Daniel 3:8

¶ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

Wherefore {H6903}{H3606} at that {H1836} time {H2166} certain {H1400} Chaldeans {H3779} came near {H7127}, and accused {H7170}{H399} the Jews {H3062}.

But then some Kasdim approached and began denouncing the Jews.

At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews,

Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.

Daniel 3:8 initiates a dramatic turn in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most iconic accounts of faithfulness under persecution.

Context

This verse immediately follows King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship the massive golden image he had erected on the plain of Dura. A grand assembly of all the kingdom's officials had been called, and the command was absolute: upon hearing the designated music, everyone was to bow down and worship the idol, or face immediate execution in a blazing fiery furnace. Daniel 3:8 reveals the swift consequence of this decree: certain Chaldeans, likely high-ranking officials or courtiers, stepped forward to accuse "the Jews." While not explicitly named in this verse, the focus quickly narrows to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were prominent Jewish exiles serving in the king's administration and known for their unwavering monotheistic faith in the God of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Religious Persecution: This verse marks the beginning of direct, state-sanctioned persecution against those who refused to compromise their religious convictions. It highlights the clash between worldly authority and divine obedience.
  • Envy and Malice: The accusation by the Chaldeans often suggests underlying motives such as jealousy of the Jews' favored positions and influence within the Babylonian court, or simply a deep-seated animosity towards their distinct religious practices. This mirrors later events in Daniel's life where envy also played a role (Daniel 6:4).
  • Faithfulness Under Pressure: Although the verse only states the accusation, it powerfully sets the stage for the profound demonstration of faith by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who would rather face death than dishonor God (Daniel 3:17-18).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Chaldeans" (Hebrew: Kasdim) in this context refers not merely to the ethnic group but often to a specific, influential class within Babylonian society, comprising astrologers, diviners, and learned men who held significant power and access to the king. Their accusation was therefore likely formal and calculated. The Aramaic phrase for "accused" ('akal qartsa') literally means "ate the pieces" or "slandered," implying a biting, malicious, and possibly public denunciation.

Practical Application

Daniel 3:8 serves as a timeless reminder that unwavering faithfulness to God can provoke opposition and accusation from those who do not share similar convictions or who are motivated by jealousy or malice.

  • Standing Firm: It encourages believers to be prepared for times when their commitment to Christ might lead to social, professional, or even legal challenges, just as it did for the Jews in Babylon.
  • Discerning Motives: It prompts us to discern the underlying motives behind accusations or opposition—whether they are genuine grievances or rooted in envy, prejudice, or spiritual blindness.
  • Trusting God Amidst Adversity: Ultimately, this verse introduces a story of divine intervention and God's power to deliver His faithful servants, offering profound hope and courage when facing similar trials (Daniel 3:27). It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God, regardless of the cost.
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.

  • Ezra 4:12

    Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

  • Ezra 4:16

    We certify the king that, if this city be builded [again], and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

  • Daniel 6:12

    Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

  • Daniel 6:13

    Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

  • Esther 3:8

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • Esther 3:9

    If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

  • Daniel 2:10

    The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

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