar was likely attempting to symbolically negate this prophecy, asserting the eternal and absolute supremacy of his own kingdom. It was a grandiose statement of his power and a demand for universal allegiance, perhaps even an attempt to consolidate his empire through a unified religious cult centered on his authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:1, with its depiction of an earthly king demanding universal worship of an idol, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate conflict between the kingdoms of this world and the eternal Kingdom of God established by Christ. Nebuchadnezzar's golden image represents the futile attempts of human power and pride to establish lasting dominion and to usurp the worship due to God alone. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and eternal King, not of a temporary earthly empire, but of a spiritual kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). He is the true object of worship, the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), who does not demand coerced allegiance but invites willing submission and love. The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow to the golden image, even unto death, prefigures the call to discipleship under Christ, where believers are commanded to "worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" ([Matthew 4:10](/matthew/4-10 "Matthew 4:10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")). Ultimately, the golden image of Daniel 3:1 stands as a stark reminder that all earthly powers and idols will crumble before the majesty and eternal reign of the Lamb of God, to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:19

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.

Jeremiah 16:20

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they [are] no gods?

Isaiah 46:6

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Acts 19:26

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

Acts 17:29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

Isaiah 40:19

The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.