Daniel 3:28

KJV

¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} spake {H6032}, and said {H560}, Blessed {H1289} be the God {H426} of Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, who hath sent {H7972} his angel {H4398}, and delivered {H7804} his servants {H5649} that trusted {H7365} in him {H5922}, and have changed {H8133} the king's {H4430} word {H4406}, and yielded {H3052} their bodies {H1655}, that they might not {H3809} serve {H6399} nor {H3809} worship {H5457} any {H3606} god {H426}, except {H3861} their own God {H426}.

Complete Jewish Bible

N'vukhadnetzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go! He sent his angel to deliver his servants who trusted in him. They defied the royal order to the point of being willing to give up their bodies, in order not to serve or worship any god but their own God.

Berean Standard Bible

Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

American Standard Version

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:28 captures the dramatic moment when King Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful pagan monarch, publicly acknowledges and praises the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Following their miraculous preservation in the fiery furnace, the king attributes their deliverance to divine intervention, recognizing their unwavering faithfulness and the supreme authority of their God, who superseded his own decree. This declaration serves as a profound testament to God's power and the impact of steadfast obedience in the face of immense pressure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration of King Nebuchadnezzar at the conclusion of the fiery furnace narrative in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace"). The preceding verses detail the king's decree for all to worship his golden image, the steadfast refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their condemnation to the superheated furnace, and their astonishing preservation. The king himself witnessed a fourth figure "like the Son of God" ([Daniel 3:25](/daniel/3-25 "Daniel 3:25 - The Fourth Man in the Furnace")) accompanying them. Their emergence unharmed, without even the smell of smoke, directly prompts this astonishing confession from the king, marking a turning point in his understanding of the true God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon, the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the absolute reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). This was a period of immense imperial power, where the king's word was law and his authority unquestioned. The erection of a massive golden image was typical of ancient Near Eastern rulers who often used such monuments to assert their power, religious devotion, and national identity, demanding universal homage. Refusal to comply was an act of treason, punishable by death, often by fire. The king's public declaration, therefore, is highly significant, as it represents a profound shift in his understanding, compelled by undeniable supernatural evidence that challenged his own perceived omnipotence.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise") powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the book of Daniel. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's power transcends even the most formidable earthly rulers and their decrees, as seen in the king's "word" being "changed" by God's intervention. The **Faithfulness of God's Servants** is central, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's unwavering trust and willingness to "yield their bodies" rather than compromise their exclusive worship of God ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")) becomes the catalyst for divine deliverance. This event also underscores the theme of **God's Witness to the Nations**, where a pagan king is forced to acknowledge the true God, foreshadowing later acknowledgments of God's supremacy throughout Daniel, such as in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Aramaic, _bᵉrak'_):** H1289. This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew `barak`, signifies to kneel, and by implication, to bless God as an act of adoration, or to bless man as a benefit. Here, Nebuchadnezzar is offering adoration and praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, acknowledging His supreme power and goodness.
* **yielded (Aramaic, _yᵉhab'_):** H3052. This word means "to give" or "to put," and in this context, it carries the profound sense of surrendering or delivering. The three men "yielded their bodies," indicating their complete submission to God's will and their willingness to sacrifice their physical lives rather than betray their faith.
* **God (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** H426. This is the common Aramaic term for God, equivalent to the Hebrew `Eloah` or `Elohim`. Nebuchadnezzar's repeated use of "their own God" (H426) emphasizes the distinctiveness and singular nature of the God worshipped by the Hebrews, contrasting Him with the multitude of pagan deities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego":** This opening clause marks a dramatic shift in the king's attitude, from furious condemnation to public adoration. His blessing is a direct acknowledgment of the supreme power of the God who intervened, a remarkable confession from a proud pagan ruler.
* **"who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him":** The king identifies the source of the miraculous deliverance – God, who dispatched a divine messenger. He explicitly links the deliverance to the unwavering trust and faith of the three men, highlighting their active role in their obedience as the catalyst for God's intervention.
* **"and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies":** This phrase underscores the profound nature of their defiance and God's intervention. The "king's word" (his absolute decree) was rendered powerless by God's act. The men's willingness to "yield their bodies" (surrender their lives) for their conviction is presented as the ultimate act of faithfulness, demonstrating their priority of God over self-preservation.
* **"that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God":** This final clause clarifies the core issue at stake: exclusive worship. The king recognizes that the men's refusal to compromise was rooted in their absolute devotion to their singular God, distinguishing Him from all other deities and acknowledging the unique nature of their monotheistic faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is strikingly evident in the pagan king, who previously demanded universal worship of his own idol, now publicly blessing the God of his captives. This dramatic reversal highlights God's power to humble the proud and turn the hearts of even His adversaries. The phrase "changed the king's word" is a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute authority of God over even the most powerful earthly decrees, demonstrating that no human power can thwart His will. **Repetition** of "God" (specifically "their own God") underscores the monotheistic conviction of the Hebrews and the king's reluctant acknowledgment of this unique deity. The entire narrative leading to this verse functions as a **theophany** or divine manifestation, where God's presence and power are unmistakably revealed through miraculous intervention, compelling a public declaration from an unbelieving ruler.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise") stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing faithfulness and His sovereign power over all earthly authorities. It demonstrates that true worship demands exclusive devotion, even in the face of death, and that God honors such unwavering trust with miraculous deliverance. The king's forced acknowledgment of God's supremacy serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all human empires, a central theme throughout the book of Daniel. This event also highlights the evangelistic potential of steadfast faith, as the testimony of God's servants leads even a pagan monarch to praise the Most High.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Him")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Universal Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Daniel 3, culminating in Nebuchadnezzar's declaration in [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise"), offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It challenges us to examine the depth of our own trust in God, especially when faced with pressures to compromise our convictions for personal safety or societal acceptance. The example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that true faithfulness is demonstrated not merely in comfortable adherence, but in courageous defiance of ungodly decrees, even when it means risking everything. Our willingness to "yield our bodies" to God's will, prioritizing His honor above all else, can become a powerful witness to those around us, demonstrating God's living presence and power in a way that words alone cannot. This verse encourages us to stand firm, knowing that God is able to deliver, and that even if He does not deliver in the way we expect, our ultimate reward is in Him, and our steadfastness can bring glory to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fiery furnaces" or pressures to compromise my faith am I currently facing in my life or culture?**
* **How does the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenge my understanding of what it means to truly trust and obey God, even unto personal sacrifice?**
* **In what specific ways can my unwavering faith, particularly in times of trial, become a powerful testimony to those who do not yet know God?**

### FAQ
**Was the "angel" Nebuchadnezzar saw in the furnace the same as the "Son of God" mentioned earlier?**

Answer: While [Daniel 3:25](/daniel/3-25 "Daniel 3:25 - The Fourth Man in the Furnace") describes the fourth figure as "like the Son of God" (Aramaic `bar 'elahin`), [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise") has Nebuchadnezzar stating that God "sent his angel." Many scholars interpret the "Son of God" phrasing as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany), given its unique description. However, Nebuchadnezzar, from his pagan perspective, might have simply recognized a divine, supernatural being and used the term "angel" as a general descriptor for a heavenly messenger. The text emphasizes God's direct intervention, whether through a Christophany or a powerful angel, as the undeniable source of deliverance.

**What does it mean that they "changed the king's word"?**

Answer: This phrase means that the king's decree, which commanded universal worship of his idol and the execution of those who refused, was rendered ineffective and essentially overturned by the miraculous intervention of God. The three men, by their steadfast refusal and God's subsequent deliverance, demonstrated that the king's absolute authority was subordinate to the power and will of the Most High God. It wasn't that they literally altered the decree, but that their actions and God's power nullified its intended effect on them, effectively "changing" its outcome. This highlights God's ultimate [sovereignty](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34 - God's Dominion") over all human rulers and their decrees.

**Why is it significant that Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, blessed God?**

Answer: It is profoundly significant because it demonstrates God's ability to reveal Himself and His power even to those who are hostile to Him. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful ruler of his time, a proud and idolatrous monarch. His public blessing of the God of Israel, acknowledging His unique power and the faithfulness of His servants, serves as a powerful witness to God's universal dominion. It shows that God can use extraordinary circumstances to break through human pride and idolatry, compelling even the most unlikely individuals to acknowledge His existence and supremacy, as seen further in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humiliation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise") celebrates God's miraculous deliverance of His faithful servants, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The willingness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to "yield their bodies" unto death rather than compromise their worship foreshadows Christ's own perfect obedience, who "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). Just as God sent His angel to deliver the three men from the fire, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, not to be delivered *from* death, but to conquer death *through* His resurrection, thereby delivering all who trust in Him from the ultimate furnace of sin and eternal separation ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ")). The "fourth man" in the furnace, often seen as a Christophany ([Daniel 3:25](/daniel/3-25 "Daniel 3:25 - The Fourth Man in the Furnace")), powerfully prefigures Christ's solidarity with His suffering people, promising His presence even in the midst of their deepest trials ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Great Commission and Promise")). Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar's forced acknowledgment of God's supremacy points to the day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), demonstrating Christ's final and complete triumph over all earthly powers and false gods.

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 14:7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

Romans 14:8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Psalms 34:7

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalms 34:8

O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalms 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;