#Nebuchadnezzar's golden image

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The King's Statue

1 King Nebuchadnezzar caused his workers to make a gold statue. It was 30 metres high and 3 metres wide. He built it on the flat land called Dura, in the Babylon region. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent a message to all his government officers. He told them to meet together in the place where the statue was. He wanted them to see that he had built a great statue. 3 So all the officers came. Those were the rulers, the judges, the wise people, and all the leaders in the different regions of the Babylon nation. They all came together to give honour to the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had built.

4 Then an officer shouted aloud, ‘Listen to me, you people from every country and nation, who speak different languages! The king makes this command: 5 Listen for the sound of music from trumpets, flutes, lyres, harps or any other kind of music. When you hear the music, you must bend down low towards the ground. You must worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has built. 6 The king will punish anyone who does not do that. His soldiers will throw them immediately into a very hot fire.’

7 So, when all the people heard the different kinds of music, they obeyed. The people from every country and nation, who spoke different languages all bent down low. They worshipped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had built.

8 Then some wise men went to the king. They told him bad things against the Jews. 9 They said to the king, ‘King, live for ever! 10 You made a rule. You said that everyone must listen for the sound of the special music. When they hear it, they must bend down and they must worship the gold statue. 11 You said that you would punish everyone who does not obey you. You said you would throw them into the middle of a very hot fire. 12 But there are some Jewish men who do not obey you. They are Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. You gave them authority to take care of everything in Babylon region. Those men do not respect your authority. They do not give honour to your gods. They do not worship your gold statue.’

13 When King Nebuchadnezzar heard this, he was very angry. He told his servants to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to him. So they brought those men to stand in front of the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is it true that you do not give honour to my gods? And you do not worship the gold statue that I have built? 15 Next time you hear the sound of the special music, you must obey my rule. You must bend down and you must worship the statue that I have built. If you do not worship the statue, my servants will throw you immediately into the middle of a very hot fire. There is no god who can save you from my power.’

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered the king, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to say anything to show you that we are not guilty. 17 We serve a great God. If you throw us into the very hot fire, he is able to keep us safe. Yes, sir, he will keep us safe from your power too. 18 But even if he does not save us, we still would not serve your gods. And we will not worship the gold statue that you have built. We want you to understand that very clearly, sir.’

The King punishes Daniel's three friends

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was even more angry with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. His face became red. He said to his servants, ‘Make the fire in the oven seven times hotter than usual.’ 20 He told the strongest men in his army, ‘Tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Then throw them into the very hot fire!’

21 So the soldiers tied up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego with ropes. They were still wearing their coats, their hats and their other clothes when the soldiers took hold of them. The soldiers threw them into the middle of the hot fire with all their clothes on. 22 The soldiers needed to obey the king in a hurry. The fire was very hot. As a result, flames from the fire killed the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into it. 23 So the three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, fell into the middle of the hot fire. The ropes still held them very strongly.

24 What King Nebuchadnezzar saw next surprised him very much. He jumped up and he shouted to his officers, ‘We tied up three men and we threw them into the fire. Isn't that right?’ The officers answered the king, ‘Yes, sir, we certainly did that.’ 25 The king said, ‘But I see four men walking about in the fire! No ropes are holding them and the fire has not hurt them. The fourth man seems like a son of the gods.’

26 King Nebuchadnezzar went near to the door of the oven where the very hot fire was. He shouted aloud to the men inside, ‘Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I see that you are servants of the powerful God who rules over everything. Now come out here!’

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire. 27 Then the king's officers, his wise men and the government rulers and leaders came near to the three men. They saw that the fire had not hurt Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego. The fire had not even burnt their hair or their clothes. They did not even have any smell from the fire.

Nebuchadnezzar's new command

28 Then King Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise the God that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego serve! He sent his angel to keep his servants safe. They continued to trust in their God. So they did not obey the command that I had made as king. They would not agree to serve any other god except their own God. They would rather have died than worship any other god. 29 No other god can save people like their God has done for them. So I make a command for the people of every nation who speak any language. They must never say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. If anyone does that, my soldiers will cut them into pieces. They will knock down those people's houses so that they become heaps of stones.’

30 Then the king gave more authority to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to rule in the region of Babylon. — Daniel 3 | EasyEnglish Bible (EASY) EasyEnglish Bible Copyright © MissionAssist 2019 - Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1162807. All rights reserved. Cross References: Exodus 5:2; Exodus 12:33; Deuteronomy 4:20; 1 Kings 1:31; 1 Kings 12:28; 2 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 22:4; Ezra 4:12; Esther 3:12; Esther 7:7; Psalm 91:3; Isaiah 46:1; Jeremiah 29:22; Daniel 1:7; Daniel 2:12; Daniel 2:46; Daniel 6:1; Matthew 13:42; Acts 5:19; 2 Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 11:25; Hebrews 11:34; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 13:15

[ultrachoppedpenguinbouquet]

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

[artandthebible]

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Artist: Simeon Solomon (British, 1840-1905)

Date: 1863

Medium: Watercolour Heightened With White And Gum Arabic

Who Were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

The first time we read about these young men, we meet King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who besieged Jerusalem. He immediately started to take notice of the people living in his new territory: “Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:3–4). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, along with Daniel, were selected as meeting that criteria.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were eventually appointed “administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court” (Daniel 2:49). It didn’t take long for these young men to be tested. King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden idol and commanded everyone to bow down to it (Daniel 3:1–5). The dire consequences of not obeying this command were that the violator would “immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace” (Daniel 3:6). The time had come for these three young men to choose whom they were going to obey: King Nebuchadnezzar or the One True God.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image. When questioned as to why they had failed to comply with the king’s order, they replied, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16–18). The die had been cast. A furious Nebuchadnezzar immediately ordered the three young men to be thrown into the fiery furnace and, as an added measure of wrath, for it to be heated “seven times hotter than usual” (Daniel 3:20). The king wanted to make a public example of how disobedience would be dealt with under his reign.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace, the king expected to see a quick and painful death for these young men. But he was stunned to see them walking around in the furnace, unharmed—and someone else was in the furnace with them: “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). The king, although antagonistic toward the God of Israel, immediately recognized the supernatural nature of miracle before him. Nebuchadnezzar called the three Hebrew men out of the furnace, praised their God, and honored them, declaring, “No other god can save in this way” (Daniel 3:29).

[freebiblestudies]

The Three Angels Messages Lesson 02: No Sympathy for the Devil

Revelation 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

The second angel’s message seems very complicated at first.  It definitely deals with a lot of symbols.  In order to understand this Bible verse, let’s take a closer look at the following keywords:

Babylon

Fallen

Wine

Wrath

Fornication

Let’s read together Genesis 9:7-17; Genesis 10:10; Genesis 11:1-4; Isaiah 14:13-14; and Daniel 1:2.

If we are to talk about Babylon, we need to also discuss Babel. Both kingdoms were founded in the land of Shinar.  Babel can be considered the archetype for all the worldly kingdoms that followed it.

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the most famous stories in the Bible.  Have you ever considered the builders’ motivations for building the tower in the first place?

 The builders did not trust God’s promise to never destroy the world again with a flood.  They wanted to survive another flood on their own power. 

The builders also did not want to follow God’s command to be fruitful and multiply across the earth.  Rather, they wanted to build a tower whose “top is in the heavens”  and make a name for themselves.  The builders seem to be motivated by pride and perhaps to even take the worship of God for themselves.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:2-6; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Jeremiah 16:18; Jeremiah 50:38; and Daniel 3:1-7.

The story of Daniel’s three friends and the fiery furnace is another well-known Bible story.  Have you considered what was Nebuchadnezzar’s motivation for setting up the golden image in the first place?  He wanted everyone in his empire to acknowledge Babylon as supreme, even over any god his subjects might be worshiping.  If anyone refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol, they were to be killed by being tossed into a fiery furnace. 

Nebuchadnezzar had essentially set up a false religious system of worship enforced by civil authority.   This system forced people to choose between dying for their religious faith or to compromise that faith in order to live.

Let’s read together 2 Samuel 1:27; Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8-9, 47; Daniel 5:25-30; and Revelation 18:2.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen.”  God ultimately judged Babylon for its idolatry and persecution of God’s people.  Babylon was conquered by the Medo-Persians in 539 BC.

Let’s read together Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:3-5; and Jeremiah 51:7.

Alcoholic wine in the Bible is always viewed in a negative light.  Alcoholic wine clouds and even perverts judgment.   Note that the Bible does talk about unfermented non-alcoholic wine more positively, but that is a Bible study for another time.

Let’s read Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 23:15; and Hosea 4:11-12

Prophetically speaking, wine also represents God’s judgment against wickedness and  idolatry.  You definitely do not want to drink this wine!

Let’s read together Exodus 15:6-7; 32:9-12; Numbers 11:33; 16:46; Deuteronomy 9:7-8; 2 Kings 22:13-17; Ezra 5:12; Jeremiah 44:7-9; and Romans 1:18.

What is wrath?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers two definitions that are relevant to our Bible study today.  Wrath can be defined as a “strong vengeful anger or indignation (anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean).”  Wrath can also be defined as “retributory punishment for an offense or a crime; divine punishment.”

God’s wrath is His response to sin.  In the Old Testament, God’s wrath consumed the Egyptian army chasing the children of Israel.  God’s wrath was also aroused when the children of Israel committed sins or fell into idolatry.  God’s wrath led to the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity.

Let’s read together Psalm 21:8-9; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; Romans 2:5; Ephesians 5:6; and Colossians 3:6.

God’s wrath is also associated with judgment.  God’s wrath will be poured in full on the unrighteous at Judgment Day.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:46; 2 Chronicles 12:6-9; 32:25-26; Psalms 78:32-39: 85:2-4; and 106:23.

Despite what many people believe, God does not want to pour His wrath on people.  In the Old Testament, Aaron and Moses both interceded on behalf of the children of Israel to avert God’s wrath.  God is willing to spare sinners from His wrath when they humble themselves before Him.  Whether it was the people of Israel or a king like Hezekiah, God was willing to grant mercy to all who came to Him earnestly and asked forgiveness of their sins.

Let’s read together Isaiah 53:4-6, 10; John 3:16, 36; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; and 1 John 4:10.

God has done everything He could to shield us from His wrath.  God loves us so much that He gave His only son Jesus to die for our sins.  Jesus is our ultimate intercessor.  We only have to confess and repent of our sins and call upon Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Let’s read together Ezekiel 23:16-18; Hosea 4:11-12; Isaiah 23:17; and  John 8:41.

What is fornication?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the definition as “sexual intercourse between two persons who are not married to each other.” 

The Bible likened God’s people (the church) to a woman (Jeremiah 6:2).  Paul the Apostle described the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33).  Therefore, spiritual fornication would be the church embracing someone or something other than Christ.  In the Old Testament times, the people of Israel strayed from God and worshiped various idols and other false gods.

Let’s read together Matthew 24:24; John 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-23; Revelation 17:1-6; and Revelation 18:3, 9.

The book of the Bible describes a harlot woman who represents a false worship of Christ. This church outwardly seems Christian, but in actuality, it does not follow Jesus in spirit and truth.  Many people will be deceived and fall into Babylon.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 31:19 and Revelation 18:1-8.

What does the second angel’s message mean?

All false systems of worship will be judged.  Salvation by works, the idea you can make it to heaven on your own merits, cannot save you.  Salvation in sin, the idea that once you are saved, you are always saved, will lead you to be lost.  All these forms of worship will lead you to Babylon.

Even if you are worshiping at the “right” church the “right” way, you can have Babylon in your heart.  If you harbor pride in your heart or you esteem anything in the world more than God, then you are in spiritual Babylon.

If you find yourself in Babylon, what are you to do?  God wants you to leave Babylon right now!  Jesus is calling you to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  He does not want you to face God’s wrath.  Repent and turn to Christ your Savior!

Friend, will you share the second angel’s message with others?

[psalmonesermons]

Unanswered Prayer Part 3/4

How to avoid your prayers being unanswered

In Parts 1 and 2 we discussed four possible reasons that some of our prayers might appear to go unanswered. The possible reasons were 1) being out of fellowship with the Lord 2) God has said no because your prayer was not his will 3) Lack of unity between persons and 4) A delay in the answer to your prayer.

We are now going to consider, based on our four possible reasons, how we can avoid getting into the position where our prayers might be unanswered.

1) Keep in fellowship with the Lord, this includes keeping short accounts with God in terms of sin. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Do not think about or dwell on anything that is inherently sinful, think about things are good, and pure and honest. We should keep his commandments, there are only 4 main ones in the New Testament a) Love the Lord your God with all…, b) love your neighbour as yourself, c) love one another as I have loved you. How did Jesus love us? … unto death. d) Also love your brother who can be seen.

King David, the sweet psalmist cried out to God in Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

2) Get to know the will of God better by studying your bible and by listening to good sermons and remember that when you pray, that it is a dialogue, and we should allow space and time for God to speak to you. Take good Christian counsel from your minister or other Christians that you trust. We must allow God to say no, for He knows better than us.

3) Unity: You husbands must treat your wives with honour, live together in a good and Godly atmosphere, treating her as joint heirs in the grace of life. This approach applies to all Christians as demonstrated by all the (n=46) ‘one another’ commandments such as in

1 Peter 1:22 (b) says ‘see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently’:

4) Delay in the answer, be persistent in prayer in case there is a battle in the heavens.

Ask the Lord if he has a bigger purpose in mind, sometimes God uses delays to strengthen our faith.

It took Elijah’s servant 7 visits to go up and watch for signs of the rain. Be patient, be obedient.

The late Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, whilst single, several times prayed that God would allow her to marry a certain man, but God said ‘no’ because he had someone better for her!

Parting thought: Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve can deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Maybe if God does not seem to answer our prayer, we need to do what is right anyway!

Amen

Closing Prayer

Reference materials.

CCF tapes BBS098 Roger Price Prayers of Faith (see additional resources section on this website).

Pete Greig, The Prayer Course Session 4

[lightfromthelighthouse]

Good Morning!☀

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. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Daniel 3:26-27

Jealousy moved some of the Chaldeans to bring to King Nebuchadnezzar's attention that three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were not bowing down and worshipping the golden image he had set up.  Some of the native Chaldeans, jealous of them, clearly saw this as an opportunity to be rid of these Hebrews, since the penalty for defying the king's order was death by being thrown in a fiery furnace.

These Chaldeans did not understand that the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was not like the idol gods they worshipped. The Hebrews God was the one true God, maker of heaven and earth, of all seen and unseen!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego let King Nebuchadnezzar know that come what may, they would not worship the idol he had sat up; that their God was able to deliver them. After having the furnace heated 7 times more than it was usually heated he had them bound and thrown in.

But to the king's amazement, he saw four men loose in the furnace. He commanded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace. Not only were they alive, but they did not even have the smell of smoke on them! 

Child of God, know that God can bring you through that trial unscarred and better off than you were. Others may think to cut you off by their actions but God will use them to elevate you!

[freebiblestudyhub]

Who Were the 4 Kings That Daniel Served?

The Book of Daniel in the Old Testament presents the life of a young Hebrew captive who rises to prominence in the courts of Babylon during the reigns of four powerful kings. Daniel’s story is one of faith, wisdom, and divine favor, even in the midst of a foreign, pagan kingdom. His service under these kings, spanning several decades, is pivotal in understanding both his prophetic ministry and the unfolding of God’s plan for Israel and the nations.

This article explores the identities of the four kings that Daniel served—Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Great—detailing their reigns, their relationship with Daniel, and their significance in biblical history.

1. King Nebuchadnezzar (605–562 BC)

Nebuchadnezzar II, the mighty king of Babylon, is perhaps the most prominent of the four kings Daniel served. His reign is recorded in both the historical record and the Bible as a time of great conquest, expansion, and the rise of Babylon as the dominant world power.

Historical Background

Nebuchadnezzar’s father, Nabopolassar, was the founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and Nebuchadnezzar succeeded him after his death. Nebuchadnezzar is known for his military campaigns, including the conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which resulted in the destruction of Solomon’s Temple and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon.

Daniel’s Service

Daniel’s service began when he was taken captive along with other young nobles from Judah during the first siege of Jerusalem (around 605 BC). Nebuchadnezzar’s court was known for its intellectual prowess, and Daniel, along with his three friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (better known by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)—was chosen to serve in the royal court.

Daniel’s remarkable wisdom, interpreted by the Spirit of God, made him stand out. He was called upon to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dreams, particularly the famous dream of the great statue in Daniel 2, which symbolized the future empires of the world. Nebuchadnezzar, impressed by Daniel’s abilities, made him a ruler over the province of Babylon and placed him in a high position in the kingdom.

The Dream of the Statue (Daniel 2)

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue with different parts made of various materials (gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay) was a pivotal moment for Daniel. Through divine revelation, Daniel explained that the statue represented four successive empires: the Babylonian Empire (gold), the Medo-Persian Empire (silver), the Greek Empire (bronze), and the Roman Empire (iron and clay). This prophecy would later serve as the basis for many of the subsequent visions in the Book of Daniel.

The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)

In another dramatic episode, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the construction of a golden image and demanded that all his subjects worship it. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the idol, Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into a fiery furnace. Miraculously, they were unharmed, and Nebuchadnezzar, witnessing this miracle, acknowledged the power of their God. This event further solidified Daniel and his companions’ positions in Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation and Restoration (Daniel 4)

One of the most significant events in Nebuchadnezzar’s reign was his personal encounter with God. After a period of pride and arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar was struck with madness and lived like an animal in the wilderness. This humbling experience was foretold by Daniel, and it fulfilled the prophecy. After a period of seven years, Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity was restored, and he acknowledged the sovereignty of the God of Israel.

Legacy

Nebuchadnezzar’s reign marked the height of Babylonian power, and his relationship with Daniel serves as a testament to God’s ability to use even the most powerful earthly rulers to fulfill His purposes. Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty remains one of the most profound moments in the Bible.

2. King Belshazzar (539 BC)

Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, is a key figure in the Book of Daniel, though his historical identity has been the subject of much debate.

Historical Background

Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Nabonidus was often away from Babylon for extended periods of time, leaving Belshazzar as regent in charge of the city. The historical details of Belshazzar’s reign are confirmed by ancient inscriptions, but his name was not well-known in earlier biblical accounts, leading to some skepticism about his existence. However, archaeology has since proven that he was indeed a historical figure.

Daniel’s Service

Belshazzar’s reign was brief and marked by the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. During his rule, Belshazzar held a great feast where he and his guests drank from the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. In the midst of this feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote a cryptic message on the wall, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin."

The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5)

Daniel was summoned to interpret the writing, which was a judgment from God. The message revealed that Belshazzar’s days were numbered, that he had been weighed and found wanting, and that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night, the city of Babylon fell to King Cyrus, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy.

Legacy

Belshazzar’s role in the Bible is primarily a warning against pride and sacrilege. His downfall serves as a reminder that no kingdom, no matter how mighty, can stand against the judgment of God.

3. King Darius the Mede (539–536 BC)

Darius the Mede is another key figure in the Book of Daniel. His identity and the exact nature of his reign are somewhat ambiguous, and scholars have debated whether he was a historical figure distinct from Cyrus the Great or a title for a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire.

Historical Background

Darius the Mede is mentioned in Daniel 5:31 and 6:1–28. According to the Bible, Darius took control of Babylon after the fall of the city to the Medes and Persians. Some scholars suggest that "Darius the Mede" may have been a title used by Cyrus the Great or his general, Gubaru, who was given control over Babylon after its conquest.

Daniel’s Service

Under Darius, Daniel continued to hold a prominent position in the Babylonian and later the Persian government. His most famous encounter during Darius’s reign is the episode of the Lion’s Den. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions after he was accused of violating a decree that prohibited prayer to anyone but Darius. However, God protected Daniel, and he emerged unharmed, leading Darius to issue a decree honoring the God of Israel.

Legacy

Darius’s treatment of Daniel and his recognition of God’s power underscore a recurring biblical theme: the sovereignty of God over all nations. Darius’s respect for Daniel and his faith in God are significant in understanding the spread of God’s glory even among pagan rulers.

4. King Cyrus the Great (539–530 BC)

Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, is the final king Daniel served. His reign marks the end of the Babylonian Empire and the rise of the Persian Empire.

Historical Background

Cyrus was a remarkable conqueror and statesman, known for his policy of religious tolerance and respect for the cultures of the people he conquered. Under his rule, the Persian Empire expanded rapidly, and he famously allowed the exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1.

Daniel’s Service

By the time of Cyrus’s reign, Daniel was an elderly man, but he continued to serve in a high administrative role within the Persian government. Daniel’s influence was recognized by Cyrus, and he likely played a part in the Persian king’s decision to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Legacy

Cyrus’s decree to allow the Jews to return to their land is a pivotal moment in biblical history, as it fulfilled God’s promise to restore Israel after their exile. Daniel’s role during this period emphasizes the importance of God’s providence in the affairs of kings and nations.

Conclusion

Daniel’s service under four kings—Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus—spanned the fall of one empire and the rise of another. Through his unwavering faith, wisdom, and prophetic insight, Daniel not only influenced these kings but also played a vital role in the unfolding of God’s plan for His people. The accounts of Daniel’s interactions with these rulers serve as profound lessons on God’s sovereignty, the importance of humility, and the ultimate triumph of divine will over earthly kingdoms.

Daniel's life is a testimony that, regardless of the challenges or the rulers in power, God is in control, and His purposes will be fulfilled, often through His faithful servants.

[kdmiller55]

Who Is the God Who Will Deliver You?

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be…

[seyne93]

October 7, 2024

sobrang nagspeak sa akin yung preaching sa church kahapon, i kennat. The preaching was centered on the passage from the book of Daniel (Daniel 3:8-18). Ito yung nagpatayo si King Nebuchadnezzar ng sobrang laking golden statue for the people to worship on and it went on na may nagsabi sa kanya na yung 4 Jewish boys (Daniel and friends) ay hindi lumuluhod sa image na yon. They stood firm in their faith kahit pa maging cost nun ay yung buhay nila.

inserting the portion of the passage as reference:

[Daniel 3:16-18]

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Ang galing kasi, without any hesitations, on the spot, ganon yung response nila sa king. Ang galing ng steadfastness nila to the point na napasabi ako sa sarili ko "when will you be like that?". Yung firmness nila, sobrang strong kasi hindi man lang sila na-sway. Hindi man lang natakot. They are fixed on the truth na iligtas man sila ng Lord or hindi, kay Lord pa rin sila. Sobrang naappreciate ko tong verse na ito from the bottom of my heart, kasi na-encourage ako. I want that kind of faith. I want to be like them, na kahit anong mangyari, sobrang surrenderred na hindi mo na iisipin kung ano pang mangyari sayo, kasi secured ka na kay Jesus ka. They could've made a way out, and made up excuses na si Lord tumitingin naman sa heart, kaya okay lang na lumuhod ako rito sa image na to kasi si Lord pa rin naman yung mahal ko. They backed up their commitment and love for the Lord through the firmness of their belief. They stood their ground for the love of the Lord, and that alone is amazing. Kasi thier actions exhibited true faith. That was authentic faith.

Three points were given by ptr. Paul; ACT.

But if not, faith is:

Authentic

Centered on who God is

Triumphant

True faith is authentic and God-centered, which means hindi ka nakikipagbarter kay Lord. Yung hindi ka sumusunod kay Lord dahil may kailangan ka o may gustong kang makuha. yung ginagawa mong genie si Lord para sa lahat ng pangarap at kagustuhan mo sa buhay. True faith is, leaving and surredering all your dreams and desires before the Lord without any inhibitions and conditions, and whatever He allows, you are secure that this is part of His will. True faith is not based on the positivity or negativity of our present circumstances. True faith should be based on who God is.

Our hearts can implicitly testify kung anong faith ang meron tayo. Whether we have authentic or fake faith, it will eventually be displayed through our actions and may be expressed through our mouths.

True faith acts on what it can control, surrenders what it cannot, and accepts the results regardless of whether the outcome is good or bad because it believes in the sovereignty of the Lord. The test of obedience and trust is evident. That even if God does not,

Fake faith establishes conditions before the Lord, pinipilit si Lord na parang genie habang humihingi ng wishes na akalamo makukuha in a snap of a finger, exaggeration ng miracles and being passive, being irresponsible, tapos magagalit at magbabackslide kay Lord kapag hindi nakuha ang gusto.

It's all about faith. I suddenly felt the need to reflect on my present season and the current state of my heart.

So, what faith do I have? :)

[bond-servant-of-christ-jesus]

Revelation 2:10-11

[10]Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

[11]He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'

Daniel 3:8-30

[8]For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews.

[9]They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: "O king, live forever!

[10]You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image.

[11]But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.

[12]There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

[13]Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king.

[14]Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?

[15]Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"

[16]Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.

[17]If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

[18]But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel\'s Friends Protected

[19]Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

[20]He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire.

[21]Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire.

[22]For this reason, because the king's command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

[23]But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.

[24]Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king."

[25]He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"

[26]Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire.

[27]The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.

[28]Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.

[29]Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way."

[30]Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.

[salvationcall]

Daniel Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Daniel Taken to Babylon, Daniel 1:1-7 Daniel’s Faithfulness, Daniel 1:8-21 Chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 2:1-13 God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 2:14-23 Daniel Interprets the Dream, Daniel 2:24-45 Daniel and His Friends Promoted, Daniel 2:46-49 Chapter 3 Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image, Daniel 3:1-7 Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King, Daniel 3:8-18 Saved in…

[fordecree7]

THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The Fiery Furnace

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Daniel 3

Diane Beauford

[wolint]

POWER BULLUET!

POWER BULLUET

Luke 17:6

 

A projectile, like a bullet, is a lethal component of ammunition that is fired from a firearm. They pose a threat in every circumstance, yet the Word of God surpasses any projectile in power. Believers may not wield a physical firearm to launch any kind of projectile, but the Sword of the Spirit, our spiritual firearm, discharges our bullet - a power bullet of faith.

There are various types and sizes of bullets for different firearms, but with the power bullet of faith, all you need is faith the size of a mustard seed, which is mightier than any terrestrial, tangible, and natural weapon or bullet.

Every nation has its own currency, and so does the spiritual realm. However, unlike physical currency, you don’t need a large amount of it to be deemed affluent, you don’t have to physically carry it or store it in a physical safe.

Faith is the spiritual currency required to transact with the heavenly, and Hebrews 11:6 states that without this faith currency, it’s impossible to please God.

An important aspect of faith to consider is in Matthew 15:23-26. A desperate mother willing to do anything for her ailing child, much like many of us would. Jesus eventually responded to this woman with one of the few perplexing sentences in the Bible, “it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” in verse 26. This woman’s reply was to do something only a handful before her had done, i.e., Abraham, Moses, and Jacob who debated or negotiated with the Lord to get what they desired. Their debate with the Lord was a demonstration of their steadfast faith in God, which the Lord tested. This Sidonian woman exhibited and discharged her power bullet of mustard seed-sized faith in her response to Jesus’s remark, and she was able to secure her daughter’s healing. It’s challenging to grasp the level of faith required to offer your only child’s life to God. Yet that’s precisely what Abraham was ready to do in obedience to his faith in Genesis 22.

Our faith must be strong to handle such a request from the Lord, yet, strengthening our faith is a personal and profound journey. Everyone’s faith journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find what practices resonate with us to support our personal faith journey.

Just like any bullet, we must be careful that when discharging our power bullet, it’s not facing us as Proverbs 18:21 declares, because power bullets once released are effective and sometimes fatal.

Daniel 3 recounts the story of three young men who risked their lives when they chose not to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. They instead chose to use their power bullet to entrust their lives to God’s hands. They knew God could intervene and save them, but they didn’t know that He would. Regardless of the outcome, their living faith convicted them to prioritize God, a real power projectile in the enemy’s heart. As small as the mustard seed-sized faith, it’s the most potent weapon you could ever possess or discharge, and if you have faith like this, you can do, achieve, and alter anything: big or small, it all depends on you. Wield the Sword of the Spirit with bravery, vigour, and fierceness to discharge the power bullet within it. “I have a mustard seed and I’m not afraid to use it” should be our motto and response when the enemy tells us we can’t have, can’t do, or change something that Christ died to pay for. Jesus told everyone who encountered him that their faith had made them whole, so can yours. All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed. Start using it to discharge your power bullet.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for granting me such a powerful weapon in your word, help me to use my power bullets wisely in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT PRAYER MIN.

[crucifiedwithhim]

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we * are * not careful to answer thee in this matter. 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. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:16-18 [KJVPCE])

[yhwhrulz]

Today's Daily Encounter Friday, March 1, 2024

The Faithfulness That Gives Rise to the Miracle

"Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, 'Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?'"1

Our faith is constantly challenged in life. We are called to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us. This is the great challenge of the believer's life: to live faithfully and holy, in a world that often departs from God's ways.

Today's passage tells the story of three young Jews who experienced God's faithfulness in a real way. When the Babylonians invaded the kingdom of Judah, they took captive several wise and intelligent Jews to instruct them in the customs and laws of the land, and to make them officials of the state. Among them were Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah, who, because they worked for the king, were renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

On one occasion, Nebuchadnezzar had a golden statue built to celebrate the greatness of his kingdom and gave the order that, after playing a song, all the citizens should bow before the statue to worship it. As planned, the music sounded, and all who lived there bowed before the statue. But Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah refused to do so.

The attitude of these men is an example to us, because as believers, we are called to resist cultural and ethical pressures that contradict God's principles, even when it means facing persecution and tribulation.

The three young men were denounced for their conduct and brought before the king, who threatened to throw them into a huge furnace to burn them alive if they refused to obey. Impressively, they stood their ground and even said, "we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (verses 16-18).

Nebuchadnezzar became even angrier and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual, to the point that it killed the soldiers who threw the three young men into it. To everyone's astonishment, a great miracle occurred. Not a single strand of the three young men's hair was burned, and even their clothes remained intact. When the king looked into the furnace, he saw a fourth person walking beside them in the middle of the fire. This caused great fear in the king's heart, which led him to praise the Lord and to order the statue to be destroyed, and to command that no other god but the God of Israel should be worshipped.

Like these young people, our faithfulness to God can result in extraordinary miracles and strengthen our spiritual growth and development. We are called to stand firm in our faith and worship God alone. In doing so, we not only position ourselves under God's mercy and care, but we also become witnesses to His power and miracles in our lives.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Father, I praise you for your greatness and love, for your care and protection. Lord, help me to stand firm in faith and help my heart long to worship you alone. May my faithfulness to you be a living testimony so that more people can worship and serve you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daniel 3:13-17 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

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