Daniel 3:4

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,

Then an herald {H3744} cried {H7123} aloud {H2429}, To you it is commanded {H560}, O people {H5972}, nations {H524}, and languages {H3961},

and a herald proclaimed, "Peoples! Nations! Languages! You are ordered

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded:

Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,

Context of Daniel 3:4

Daniel 3:4 introduces the central command that sets the stage for one of the most famous stories of faith in the Old Testament. This verse comes immediately after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has erected an immense golden image on the plain of Dura, likely as a symbol of his imperial power and a test of loyalty to his vast empire. The preceding verses describe the dedication ceremony, summoning all the high-ranking officials to attend. This verse marks the moment the king's decree is publicly proclaimed, making the obligation to worship the image binding upon everyone.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Absolute Imperial Authority: The verse highlights King Nebuchadnezzar's desire for absolute control, not just politically but also religiously, over his subjects. His command is presented as undeniable and universal, reflecting the immense power wielded by the Babylonian Empire.
  • Universal Scope of the Decree: The phrase "O people, nations, and languages" emphasizes the far-reaching nature of Nebuchadnezzar's edict. It was intended to apply to every single individual under Babylonian rule, regardless of their origin or tongue, demanding a unified act of worship towards his idol.
  • Forced Idolatry: At its core, this verse initiates the conflict of forced idolatry. The command to bow down to the golden image directly challenges the monotheistic faith of the Jewish exiles, particularly the unwavering commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to worship God alone, as prescribed in the First Commandment.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "an herald cried aloud" translates the Aramaic word karoz (כרוז), which specifically means 'a public crier' or 'proclaimer'. This highlights the official and inescapable nature of the announcement. The repetition of "people, nations, and languages" (Aramaic: 'ammeen, ummayya', welishshanaayya') is a common literary device in Daniel, used to emphasize the diverse composition of Nebuchadnezzar's empire and the universal reach of his authority. It also ironically foreshadows the ultimate universal worship that will be directed toward God alone, as seen in Daniel 7:14.

Practical Application

Daniel 3:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the pressures believers often face to conform to societal or governmental demands that conflict with their faith. Just as the Babylonian herald's cry demanded allegiance to a man-made idol, modern society can present various "idols" (such as wealth, power, popular opinion, or secular ideologies) that demand our ultimate loyalty and worship. This verse challenges us to consider:

  • Are we prepared to stand firm in our convictions when faced with universal commands that contradict God's Word?
  • Do we prioritize divine commands over human decrees, especially when the latter seek to control our spiritual allegiance?
  • The story that unfolds from this command emphasizes the importance of spiritual integrity and the courage to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), even in the face of severe consequences.
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 6:25

    ¶ Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

  • Daniel 4:1

    ¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

  • Micah 6:16

    For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

  • Daniel 4:14

    He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

  • Isaiah 58:1

    ¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

  • Esther 8:9

    Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

  • Hosea 5:11

    Ephraim [is] oppressed [and] broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.

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