Daniel 3:5

KJV

[That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:

KJV (with Strong's)

That at what time {H5732} ye hear {H8086} the sound {H7032} of the cornet {H7162}, flute {H4953}, harp {H7030}{H7030}, sackbut {H5443}, psaltery {H6460}, dulcimer {H5481}, and all {H3606} kinds {H2178} of musick {H2170}, ye fall down {H5308} and worship {H5457} the golden {H1722} image {H6755} that Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} the king {H4430} hath set up {H6966}:

Complete Jewish Bible

that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, harp, zither, lute, bagpipe and the rest of the musical instruments, you fall down and worship the gold statue that N'vukhadnetzar the king has set up.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

American Standard Version

that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 3:5 details King Nebuchadnezzar's decree, specifying the exact moment—signaled by a comprehensive orchestral performance—when all subjects within his vast empire were commanded to prostrate themselves and worship the colossal golden image he had erected. This verse underscores the absolute nature of the king's authority and sets the stage for the profound conflict between imperial power and the unwavering monotheistic faith of Daniel's companions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 3:5 is a pivotal command within the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. It follows the king's construction of the enormous idol in [the plain of Dura](/daniel/3-1 "Daniel 3:1 - The Golden Image Erected") and the subsequent assembly of all high-ranking officials to its dedication. The preceding verse, [Daniel 3:4](/daniel/3-4 "Daniel 3:4 - The Herald's Proclamation"), introduces the herald's loud proclamation to "all peoples, nations, and languages" to obey the king's decree. Verse 5 then elaborates on the precise trigger for this universal act of worship, making the command explicit and inescapable. The immediate consequence of disobedience, as stated in [Daniel 3:6](/daniel/3-6 "Daniel 3:6 - The Fiery Furnace Threat"), is death by fiery furnace, which directly leads to the famous confrontation with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds during the Babylonian captivity of Judah, a period when Babylon was the dominant world power under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). The construction of such a massive image and the demand for universal worship were typical expressions of ancient Near Eastern imperial power, designed to consolidate control, enforce political loyalty, and project the king's divine authority or the supremacy of his gods. The elaborate musical ensemble, featuring a variety of instruments, served not only as an auditory signal but also as a powerful, overwhelming sensory experience intended to compel immediate and widespread compliance. This was a public display of absolute dominion, where religious and political allegiance were inextricably linked, a common feature of ancient pagan empires.
* **Key Themes:** The verse directly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Idolatry vs. True Worship**, presenting a stark contrast between man-made objects of worship and the exclusive worship due to the one true God, Yahweh. This directly challenges the foundational commands of the Mosaic Law, such as those found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Sovereignty of God over Earthly Powers**. Despite Nebuchadnezzar's immense power and his attempt to impose his will universally, the narrative will demonstrate God's ultimate control and His ability to deliver His faithful servants. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Faithfulness Under Persecution**, setting the stage for the ultimate test of loyalty for Daniel's three friends, who would soon face the fiery furnace rather than compromise their devotion to God, as later recounted in [Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Refusal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fall down (Aramaic, _nᵉphal'_):** This Aramaic term corresponds to the Hebrew `nāphal`, meaning "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)." In this context, it signifies a complete prostration, a physical act of bowing low to the ground. This posture was a common expression of profound reverence, submission, or homage in the ancient Near East, here commanded as an act of worship.
* **worship (Aramaic, _çᵉgid'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew `sāgad`, this word specifically means "to prostrate oneself (in homage)." It denotes an act of adoration or reverence, often directed towards a deity or a figure considered divine. In Daniel 3:5, it is explicitly linked to the act of prostration, underscoring the total submission and religious homage demanded by the king for his golden image.
* **image (Aramaic, _tselem'_):** This term, corresponding to the Hebrew `tselem`, refers to a "figure" or "likeness." Crucially, in this context, it is specified as an "idolatrous figure." It signifies a physical representation, often a statue or idol, made to be an object of worship. The use of "golden" (H1722, _dᵉhab_) further emphasizes its value, grandeur, and the king's immense wealth and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick,"**: This clause establishes the precise trigger for the commanded action. The elaborate list of instruments (cornet/horn, flute, harp, sackbut/lyre, psaltery/lyre, dulcimer/bagpipe) indicates a full, grand orchestra, designed to create an inescapable and overwhelming sound. The phrase "all kinds of musick" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the signal, ensuring no one could claim ignorance or miss the command. This auditory cue was meticulously planned to synchronize the universal act of worship.
* **"ye fall down and worship"**: This is the core command, specifying the required actions. "Fall down" (prostration) signifies physical submission and humility, while "worship" denotes the act of religious homage and adoration. The combination demands both outward conformity and inward (or at least outward pretense of) devotion to the object.
* **"the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:"**: This identifies the object of worship and its origin. It is not a divine being but a "golden image," a man-made idol. The explicit mention of "Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up" underscores that this is a decree of human authority, a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of God. The "golden" aspect highlights its material value and the king's immense power and pride in its creation.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 3:5 employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, with the detailed listing of six specific musical instruments followed by the encompassing phrase "and all kinds of musick." This creates a sense of overwhelming sound and inescapable command, emphasizing the meticulous planning and the comprehensive nature of the king's decree. The sheer volume and variety of instruments suggest a powerful, almost coercive, auditory experience designed to compel immediate obedience. Furthermore, there is powerful **Symbolism**: the golden image itself symbolizes human pride, idolatry, and the king's absolute claim to authority, attempting to usurp divine prerogative. The music, in turn, symbolizes the coercive power of the state and the inescapable nature of its demands. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** (implied from the preceding verse and the subsequent decree) of the command to "fall down and worship," reinforcing the central action required and its significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 3:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of worship and the clash between human sovereignty and divine authority. It directly confronts the biblical mandate for exclusive monotheistic worship, as articulated in the First and Second Commandments, which forbid the worship of other gods or graven images. Nebuchadnezzar's decree represents the ultimate human attempt to usurp God's unique claim to worship, forcing a choice between allegiance to an earthly king and faithfulness to the Creator. This scenario foreshadows future spiritual battles where believers are pressured to compromise their faith for worldly acceptance or safety, highlighting the enduring tension between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

* [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love and Obey God Alone")
* [Revelation 13:15](/revelation/13-15 "Revelation 13:15 - Worship of the Beast in the End Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 3:5, though set in ancient Babylon, resonates deeply with contemporary challenges to faith. It reminds us that pressures to conform to societal norms, political ideologies, or cultural values that contradict biblical truth are not new. The "golden image" may take many forms today—be it the pursuit of wealth, power, popularity, or ideologies that demand ultimate allegiance. This verse calls us to examine what or whom we truly worship and to whom we give our ultimate loyalty. It challenges us to cultivate an unwavering commitment to Christ, even when such commitment might lead to social ostracism, professional setbacks, or personal discomfort. The courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, directly provoked by this decree, serves as an enduring model for standing firm in conviction, trusting in God's sovereignty even in the face of severe consequences. Our faithfulness in seemingly small compromises today prepares us for greater tests tomorrow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden images" or societal pressures in my life today demand my ultimate allegiance or compromise my faith in subtle ways?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I worship God alone, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world?**
* **What steps can I take to strengthen my resolve to stand firm in my convictions, even when it is costly?**

### FAQ
**Why was the music so important to Nebuchadnezzar's decree?**

Answer: The music was crucial because it served as the universal, unmistakable signal for the commanded act of worship. By specifying a comprehensive orchestra with "all kinds of musick," Nebuchadnezzar ensured that the signal would be heard by everyone across his vast empire, leaving no room for misunderstanding or excuse. It created a synchronized, overwhelming, and coercive atmosphere, designed to compel immediate and public submission from all subjects, regardless of their native language or customs. This elaborate auditory cue underscored the king's absolute authority and the meticulously planned nature of his religious and political unification efforts, as seen in [Daniel 3:4](/daniel/3-4 "Daniel 3:4 - The Herald's Proclamation") and [Daniel 3:7](/daniel/3-7 "Daniel 3:7 - Universal Obedience to the Decree").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 3:5 describes a forced act of idolatry, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate choice humanity faces regarding true worship, culminating in Christ. Jesus, unlike the golden image, is the true image of the invisible God, as proclaimed in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). He is the only one truly worthy of all worship, not a man-made idol or an earthly king. When tempted by Satan to "fall down and worship" him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world, Jesus unequivocally declared, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve," as recorded in [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus Resists Satan's Temptation"). This highlights the core principle: worship belongs to God alone. Furthermore, the future vision in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb") depicts all creation falling down and worshipping the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who truly deserves all honor and glory. The steadfast refusal of Daniel's friends to bow to the image prefigures the call for all believers to stand firm in their allegiance to Christ, the one true King, even when facing persecution, knowing that ultimately, "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Worship")).

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 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Daniel 3:10

Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

Daniel 3:7

Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down [and] worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.