Daniel 3:2

KJV

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} the king {H4430} sent {H7972} to gather together {H3673} the princes {H324}, the governors {H5460}, and the captains {H6347}, the judges {H148}, the treasurers {H1411}, the counsellors {H1884}, the sheriffs {H8614}, and all {H3606} the rulers {H7984} of the provinces {H4083}, to come {H858} to the dedication {H2597} of the image {H6755} which Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} the king {H4430} had set up {H6966}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then N'vukhadnetzar the king summoned the viceroys, prefects, governors, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs and all the provincial officials to assemble and come to the dedication of the statue which N'vukhadnetzar the king had set up.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up.

American Standard Version

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:2 details King Nebuchadnezzar's comprehensive summons of all high-ranking officials from across his vast Babylonian empire. This grand assembly was convened for the solemn purpose of dedicating the immense golden image he had erected, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between imperial decree and the unwavering faith of three Jewish exiles. The verse underscores the king's absolute authority and the pervasive reach of his command, compelling every significant leader to participate in this state-mandated act of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 3:2 immediately follows the description of the golden image's construction in [Daniel 3:1](/daniel/3-1 "Daniel 3:1 - The Golden Image"). Having set up this colossal idol in the plain of Dura, Nebuchadnezzar's next logical step is to ensure its universal recognition and worship. This verse initiates the process of gathering the empire's elite, establishing the audience for the king's decree and the subsequent test of faith. It serves as a narrative bridge, moving from the physical creation of the image to the political and religious machinery designed to enforce its veneration, directly preceding the command for all to bow down and the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal in [Daniel 3:3-12](/daniel/3-3 "Daniel 3:3-12 - The Decree and Refusal").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), was at its zenith, renowned for its military might, administrative efficiency, and monumental building projects. The erection of a massive image was characteristic of ancient Near Eastern rulers who often used grand structures and state-sponsored cults to solidify their power, unify diverse populations, and project their divine favor. The extensive list of officials—princes, governors, captains, judges, treasurers, counsellors, sheriffs, and rulers of provinces—reflects the highly organized, centralized bureaucracy of the Babylonian empire, which extended its control over numerous conquered territories. The "dedication" was not merely a religious ceremony but a political loyalty test, a common practice in empires seeking to integrate conquered peoples into their imperial ideology.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes prevalent in the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **Absolute Monarchical Authority**, demonstrating Nebuchadnezzar's unquestioned power to command the presence and obedience of all his officials, even in matters of religious observance. Secondly, it sets the stage for **Forced Idolatry and Conformity**, as the purpose of the assembly is the "dedication of the image," a direct challenge to the monotheistic faith of the Jewish exiles. This theme will culminate in the dramatic defiance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, showcasing the conflict between divine command and human decree, as seen later in [Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16 "Daniel 3:16-18 - The Faithful Stand"). Thirdly, the detailed enumeration of officials underscores the **Vastness and Administrative Reach** of the Babylonian Empire, emphasizing the immense pressure placed upon individuals within such a comprehensive system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Aramaic, _shᵉlach'_):** (H7972) This Aramaic term corresponds to the Hebrew `shalach` and signifies to "send away, for, or out." In this context, it denotes a deliberate and authoritative dispatch of messengers or decrees. Nebuchadnezzar's "sending" indicates a formal, official command, initiating a widespread mobilization of his entire administrative apparatus. It is an act of sovereign will, demonstrating his power to summon and compel.
* **gather together (Aramaic, _kânash'_):** (H3673) Corresponding to the Hebrew `kanas`, this word means "to assemble." The use of this term emphasizes the comprehensive and mandatory nature of the king's summons. It implies a deliberate collection of individuals from various locations, underscoring the king's intent to bring all relevant officials into a single, unified presence for a specific purpose. This was not an optional invitation but a royal imperative for a grand, empire-wide convocation.
* **dedication (Aramaic, _chănukkâʼ'_):** (H2597) This term, corresponding to the Hebrew `chanukkah`, refers to "consecration" or "dedication." It signifies the formal setting apart of something for sacred use or a specific purpose, often religious. Here, it highlights the religious significance of the event—the image was not merely a statue but an object to be consecrated and worshipped, demanding an act of homage from all summoned officials, thereby establishing a new, state-mandated religious observance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent":** This clause establishes the primary actor and his authoritative action. "Nebuchadnezzar the king" emphasizes his supreme royal status and the absolute power inherent in his command. The act of "sending" signifies the initiation of a formal, empire-wide decree.
* **"to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces":** This lengthy enumeration details the specific recipients of the king's summons. It highlights the hierarchical and comprehensive nature of the Babylonian administration, ensuring that no significant official, from regional administrators ("princes," "governors," "captains") to judicial and financial officers ("judges," "treasurers," "counsellors," "sheriffs"), was exempt. The phrase "all the rulers of the provinces" emphasizes the universal reach of the command across the entire empire, underscoring the king's desire for total compliance.
* **"to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up":** This final clause clarifies the explicit purpose of the grand assembly. The "dedication of the image" indicates a religious ceremony, transforming the golden statue into an object of worship. The repetition of "Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up" reinforces his personal initiative and authority behind both the image's creation and its mandatory dedication, linking the act of worship directly to his imperial will.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:2 employs several potent literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the exhaustive list of officials (princes, governors, captains, judges, treasurers, counsellors, sheriffs, and all rulers of the provinces). This detailed listing serves to emphasize the vastness of Nebuchadnezzar's empire and the comprehensive nature of his command, leaving no doubt that the summons was universal and mandatory. The sheer number of titles also contributes to a sense of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the king's immense power and the unparalleled scale of the event. Furthermore, the verse functions as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic conflict that will ensue. By meticulously detailing the assembly for the image's dedication, the narrative builds anticipation for the inevitable clash between the king's decree and the unwavering monotheism of Daniel's three friends, whose refusal to bow will become the central drama of the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:2 serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's attempt to unify his vast empire through a mandatory act of idolatry represents the world's kingdoms asserting their ultimate authority, often in direct opposition to the worship of the one true God. This forced conformity highlights the spiritual battle between allegiance to earthly powers and steadfast devotion to God, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all human empires. The meticulous detail of the summons underscores the pervasive nature of such pressures, making the subsequent defiance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all the more profound as a testament to faithfulness.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Revelation 13:15-17](/revelation/13-15 "Revelation 13:15-17 - Worship of the Beast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed summons in Daniel 3:2 resonates deeply with contemporary challenges, reminding us that pressures to conform to prevailing societal, political, or even corporate ideologies are ever-present. Just as Nebuchadnezzar sought to unify his empire under a singular, state-mandated religious observance, modern systems often demand allegiance to values or practices that may conflict with one's deeply held convictions. This verse compels us to reflect on the nature of authority—both human and divine—and to consider where our ultimate loyalty lies. It challenges us to discern when conformity is benign and when it compromises our faith, preparing us for moments when standing firm, even in the face of immense pressure and potential consequence, becomes a necessary act of worship to God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden images" or prevailing ideologies in our society demand our allegiance or compromise our faith today?**
* **How do we discern between legitimate submission to governing authorities and unbiblical conformity to societal pressures?**
* **What steps can we take to strengthen our resolve to obey God rather than human systems, even when it is costly?**

### FAQ

**Why did Nebuchadnezzar gather all these officials for the dedication?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar gathered all these officials for the dedication of the image primarily to solidify his absolute authority and to enforce religious and political unity across his vast empire. By compelling every high-ranking official from all provinces to attend and participate in this act of worship, he was demanding a public display of loyalty not only to the image but, more importantly, to himself as the supreme ruler. This grand assembly served as a powerful demonstration of his power and an implicit loyalty test, ensuring that his decree would be universally recognized and obeyed. It was a strategic move to integrate diverse peoples and cultures under a common, state-sanctioned cult, thereby strengthening his imperial control, as seen in the subsequent command for all to bow down in [Daniel 3:4-6](/daniel/3-4 "Daniel 3:4-6 - The King's Decree").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 3:2, with its depiction of an earthly king demanding universal worship of an idol, stands in stark contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of all worship. Nebuchadnezzar's forced dedication of a man-made image foreshadows the world's persistent attempts to establish alternative objects of worship and allegiance, whether they be political systems, ideologies, or material possessions. Yet, the New Testament reveals a kingdom not built by human hands, but established by God Himself, where true worship is given freely and from the heart to the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar's image, which demanded outward conformity under threat, Christ's call is for inward transformation and voluntary submission to His loving reign. The ultimate gathering of all peoples will not be for the dedication of an earthly idol, but for the [worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), Jesus Christ, who alone holds [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ"). His kingdom, unlike Nebuchadnezzar's, is eternal and will never be destroyed, as prophesied in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom"), culminating in the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

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 3:27

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

Exodus 32:4

And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 32:6

And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Daniel 6:1

¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Numbers 25:2

And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

Judges 16:23

Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.