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.

Then {H116} was Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} full {H4391} of fury {H2528}, and the form {H6755} of his visage {H600} was changed {H8133} against {H5922} Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}: therefore he spake {H6032}, and commanded {H560} that they should heat {H228} the furnace {H861} one {H2298} seven times {H7655} more {H5922} than {H1768} it was wont {H2370} to be heated {H228}.

N'vukhadnetzar became so utterly enraged that his face was distorted with anger against Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go. He ordered the furnace made seven times hotter than usual.

At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual,

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

Commentary

Daniel 3:19 vividly portrays the intense wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar, marking a dramatic escalation in the narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unwavering faithfulness.

Context

This verse captures the immediate aftermath of the three Hebrew men's courageous refusal to bow down to the golden image erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite the king's initial challenge and offer of a second chance in Daniel 3:14-15, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego firmly declared their allegiance to God, stating that their God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, and even if He did not, they would still not serve his gods (Daniel 3:17-18). This defiant stand against the king's absolute authority ignited his "fury" to an unprecedented level.

Key Themes

  • Unbridled Wrath and Tyranny: Nebuchadnezzar's rage is so profound that "the form of his visage was changed," indicating a visible, almost monstrous distortion of his face. This illustrates the destructive and irrational nature of unchecked power and tyrannical rule when confronted with steadfast conviction.
  • Extreme Persecution and Testing: The command to heat the furnace "seven times more than it was wont to be heated" signifies a desire for maximum cruelty and an attempt to ensure the most agonizing and certain death. This highlights the extraordinary level of persecution faced by those who prioritize divine command over human decree.
  • Consequences of Faithfulness: For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their unwavering faith in God directly led to this perilous moment. It underscores that standing firm for one's beliefs can often invite severe opposition, setting the stage for a dramatic display of divine intervention.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Even amidst the king's furious decree, the narrative subtly points to God's ultimate sovereignty. This intensified heat, intended for their destruction, will paradoxically become the means through which God's power is spectacularly revealed, leading to their miraculous deliverance as seen in the subsequent verses of Daniel 3.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the form of his visage was changed" is a powerful idiom, emphasizing the profound physical manifestation of Nebuchadnezzar's internal, violent anger. His face literally became unrecognizable, contorted by rage. The instruction to heat the furnace "seven times more" is significant. In biblical contexts, the number seven often denotes completeness or perfection. Here, it conveys the absolute maximum possible heat, an extreme and deliberate act to ensure the complete annihilation of the three men, reflecting the king's desperate desire to assert his authority and crush any dissent.

Practical Application

Daniel 3:19 serves as a potent reminder that adherence to God's commands can sometimes provoke intense opposition from worldly powers. It challenges us to consider our own reactions when our authority or beliefs are questioned, and to avoid the pitfalls of unbridled anger and vengeful responses. For believers, it offers encouragement to remain steadfast in faith, even when facing extreme pressure or persecution. It reminds us that even when circumstances appear most dire and human fury is at its peak, God remains sovereign and capable of protecting and delivering His faithful servants, often in ways that defy human expectation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 3:13

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

  • Leviticus 26:24

    Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

  • Proverbs 21:24

    ¶ Proud [and] haughty scorner [is] his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

  • Leviticus 26:28

    Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

  • Leviticus 26:18

    And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

  • 2 Kings 19:27

    But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me.

  • 2 Kings 19:28

    Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
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