Daniel 3:13

KJV

Then Nebuchadnezzar in [his] rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} in his rage {H7266} and fury {H2528} commanded {H560} to bring {H858} Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}. Then {H116} they brought {H858} these {H479} men {H1400} before {H6925} the king {H4430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In a raging fury N'vukhadnetzar ordered that Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go be brought. When the men had been brought before the king,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,

American Standard Version

Then Nebuchadnezzar inhisrage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:13 powerfully depicts King Nebuchadnezzar's immediate and extreme reaction to the defiance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Overwhelmed by explosive rage and fury, the king issues an urgent command for these three Jewish officials to be brought directly into his presence. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a dramatic and high-stakes confrontation, underscoring the severe consequences of their unwavering refusal to worship the golden idol and foreshadowing the extraordinary divine intervention that is about to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 3:13 serves as a critical turning point, directly following the accusation against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The preceding verses establish King Nebuchadnezzar's decree for universal worship of his colossal golden image, with the terrifying penalty of the fiery furnace for non-compliance ([Daniel 3:1-7](/daniel/3-1-7 "Daniel 3:1-7 - The Golden Idol and the King's Decree")). Jealous Chaldean officials then exploit the situation, reporting to the king that the three Jewish men, whom he himself had appointed to high office, refused to obey his command or serve his gods ([Daniel 3:8-12](/daniel/3-8-12 "Daniel 3:8-12 - The Accusation Against the Jews")). Verse 13 marks Nebuchadnezzar's visceral response to this perceived insubordination, transitioning the narrative from the decree and accusation to the direct, personal confrontation between the absolute monarch and the three faithful servants of God, setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian Empire, the dominant global power of the 6th century BCE under the absolute rule of Nebuchadnezzar II. In this era, monarchs were often considered divine or divinely sanctioned, and their decrees held ultimate authority, with dissent met by swift and brutal punishment. The erection of the golden image was not merely a religious act but a profound political statement, designed to enforce imperial unity and loyalty among the diverse peoples subjugated by Babylon. Refusal to worship was thus interpreted as an act of treason, challenging the king's authority and the very fabric of the empire. The "fiery furnace" was a known, horrific method of execution in ancient Mesopotamia, making the king's threat a tangible and terrifying reality for all subjects, including the Jewish exiles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly portrays the **clash between divine sovereignty and human authority**, as Nebuchadnezzar's absolute decree is met with the unwavering conviction of men committed to God's ultimate rule. The king's "rage and fury" dramatically illustrate the **tyrannical nature of unchecked power** and the **perilous cost of conviction** in the face of such power, a theme further emphasized when the furnace is later commanded to be heated [seven times hotter](/daniel/3-19 "Daniel 3:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Fury Intensifies"). Furthermore, Daniel 3:13 serves as a crucial setup for the theme of **divine deliverance**, preparing the reader for God's miraculous intervention on behalf of His faithful servants, a motif that permeates the book, from Daniel's [interpretation of dreams](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") to his own [deliverance from the lion's den](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lion's Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rage (Aramaic, _rᵉgaz'_):** This term (H7266) denotes violent, intense anger, a furious indignation that is uncontrolled and explosive. It describes an emotional state of extreme agitation, often associated with a monarch's wrath that could lead to immediate and severe punishment. Nebuchadnezzar's "rage" here is not a mere annoyance but a deeply unsettling, explosive fury, indicating a loss of composure and a dangerous escalation of the situation.
* **fury (Aramaic, _chĕmâʼ'_):** This word (H2528), often used in parallel with "rage," signifies a burning, seething anger or wrath. It implies a deep-seated indignation that can manifest in destructive actions and a desire for retribution. Together, "rage and fury" create a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing the overwhelming, unbridled nature of Nebuchadnezzar's wrath, leaving no doubt about the king's volatile emotional state and the extreme danger faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
* **commanded (Aramaic, _ʼămar'_):** This verb (H560) means "to say" or "to speak," but in this context, especially when issued by a king in a state of "rage and fury," it carries the full force of an authoritative decree or imperative. This "command" is not a request but an absolute order, demanding immediate and unquestioning compliance. It highlights the king's absolute power to issue life-or-death pronouncements and the swiftness with which his will is executed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego."**: This opening clause immediately establishes the king's volatile emotional state as the primary catalyst for his action. The emphatic coupling of "rage and fury" underscores the intensity and uncontrolled nature of his anger, which is directly aimed at the three men for their perceived insubordination. The phrase "commanded to bring" signifies a direct, urgent, and authoritative summons, leaving no room for delay, negotiation, or appeal, and highlighting the king's absolute power.
* **"Then they brought these men before the king."**: This second clause describes the immediate and efficient execution of the king's command. The swiftness of their appearance before Nebuchadnezzar emphasizes the absolute power of the monarch and the unquestioning obedience of his court. It also highlights the precarious and vulnerable position of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who are now directly confronting the source of their peril, setting the stage for their defiant stand and the subsequent divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey the dramatic tension and gravity of the moment. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "rage and fury," which emphasizes the king's extreme and disproportionate anger, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the king's tyrannical nature. This exaggerated description of his wrath serves to heighten the sense of immediate danger. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Nebuchadnezzar's intense anger here anticipates his later command to heat the furnace "seven times hotter" ([Daniel 3:19](/daniel/3-19 "Daniel 3:19 - Heating the Furnace Seven Times Hotter")), indicating that his fury will only escalate as the narrative progresses. Finally, the verse sets up a dramatic **Antithesis** between the king's absolute, wrathful power and the unwavering resolve of the three men, preparing the reader for the ultimate demonstration of divine power that will transcend all human authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:13 serves as a stark reminder of the perennial conflict between worldly power and divine allegiance. Nebuchadnezzar's "rage and fury" reflect the human tendency toward idolatry and the violent opposition that often arises when God's people refuse to compromise their faith. The king's demand for absolute worship of his image stands in direct opposition to the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). This verse sets the stage for a profound theological truth: true worship belongs to God alone, and faithfulness to Him may require standing firm against the most formidable earthly powers, even at the risk of one's life. It underscores the sovereignty of God over human rulers and the ultimate futility of human attempts to usurp divine authority. The unwavering stance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplifies the principle that obedience to God must take precedence over obedience to human commands when they conflict.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:13 offers a profound lesson for believers across all generations, illustrating that standing firm in one's faith, particularly when it challenges prevailing societal norms or powerful authorities, can provoke intense opposition and even fury. The "rage and fury" of Nebuchadnezzar represent the world's visceral reaction to those who refuse to conform to its idolatrous demands or compromise their deeply held convictions. This verse calls us to examine our own allegiances and preparedness: are we ready to face discomfort, ridicule, or even severe consequences for our commitment to Christ and His truth? It reminds us that faithfulness is not always convenient or popular, but it is always righteous. In moments of intense pressure, our response should be rooted in an unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to sustain us, even if His deliverance looks different than we expect. The courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, summoned before the enraged king, serves as a timeless example of costly discipleship and the profound peace that comes from prioritizing God's will above all else, regardless of the earthly cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or societal pressures in my life or culture demand my conformity and potentially compromise my allegiance to God?**
* **How do I typically react when my faith is challenged or when I face opposition for my beliefs? Do I respond with fear, compromise, or steadfastness?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to strengthen my conviction and prepare myself to stand firm, even when facing "rage and fury" from the world?**

### FAQ
**Why was Nebuchadnezzar so angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's extreme anger, described as "rage and fury," stemmed from several significant factors. Primarily, their refusal to worship the golden image was a direct and public challenge to his absolute authority and perceived divine prerogative as king. As the monarch of the most powerful empire, he expected unquestioning obedience to his decrees, especially one as significant as the worship of a national idol designed to unify his diverse subjects under a common symbol of loyalty. The defiance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was not merely a religious disagreement; in his eyes, it was an act of political rebellion and insubordination. Their high positions within his administration, as officials he had personally elevated, likely exacerbated his fury, as it was a public challenge from those he had trusted. Furthermore, the king's character, as depicted throughout Daniel, suggests a volatile temperament and a deep-seated pride that could not tolerate any perceived slight or disobedience, as seen in his earlier reaction to the wise men's inability to interpret his dream ([Daniel 2:12](/daniel/2-12 "Daniel 2:12 - Nebuchadnezzar's Fury at the Chaldeans")). Their refusal threatened his power, his image, and the very foundation of his imperial control, leading to his explosive wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:13, with its depiction of Nebuchadnezzar's "rage and fury" directed at those who would not bow, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between human rebellion and divine authority, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their refusal to worship an earthly image, Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly resisted all temptations to compromise His allegiance to the Father, even when facing the "rage and fury" of religious and political powers. His steadfast obedience, unlike the king's demand for self-exalting worship, was for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. Christ's journey to the cross, where He was brought "before the king" (Pilate) and condemned by the furious crowds who cried, "Crucify him!" ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")), mirrors the perilous summons of the three men. Yet, in His suffering and death, Jesus did not merely endure; He conquered. His resurrection is the ultimate divine intervention, demonstrating God's power to deliver not from a fiery furnace, but from the very flames of sin and eternal death. Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to stand firm against the world's pressures, knowing that the one who delivered the three men from the fire has already secured our eternal victory over all opposition ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). He is the true Lamb of God, who, though brought before the enraged powers of this world, took away its sin and offers true freedom to all who follow Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - The Lamb of God")).

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 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 2:12

For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise [men] of Babylon.

Esther 3:5

And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.

Genesis 4:5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Proverbs 29:22

¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.