Daniel 3:26

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, [and] spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come [hither]. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

Then {H116} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} came near {H7127} to the mouth {H8651} of the burning {H3345} fiery {H5135} furnace {H861}, and spake {H6032}, and said {H560}, Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, ye servants {H5649} of the most high {H5943} God {H426}, come forth {H5312}, and come {H858} hither. Then {H116} Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, came forth {H5312} of {H4481} the midst {H1459} of the fire {H5135}.

N'vukhadnetzar approached the opening of the blazing hot furnace and said, "Shadrakh! Meishakh! 'Aved-N'go! You servants of El 'Elyon! Come out, and come here!" Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go emerged from the flames.

Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace and called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire,

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spake and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came forth out of the midst of the fire.

Commentary on Daniel 3:26 (KJV)

Daniel 3:26 describes a miraculous moment where King Nebuchadnezzar, astounded by the survival of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, personally calls them out. This verse marks the climax of their ordeal and the king's dawning recognition of the true God.

Context

This pivotal verse follows the dramatic events of Daniel chapter 3. King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a massive golden image and commanded all his subjects to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, devout servants of God, refused to bow down, remaining faithful to the first and second commandments. Enraged, Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. However, instead of being consumed by the flames, they were seen walking unharmed in the fire, accompanied by a fourth figure "like the Son of God". It is from this astonishing sight that Nebuchadnezzar approaches the furnace, humbled and compelled to acknowledge their God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Protection: The primary theme is God's absolute power to deliver His faithful servants from seemingly impossible situations. The furnace, designed for death, becomes a stage for divine intervention, showcasing God's ability to protect those who trust Him.
  • Sovereignty of God: Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful ruler of his time, is forced to confess the supremacy of the God of Israel. His command for them to "come forth" is not an act of mercy but an admission of a power far greater than his own, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over kings and kingdoms.
  • Faithfulness Under Persecution: The unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, even when faced with certain death, is vindicated. Their obedience to God, rather than to the king's decree, led to a public display of God's glory.
  • Witness to the World: Their miraculous survival served as an undeniable testimony to the pagan king and his entire court. This event led to Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent decree, which acknowledged the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Linguistic Insights

Nebuchadnezzar addresses them as "ye servants of the most high God." The phrase "most high God" translates the Aramaic Elah Illaya (אֱלָהָא עִלָּאָה). This title emphasizes God's supreme authority, transcendence, and unmatched power, positioning Him above all other gods and human rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's use of this specific title indicates a profound shift in his understanding and a reluctant, yet genuine, acknowledgment of God's unparalleled might.

Practical Application

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace continues to inspire believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Able to Deliver: Even in our most challenging circumstances, God has the power to protect and deliver us. Our faith should rest in His ability, not in the absence of trials.
  • Faithfulness Brings Witness: Our steadfastness in obeying God, even when it costs us, can be a powerful testimony to those around us who do not know Him. Our endurance under pressure can reveal the reality and power of God to a watching world.
  • God is Sovereign Over All: No earthly power, no matter how great, can ultimately thwart God's plans or overcome His people when they are walking in His will.

This verse encourages us to trust God's presence and power, knowing that He is with us through every "fiery furnace" of life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Daniel 4:2

    I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

  • Acts 16:17

    The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

  • Isaiah 52:12

    For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.

  • Joshua 4:10

    ¶ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.

  • Galatians 1:10

    ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

  • Revelation 19:5

    ¶ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
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