Daniel 3:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {H2006} it be so, our God {H426} whom we {H586} serve {H6399} is {H383} able {H3202} to deliver {H7804} us from {H4481} the burning {H3345} fiery {H5135} furnace {H861}, and {H4481} he will deliver {H7804} us out of {H4481} thine hand {H3028}, O king {H4430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your majesty, if our God, whom we serve, is able to save us, he will save us from the blazing hot furnace and from your power.

Berean Standard Bible

If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king.

American Standard Version

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 thy hand, O king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:17 captures the profound, unwavering declaration of faith made by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar. Facing imminent death in a superheated fiery furnace for refusing to worship the king's golden idol, these three Jewish exiles confidently proclaimed their God's absolute ability and certain will to deliver them from both the physical threat and the king's dominion. Their statement is not a plea for rescue, but a bold affirmation of divine omnipotence and sovereignty, demonstrating a conviction that transcends fear of earthly power or death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar's furious interrogation and threat in [Daniel 3:15](/daniel/3-15 "Daniel 3:15 - Nebuchadnezzar's Challenge"). The narrative immediately preceding this verse details the king's decree for all to worship his golden image and the report of the three men's refusal. Their declaration in [Daniel 3:17-18](/daniel/3-17 "Daniel 3:17-18 - The Faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego") serves as the direct challenge to the king's authority and sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance that follows in [Daniel 3:24-27](/daniel/3-24 "Daniel 3:24-27 - The Miracle in the Furnace"). It is a pivotal moment that highlights their steadfast commitment to Yahweh, even unto death, echoing the earlier demonstration of faith by Daniel and his friends in [Daniel 1](/daniel/1 "Daniel 1 - Daniel's Early Faithfulness and Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605-562 BC), a period of immense imperial power and cultural dominance. Nebuchadnezzar had deported many Jews, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon following the conquest of Judah. The erection of the golden image (likely a colossal statue of Nebuchadnezzar himself or a prominent Babylonian deity) was a strategic act of imperial propaganda, designed to consolidate religious and political loyalty under the king's absolute rule. Refusal to worship was not merely a religious offense but an act of treason, punishable by the most severe means, such as being cast into a "burning fiery furnace," a terrifying form of capital punishment known in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The cultural clash between Babylonian polytheism and the exclusive monotheism of the Jewish exiles is central to this narrative.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 3:17 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human rulers and natural forces, even in the heart of a pagan empire. It underscores **Unwavering Faith** in the face of overwhelming pressure and certain death, illustrating that true faith trusts God's character and power regardless of the immediate outcome, as further emphasized in [Daniel 3:18](/daniel/3-18 "Daniel 3:18 - Their Unwavering Resolve"). The verse also highlights **Exclusive Worship**, emphasizing the singular devotion owed to Yahweh alone, distinguishing Him from all false gods and idols. This commitment to God's commands over human decrees is a recurring motif throughout Daniel, as seen in Daniel's own refusal to compromise in [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den"). Finally, it showcases **Courage in Conviction**, portraying the moral fortitude required to stand for truth against a tyrannical authority, a theme that resonates throughout the history of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **able (Aramaic, _yᵉkêl'_):** (H3202) This Aramaic word signifies an inherent capacity or power, literally "to be able" or "to prevail." In Daniel 3:17, its use emphasizes God's intrinsic omnipotence. The declaration that God "is able" is not a hopeful wish but a statement of absolute fact regarding His divine competence and limitless capability to intervene in any situation, no matter how dire or humanly impossible. It speaks to His nature as the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer.
* **serve (Aramaic, _pᵉlach'_):** (H6399) This term means "to serve or worship." It defines the relationship between the three men and their God. Their service is not merely passive obedience but an active, devoted worship that distinguishes Yahweh from the idols of Babylon. This word underscores the exclusive nature of their devotion, indicating that their refusal to bow to the golden image stemmed from a deep, active commitment to their God, whom they continually served and worshipped.
* **deliver (Aramaic, _shᵉzab'_):** (H7804) Meaning "to leave" or, causatively, "to free," this word conveys the act of rescue or liberation. Its repetition in the verse ("able to deliver... and he will deliver") powerfully emphasizes God's active intervention to set free. It speaks to God's role as a rescuer, one who brings salvation from danger, whether from a physical threat like the furnace or from the oppressive "hand" of a human ruler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If it be [so], our God whom we serve":** This opening clause acknowledges the king's decree and the dire circumstances without expressing doubt in God. The phrase "our God whom we serve" immediately identifies their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, setting Him apart from Nebuchadnezzar's gods. It highlights their active, personal relationship with the one true God, defining their identity and the source of their unwavering conviction.
* **"is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace":** This is a bold declaration of God's omnipotence. They assert God's inherent capacity to rescue them from the most extreme and certain form of death imaginable. It speaks to His supernatural power to defy natural laws and human limitations, demonstrating that no threat is too great for Him.
* **"and he will deliver [us] out of thine hand, O king.":** This second part of the declaration moves from "ability" to "certainty." It's not just that God *can* deliver, but that He *will*. This powerfully asserts God's sovereignty over human authority, explicitly stating that even the mighty King Nebuchadnezzar's power is subordinate to God's will. It is a direct challenge to the king's dominion, proclaiming God's ultimate control.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Declaration**, as the verse is not a plea or a question, but an unequivocal statement of faith and conviction. This bold assertion contrasts sharply with the king's furious interrogation, highlighting the unshakeable resolve of the three men. **Contrast** is also evident, pitting the seemingly absolute power of King Nebuchadnezzar and his terrifying furnace against the omnipotence and sovereignty of the God whom Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serve. The phrase "burning fiery furnace" serves as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and inescapable nature of the threat, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of the anticipated deliverance and the immense power of God. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the verb "deliver" (Aramaic, _shᵉzab'_) underscores the certainty and the comprehensive nature of God's rescue, reinforcing their confidence that God would not only save them from the furnace but also from the king's ultimate control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:17 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of true faith and the character of God. It reveals a God who is not only capable of miraculous intervention but who is also sovereign over all earthly powers and circumstances. The unwavering conviction of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrates that genuine worship involves absolute allegiance to God, even when it demands defying human authority and facing death. Their declaration speaks to God's covenant faithfulness, assuring believers that He remains true to His promises and is indeed a deliverer. This passage challenges us to consider whether our faith is contingent on outcomes or rooted in the unchangeable character of an omnipotent God.

* [Daniel 3:18](/daniel/3-18 "Daniel 3:18 - Their Unwavering Resolve")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Deliverance from Afflictions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:17 offers a timeless model for courageous faith in a world often hostile to biblical truth. It calls believers to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or threats. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to God: do we serve Him out of convenience, or out of a conviction that His authority transcends all earthly powers? It encourages us to prioritize obedience to God's commands above personal safety, comfort, or societal approval, remembering that our God is "able to deliver." The ultimate application is to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that whether God delivers us *from* our "fiery furnaces" or *through* them, His character remains constant, and His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fiery furnaces" are you facing today, and how does this verse encourage your trust in God's ability?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise your faith due to external pressure or fear of consequences?**
* **How does the declaration "our God whom we serve" challenge your understanding of worship and service in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Did they expect God to deliver them?**

Answer: Yes, their declaration "is able to deliver us... and he will deliver us" indicates a strong expectation of God's intervention. However, their faith was not conditional on *how* God would deliver them, or even *if* He would deliver them from the furnace itself. As [Daniel 3:18](/daniel/3-18 "Daniel 3:18 - Faith Regardless of Outcome") immediately clarifies, "But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." This demonstrates that their ultimate trust was in God's sovereignty and character, not merely in a specific outcome. They believed God *could* and *would* deliver, but their obedience was absolute, regardless of the immediate physical consequence.

**What is the significance of "out of thine hand, O king"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant as it directly challenges Nebuchadnezzar's perceived absolute authority and power. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a king's "hand" symbolized his power, dominion, and control. By declaring that God would deliver them "out of thine hand, O king," Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were asserting that God's sovereignty transcends even the mightiest earthly ruler. It was a bold declaration that their lives, and indeed all authority, ultimately rested in God's hands, not the king's. This statement underscores the theological truth that God is the supreme authority, before whom all human power is ultimately subservient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:17-27 serves as a powerful Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as God was "able to deliver" His servants from physical death, so too is He able to deliver humanity from the far greater "furnace" of sin, death, and eternal judgment. The presence of a "fourth man" in the furnace, "like a son of the gods" ([Daniel 3:25](/daniel/3-25 "Daniel 3:25 - The Fourth Man in the Furnace")), is often seen as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, signifying God's personal presence with His people in their suffering. This prefigures Christ's own willingness to enter into the depths of human suffering and death to secure our salvation. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus faced the full wrath of God against sin, delivering us from the "hand" of spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—and transferring us "from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our faith in Christ, like that of the three men, is a declaration that our God is able to deliver us from all spiritual bondage, granting us eternal life and victory over death ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jeremiah 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.