Daniel 3:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou {H607}, O king {H4430}, hast made {H7761} a decree {H2942}, that every {H3606} man {H606} that shall hear {H8086} the sound {H7032} of the cornet {H7162}, flute {H4953}, harp {H7030}{H7030}, sackbut {H5443}, psaltery {H6460}, and dulcimer {H5481}{H5481}, and all {H3606} kinds {H2178} of musick {H2170}, shall fall down {H5308} and worship {H5457} the golden {H1722} image {H6755}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Your majesty, you have ordered that everyone who hears sound of the horn, pipe, harp, zither, lute, bagpipe and the rest of the musical instruments is to fall down and worship the gold statue;

Berean Standard Bible

You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue,

American Standard Version

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 music, shall fall down and worship the golden image;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:10 meticulously details King Nebuchadnezzar's absolute and universal decree, compelling every individual within his vast empire to prostrate themselves and worship the colossal golden image he had erected on the plain of Dura. This verse precisely outlines the auditory trigger for this mandatory act of idolatry: the synchronized sound of a diverse array of musical instruments, signaling a meticulously orchestrated and inescapable moment of enforced religious conformity. It thus establishes the critical juncture for the dramatic confrontation between imperial power and unwavering faith, highlighting the immense pressure placed upon God's people to compromise their foundational convictions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 3:10 is a crucial verse within the unfolding narrative of [Daniel chapter 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace"). It immediately follows Nebuchadnezzar's construction of the enormous golden image on the plain of Dura, as described in [Daniel 3:1](/daniel/3-1 "Daniel 3:1 - Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image"), and the subsequent grand assembly of all the high-ranking officials and provincial leaders of the Babylonian empire in [Daniel 3:2-3](/daniel/3-2 "Daniel 3:2-3 - Assembly of Officials"). This verse articulates the specific, universal command and the precise musical signal that would initiate the act of worship, directly setting the stage for the pivotal moment of decision for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whose courageous refusal to bow is recounted in [Daniel 3:12](/daniel/3-12 "Daniel 3:12 - The Refusal to Worship"). The decree is presented not as a mere suggestion but as a binding, non-negotiable law, with severe and immediate consequences for disobedience, as explicitly stated in [Daniel 3:6](/daniel/3-6 "Daniel 3:6 - The Fiery Furnace Threat").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Nebuchadnezzar, as the undisputed ruler of the [Neo-Babylonian Empire](/daniel/2-38 "Daniel 2:38 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dominion"), wielded absolute and unquestionable authority over his vast domain. The erection of such a massive golden image, estimated to be over 90 feet tall, served multiple strategic purposes common in ancient Near Eastern imperial practice. It functioned as a grand monument to his own power, glory, and perceived divine favor, a potent symbol of Babylonian supremacy, and a deliberate means to unify his ethnically and religiously diverse empire under a single, state-sanctioned religious act. In these cultures, kings often claimed a special relationship with the gods, or even divinity themselves, and demanding worship of an image associated with the king was a common tactic to solidify political and religious loyalty. The use of a full orchestra for grand ceremonial events was typical, providing a clear, unmistakable, and widely audible signal for the populace, ensuring no one could plausibly claim ignorance of the command. This meticulously orchestrated act represented a direct, public challenge to the monotheistic faith of the exiled Jews, forcing them to make an existential choice between allegiance to the earthly king and unwavering fidelity to their one true God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the theme of **Imperial Authority vs. Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing Nebuchadnezzar's attempt to exert total control over the consciences and worship of his subjects, thereby directly challenging God's unique and exclusive claim to worship. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive nature of **Idolatry and False Worship**, presenting a clear and monumental example of man-made objects being elevated to a position reserved solely for the Creator, a direct and egregious violation of the foundational commands given in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). Thirdly, the detailed enumeration of musical instruments underscores the theme of **Enforced Conformity**, illustrating how cultural, political, and religious pressures can be meticulously orchestrated to compel outward allegiance, even if it necessitates compromising deeply held spiritual convictions. This meticulously detailed decree sets the stage for the ultimate test of faith for Daniel's companions, whose courageous refusal to conform becomes a profound testament to God's ultimate authority and the supremacy of His kingdom over all earthly empires, a theme echoed in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Decree (Aramaic, _ṭᵉʻêm'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "flavor" or "judgment," signifies a formal, authoritative command or a binding judgment. In [Daniel 3:10](/daniel/3-10 "Daniel 3:10 - Nebuchadnezzar's Decree"), it emphasizes that Nebuchadnezzar's instruction was not a mere suggestion or recommendation but a binding, legal mandate issued from the highest authority in the land. It carries the full weight of the king's absolute power and implies severe consequences for non-compliance, highlighting the gravity of the situation for all subjects, especially those who worshipped the true God.
* **Fall down (Aramaic, _nᵉphal'_):** This word describes the physical act of prostration, which is commonly associated with showing homage, reverence, or submission. In the context of worship, it denotes a posture of ultimate humility, adoration, and complete surrender. The king's demand for everyone to "fall down" was a public, visible, and unmistakable act of submission, designed to leave no doubt about their allegiance to the golden image and, by extension, to Nebuchadnezzar himself as the supreme ruler.
* **Worship (Aramaic, _çᵉgid'_):** This term specifically refers to the act of prostrating oneself in homage or adoration, particularly in a religious sense. It is the core action demanded by the decree, signifying the transfer of ultimate allegiance, devotion, and reverence to the golden image. For the faithful Jews, this act would constitute a direct and profound violation of the First and Second Commandments, which prohibit the worship of any god other than the Lord and the creation or bowing down to graven images. Their refusal was therefore an act of immense theological and spiritual significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou, O king, hast made a decree,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the source and the nature of the command. It is a direct, personal pronouncement from King Nebuchadnezzar, the absolute monarch of the Babylonian Empire, underscoring his unquestionable authority and the binding legal force of his edict. The phrase emphasizes that this is not a suggestion but a non-negotiable, universally applicable law.
* **"that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,"**: This segment meticulously details the universal scope of the decree ("every man") and the precise, auditory trigger for its execution. The extensive and specific list of musical instruments indicates a full, ceremonial orchestra, designed to ensure that the signal would be widely heard and unmistakably understood across the vast assembly. The concluding phrase "and all kinds of musick" further emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of this auditory cue, leaving absolutely no room for anyone to claim they did not hear or comprehend the command.
* **"shall fall down and worship the golden image:"**: This final clause specifies the mandatory action required from every individual: immediate prostration and an act of worship. The object of this worship is explicitly stated as "the golden image," highlighting the inherently idolatrous nature of the command. This is the ultimate demand of the king, requiring not just physical submission but a profound act of religious devotion directed towards a man-made idol, thereby setting up the central conflict of the chapter and the ultimate test of faith for God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:10 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the pervasive nature of Nebuchadnezzar's decree and the gravity of the situation. The detailed enumeration of musical instruments (cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer) serves as a powerful instance of **Enumeration** or **Polysyndeton**, emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the musical signal and, by extension, the far-reaching influence of the king's command. The concluding phrase "and all kinds of musick" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the universal and overwhelming auditory cue, implying that no one could possibly miss the signal to bow. The "golden image" itself is a profound **Symbolism** for Nebuchadnezzar's imperial power, his insatiable desire for absolute control, and the idolatrous nature of human pride and self-exaltation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic conflict that will inevitably unfold as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego courageously refuse to comply, thereby highlighting the profound tension between human authority and divine commandment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:10 stands as a stark biblical example of the inherent tension between human authority and divine sovereignty, forcing a critical choice between allegiance to an earthly ruler and unwavering faithfulness to God. Nebuchadnezzar's decree represents a direct assault on the fundamental principles of monotheism, particularly the First and Second Commandments, which unequivocally prohibit the worship of any god other than the Lord and the creation or adoration of graven images. This scenario powerfully foreshadows future periods of persecution where believers are compelled to compromise their faith or face severe consequences, serving as a timeless reminder that true worship belongs exclusively to God alone, regardless of the personal cost. The unwavering stand of Daniel's companions, directly prompted by this decree, becomes a profound testament to the conviction that obedience to God must always supersede obedience to human authority when the two are in conflict.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "The First and Second Commandments")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Revelation 13:15](/revelation/13-15 "The Mark of the Beast and Forced Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:10 offers profound and challenging insights for contemporary believers, compelling us to critically examine the "golden images" in our own lives and societies that subtly or overtly demand our allegiance. Just as Nebuchadnezzar demanded outward conformity through a grand spectacle, modern pressures often compel us to compromise our faith for social acceptance, career advancement, political expediency, or the fleeting approval of others. This verse calls us to cultivate an unshakeable conviction in God's sole authority and His exclusive worthiness of worship, thereby preparing us to stand firm and unyielding when our values and beliefs are tested. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is not merely an outward act of ritual but an inward posture of the heart, demanding exclusive allegiance and devotion to the one true God, even when it means standing courageously against the prevailing tide of cultural norms, governmental mandates, or popular opinion. Our steadfastness in such moments can be a powerful and transformative witness to God's ultimate power, faithfulness, and the liberating truth of His sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden images" or societal pressures in our modern context subtly or overtly demand our allegiance or compromise our faith in God alone?**
* **How does the "sound of music" – cultural trends, media narratives, or popular opinion – influence our willingness to conform or to courageously stand apart for Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to strengthen my resolve and cultivate a heart that worships God alone, even when it is costly or unpopular in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of King Nebuchadnezzar's decree?**

Answer: King Nebuchadnezzar's decree, as meticulously described in [Daniel 3:10](/daniel/3-10 "Daniel 3:10 - Nebuchadnezzar's Decree"), served multiple strategic and ideological purposes. Primarily, it was a profound assertion of his absolute and unquestionable authority as the supreme ruler of the Babylonian Empire. By demanding that all subjects, regardless of their origin or previous loyalties, worship the golden image, he sought to consolidate his vast and diverse empire under a unified religious and political loyalty. This act was designed to reinforce his own power, demand unquestioning obedience, and serve as a grand display of his imperial grandeur, ensuring that all acknowledged his supremacy and the dominance of the Babylonian state religion.

**Why was the specific mention of musical instruments so important in the decree?**

Answer: The detailed mention of various musical instruments (cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer) was critically important because they served as the explicit, unmistakable, and universally understood signal for the mandatory act of worship. This full orchestral performance created a grand ceremonial atmosphere and ensured that the command to "fall down and worship the golden image" was synchronized and universally broadcast across the vast plain of Dura, where the officials were assembled. It left absolutely no room for individuals to claim ignorance or confusion regarding the precise moment they were required to prostrate themselves. This made any act of non-compliance a clear, deliberate, and public defiance of the king's command, as powerfully demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in [Daniel 3:12](/daniel/3-12 "Daniel 3:12 - The Refusal to Worship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:10, with its vivid depiction of enforced idolatry and the demand for universal submission to a man-made image, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate conflict between the kingdoms of this world and the eternal Kingdom of God, culminating in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar sought to establish his own fleeting dominion through a golden image, Christ is the true and eternal King, whose kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers and empires ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Jesus himself faced a similar, profound temptation in the wilderness, refusing to "fall down and worship" Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world, declaring, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve" ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus Resists Temptation")). The steadfast refusal of the three Hebrew men to bow before the golden image prefigures the call for all believers in Christ to render exclusive worship to God alone, acknowledging Jesus as "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings")). Ultimately, the narrative points to the glorious day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), but this universal bowing is a voluntary act of adoration and submission to the true God, not a coerced act of idolatry to a human construct.

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

Daniel 6:12

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Esther 3:12

Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that [were] over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and [to] every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

Esther 3:14

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

Daniel 3:4

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

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.

Exodus 32:18

And he said, [It is] not the voice of [them that] shout for mastery, neither [is it] the voice of [them that] cry for being overcome: [but] the noise of [them that] sing do I hear.

Exodus 32:19

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.