Daniel 3:15

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {H3705} if {H2006} ye be {H383} ready {H6263} that at what time {H5732} ye hear {H8086} the sound {H7032} of the cornet {H7162}, flute {H4953}, harp {H7030}{H7030}, sackbut {H5443}, psaltery {H6460}, and dulcimer {H5481}, and all {H3606} kinds {H2178} of musick {H2170}, ye fall down {H5308} and worship {H5457} the image {H6755} which I have made {H5648}; well: but if {H2006} ye worship {H5457} not {H3809}, ye shall be cast {H7412} the same hour {H8160} into the midst {H1459} of a burning {H3345} fiery {H5135} furnace {H861}; and who {H4479} is that God {H426} that shall deliver {H7804} you out of {H4481} my hands {H3028}?

Complete Jewish Bible

All right, then. If you are prepared, when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, harp, zither, lute, bagpipe and the rest of the musical instruments, to fall down and worship the gold statue, very well. But if you won't worship, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing hot furnace - and what god will save you from my power then?"

Berean Standard Bible

Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”

American Standard Version

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 music, 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:15 captures King Nebuchadnezzar's furious ultimatum to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, presenting them with a final, non-negotiable choice: either immediately prostrate themselves and worship the golden image he has erected upon hearing the designated musical signal, or face instant execution by being cast into a superheated fiery furnace. The verse culminates in the king's arrogant challenge, questioning the very existence and power of any God capable of delivering them from his absolute dominion, thereby setting the stage for a profound confrontation between human pride and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic moment in Nebuchadnezzar's direct confrontation with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Following the accusation by the Chaldeans in [Daniel 3:8-12](/daniel/3-8 "Daniel 3:8-12 - Accusation Against the Hebrews"), and the king's initial furious response in [Daniel 3:13](/daniel/3-13 "Daniel 3:13 - Nebuchadnezzar's Fury"), Daniel 3:15 represents Nebuchadnezzar's final, desperate attempt to coerce the three Hebrews into submission. It is a conditional offer, framed as a second chance, but delivered with overwhelming intimidation and a clear, deadly consequence for refusal. The king's challenge to God at the end of the verse directly foreshadows the miraculous divine intervention that will follow in [Daniel 3:24-27](/daniel/3-24 "Daniel 3:24-27 - The Fourth Man in the Furnace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II, a period marked by imperial expansion, monumental building projects, and the consolidation of political and religious power. The construction of a massive golden image on the plain of Dura (mentioned in [Daniel 3:1](/daniel/3-1 "Daniel 3:1 - The Golden Image")) was likely a strategic move to unify the diverse peoples of the empire under a common, state-sanctioned cult, reinforcing the king's authority and perhaps deifying himself. The elaborate musical orchestration was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern royal decrees, serving as an unmistakable signal for universal compliance. Fiery furnaces were indeed known instruments of capital punishment in the region, as evidenced by other biblical texts like [Jeremiah 29:22](/jeremiah/29-22 "Jeremiah 29:22 - Punishment of Zedekiah and Ahab"). Nebuchadnezzar's question about God's ability to deliver reflects the common ancient belief that a nation's god was only as powerful as its army or king, and that a defeated or exiled people's god was therefore inferior.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the **conflict of worship**, pitting compulsory idolatry against exclusive devotion to the one true God, a direct challenge to the First Commandment found in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **human arrogance versus divine sovereignty**. Nebuchadnezzar's hubristic question, "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?", reveals his belief in his own ultimate power and his contempt for any deity superior to him, setting up a dramatic test of God's ability to intervene against even the mightiest earthly ruler. Thirdly, it vividly portrays **faith under pressure**, as the three men face an immediate, public, and deadly threat, forcing a clear choice between personal safety and faithfulness to God, a theme echoed in [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer and Faith"). Finally, the verse clearly delineates the **consequences of choice**, emphasizing the dire outcome of disobedience (the fiery furnace) and the implied "well" for compliance, underscoring the high stakes involved in their decision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **burning (Aramaic, _yᵉqad'_):** (H3345) This Aramaic word, corresponding to the Hebrew root meaning "to burn," emphasizes the active, intense, and destructive nature of the fire. It is not merely warm or hot, but actively consuming, highlighting the terrifying reality of the punishment. The participle form suggests an ongoing, fervent state of combustion.
* **furnace (Aramaic, _ʼattûwn'_):** (H861) This term refers to a specific type of large, enclosed oven or kiln, likely used for smelting metals or baking bricks, but here repurposed as an instrument of execution. Its very design implies extreme, contained heat, making it a particularly dreadful means of death. The choice of this word underscores the severity and the deliberate, calculated nature of the king's threat.
* **hands (Aramaic, _yad'_):** (H3028) While literally referring to the physical appendage, in this context, "hands" is a powerful idiom for power, authority, control, and possession. Nebuchadnezzar's rhetorical question, "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?", is a direct assertion of his perceived ultimate power and dominion, implying that nothing, not even a god, could wrest control from him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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]:"** This opening clause presents Nebuchadnezzar's conditional offer, cloaked in a veneer of magnanimity. The detailed enumeration of musical instruments serves as a precise, unmistakable trigger for the act of worship, ensuring no one could claim ignorance or misunderstanding. The phrase "all kinds of musick" emphasizes the universal and overwhelming nature of the command, designed to compel every subject. The king's assertion "which I have made" highlights his personal investment and proprietary claim over the idol, making defiance a direct affront to his authority. The implied "well" suggests a return to favor and safety for compliance.
* **"but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace;"** This clause starkly presents the alternative: immediate, severe, and inescapable punishment for non-compliance. The phrase "the same hour" conveys the urgency and lack of reprieve, emphasizing the king's absolute power and swift judgment. "Into the midst of a burning fiery furnace" graphically describes the terrifying fate awaiting them, leaving no doubt about the agonizing nature of the death. The repetition of "burning fiery" (from the same root) intensifies the image of infernal heat and destruction.
* **"and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?"** This concluding rhetorical question is the epitome of Nebuchadnezzar's hubris. It is not a genuine inquiry but a boastful challenge, expressing his supreme confidence in his own power and his contempt for any deity, particularly the God of the exiled Hebrews, whom he believes to be inferior to his own might. This question directly sets up the miraculous demonstration of God's sovereignty that is about to unfold.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:15 is rich with literary techniques that amplify its dramatic tension and thematic significance. The most prominent device is **Ultimatum**, as Nebuchadnezzar presents a stark, binary choice with immediate and severe consequences, leaving no room for negotiation or delay. This creates intense dramatic tension, highlighting the immense pressure on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The king employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** at the verse's end ("and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but to assert his absolute power and mock the God of Israel. This device underscores his profound arrogance and sets the stage for God's ultimate vindication. The detailed listing of musical instruments ("cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer") functions as a form of **Enumeration**, emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the king's decree. This meticulous detail ensures that the signal for worship is universally understood and cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the description of the "burning fiery furnace" uses **Hyperbole** to convey the extreme and terrifying nature of the punishment, designed to instill maximum fear and compel obedience. Finally, the entire verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine intervention that will directly answer Nebuchadnezzar's blasphemous challenge, demonstrating God's supreme power over all earthly rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:15 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of worship and divine sovereignty. It starkly contrasts the compulsory, fear-driven worship of a man-made idol with the free, Spirit-led devotion to the one true God. Nebuchadnezzar's demand for universal prostration before his image represents the pervasive human tendency to create and worship idols, whether they be physical objects, ideologies, or even self-aggrandizement. His ultimate challenge to God's power reveals the inherent arrogance of humanity when it seeks to usurp divine authority. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is an act of allegiance to God alone, a commitment that transcends earthly threats and human decrees. It underscores the biblical truth that God's sovereignty is absolute, extending even over the most powerful earthly rulers and their instruments of coercion.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Over Man")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice as True Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:15 offers a timeless challenge to believers across generations. While we may not face a literal fiery furnace, the world continually presents its own "furnaces" of conformity, demanding our allegiance to cultural norms, societal pressures, or personal ambitions that conflict with God's commands. This verse calls us to examine where our ultimate loyalty lies. Are we prepared to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with significant social, professional, or personal consequences? The unwavering resolve of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in prioritizing faithfulness to God above all else. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign power to deliver, not always from the trial itself, but often through it, transforming our character and demonstrating His glory. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that our primary allegiance is to the King of Kings, and His authority supersedes any earthly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or pressures in my life (e.g., career success, social acceptance, material possessions) demand my ultimate allegiance, challenging my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego encourage me to stand firm in my convictions, even when facing significant consequences or ridicule?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's power to deliver, even when the outcome seems impossible from a human perspective or when the "furnace" feels overwhelmingly hot?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar give Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego a second chance?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's decision to offer a second chance, rather than immediate execution, likely stemmed from a complex mix of factors. Firstly, he was probably genuinely astonished and infuriated by their defiance, given their high positions and the absolute nature of his decree. He may have found it inconceivable that anyone would openly defy him, especially after his initial display of wrath. Secondly, their prior faithful service and wisdom (as seen in [Daniel 1:19-20](/daniel/1-19 "Daniel 1:19-20 - Daniel and His Friends in Royal Service")) might have earned them a grudging respect, leading him to believe that a direct, personal ultimatum would bring them to their senses. Finally, his immense pride and desire for universal conformity meant he wanted their public submission, not just their death. He wanted to crush their will and demonstrate his absolute power, believing that no God could stand against him.

**What was the significance of the detailed list of musical instruments in the king's decree?**

Answer: The meticulous enumeration of "cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick" served several crucial purposes. Primarily, it established an unmistakable and universal signal for the act of worship. No one could claim ignorance of the command or the precise moment of its activation. This elaborate orchestration ensured that the act of prostration was a public, synchronized, and deliberate display of allegiance, reinforcing the king's absolute authority and the comprehensive nature of his decree across his diverse empire. It made any refusal a clear, undeniable act of defiance.

**Was the fiery furnace a common method of execution in ancient Babylon?**

Answer: While not the sole method, historical and biblical evidence suggests that execution by fire, often in a furnace, was indeed a known and terrifying form of punishment in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly for severe offenses or acts of rebellion. The prophet Jeremiah, for instance, mentions Babylonian kings executing false prophets by fire in [Jeremiah 29:22](/jeremiah/29-22 "Jeremiah 29:22 - Punishment of False Prophets"). This historical context underscores the very real and immediate danger faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, making Nebuchadnezzar's threat not an idle boast but a credible and horrific reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:15, with its stark ultimatum and Nebuchadnezzar's blasphemous challenge, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between human idolatry and divine authority, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the three Hebrews faced immense pressure to worship a man-made image, humanity is perpetually tempted to bow before false gods—whether they be power, wealth, self, or worldly systems. Jesus, the true Son of God, faced similar temptations in the wilderness, refusing to bow to Satan's offer of worldly kingdoms in exchange for worship, declaring, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve" ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). His life was a perfect embodiment of unwavering allegiance to the Father, even unto the "furnace" of the cross, where He willingly submitted to God's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")).

Nebuchadnezzar's arrogant question, "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?", finds its ultimate answer in Christ. It is God Himself, in the person of Jesus, who delivers humanity not merely from a physical furnace, but from the eternal flames of sin and death. He is the ultimate Deliverer, the one who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Great Commission")). Through His resurrection, Christ demonstrated God's supreme power over death and all earthly dominion, proving that no one can snatch His sheep "out of my hand" or "out of my Father's hand" ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Security of Believers")). Therefore, the call to worship God alone, so powerfully demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, finds its perfect fulfillment and enablement in Christ, who invites all to worship the Father "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, delivering us from a far greater judgment than any earthly furnace ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

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.

2 Kings 18:35

Who [are] they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:17

He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of [other] lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.

Exodus 5:2

And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,