Bible Commentaries
Daniel 3

Introduction

Overview

Daniel 3:1, Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image in Dura; Daniel 3:8, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused for not worshipping the image; Daniel 3:13, They being threatened, make a good confession; Daniel 3:19, They are cast into the furnace, Daniel 3:24. from which God delivers them; Daniel 3:28, Nebuchadnezzar seeing the miracle blesses God, and advances them.

Verse 1

am 3424, bc 580

made: Daniel 2:31, Daniel 2:32, Daniel 5:23, Exodus 20:23, Exodus 32:2-4, Exodus 32:31, Deuteronomy 7:25, Judges 8:26, Judges 8:27, 1 Kings 12:28, 2 Kings 19:17, 2 Kings 19:18, Psalms 115:4-8, Psalms 135:15, Isaiah 2:20, Isaiah 30:22, Isaiah 40:19-31, Isaiah 46:6, Jeremiah 10:9, Jeremiah 16:20, Hosea 8:4, Habakkuk 2:19, Acts 17:29, Acts 19:26, Revelation 9:20

in the province: Daniel 3:30, Daniel 2:48, Esther 1:1

Reciprocal: Isaiah 41:6 - helped Isaiah 41:7 - the carpenter Isaiah 44:10 - General Isaiah 44:11 - let them all Isaiah 46:7 - they carry him Jeremiah 50:38 - the land Jeremiah 51:7 - the nations Daniel 3:14 - my gods Daniel 5:4 - of gold Zechariah 10:9 - sow

Verse 2

sent: Exodus 32:4-6, Numbers 25:2, Judges 16:23, 1 Kings 12:32, Proverbs 29:12, Revelation 17:2

Reciprocal: Esther 1:3 - the nobles Esther 9:3 - the rulers Jeremiah 51:44 - the nations Daniel 3:24 - counsellors Daniel 3:27 - the princes Daniel 6:7 - All Matthew 20:25 - exercise dominion

Verse 3

the princes: Achashdarpenaya rendered lieutenants in Esther 3:12, etc., probably chief satraps or viceroys from the Persian achash great, eminent, and sitrab, a satrap. Psalms 82:1-8; Acts 19:34-35; Romans 1:21-28, Romans 3:11; 1 Corinthians 1:24-26; Revelation 13:13-16; Revelation 17:13, Revelation 17:17

the governors: Signaya, in Persian shagnah deputies or lieutenants.

captains: Pacawatha, governors of provinces. See note on Esther 3:13.

the judges: Adargazraya, chief judges, or senators, from adar, great, and Chal. gezar, to judge, decree.

the treasurers: Gedavraya, written gizzavraya Ezra 7:21, treasurers, from the Persian gunjvar.

the counsellors: Dethavraya counsellors, judges, from dath, in Persian dad, law, and var, possessor or guardian.

the sheriffs: Tiphtaya probably the same as the Arabic Mufti or head officer of law.

Reciprocal: Esther 1:3 - the nobles Jeremiah 51:44 - the nations Daniel 3:24 - counsellors Daniel 3:27 - the princes

Verse 4

aloud: Chal, with might, Daniel 4:14, Proverbs 9:13-15, Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 58:1

it is commanded: Chal, they command, Hosea 5:11, Micah 6:16

O people: Daniel 4:1, Daniel 6:25, Esther 8:9

Reciprocal: Psalms 94:20 - frameth Daniel 3:9 - king Daniel 3:10 - hast made Daniel 5:19 - that he Daniel 7:14 - that all

Verse 5

the cornet: Karna the horn. Daniel 3:10, Daniel 3:15

flute: Mashrokeetha, in Syriac mashrookeetha the ףץסידמ, pipe or flute, as Theodotion renders.

dulcimer: or, singing, Chal, symphony

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 6:5 - David 1 Kings 1:40 - pipes 1 Chronicles 13:8 - with harps 2 Chronicles 21:11 - compelled Psalms 150:3 - with the sound Ecclesiastes 2:8 - musical instruments Isaiah 46:6 - they fall Daniel 3:9 - king

Verse 6

falleth: Daniel 3:11, Daniel 3:15, Exodus 20:5, Isaiah 44:17, Matthew 4:9, Revelation 13:15-17

the same: Daniel 2:5, Daniel 2:12, Daniel 2:13, Mark 6:27

a burning: Genesis 19:28, Jeremiah 29:22, Ezekiel 22:18-22, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50, Revelation 9:2, Revelation 14:11

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 21:11 - compelled Daniel 5:19 - whom he would he slew Daniel 6:7 - he shall Ephesians 6:9 - forbearing

Verse 7

when: Daniel 3:10

all the people: Jeremiah 51:7, Acts 14:16, 1 John 5:19, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 13:3, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 19:20

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 6:5 - David 2 Kings 16:11 - built an altar Ecclesiastes 2:8 - musical instruments Habakkuk 2:19 - that

Verse 8

and accused: Daniel 6:12, Daniel 6:13, Ezra 4:12-16, Esther 3:6, Esther 3:8, Esther 3:9, Acts 16:20-22, Acts 17:6-8, Acts 28:22, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Peter 4:4

Reciprocal: Esther 3:4 - that they told Proverbs 30:10 - Accuse not Daniel 5:4 - of gold Daniel 6:4 - sought

Verse 9

king: Daniel 3:4, Daniel 3:5

O King: Daniel 2:4, Daniel 5:10, Daniel 6:6, Daniel 6:21, Romans 13:7

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 1:31 - Let my 2 Kings 11:12 - and said Ezra 5:7 - all peace Nehemiah 2:3 - Let the king Esther 3:4 - that they told Daniel 3:24 - O king

Verse 10

hast made: Daniel 3:4-7, Daniel 6:12, Exodus 1:16, Exodus 1:22, Esther 3:12-14, Psalms 94:20, Ecclesiastes 3:16, Isaiah 10:1, John 11:57, Revelation 13:16, Revelation 13:17

the cornet: Exodus 15:20, Exodus 15:21, Exodus 32:18, Exodus 32:19, 1 Chronicles 15:16, 1 Chronicles 15:28, 1 Chronicles 16:5, 1 Chronicles 16:6, 1 Chronicles 25:1-6, 2 Chronicles 29:25, Psalms 81:1-3, Psalms 92:1-3, Psalms 149:3, Psalms 149:4, Psalms 150:3-6, Amos 6:5

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 6:5 - David Daniel 3:5 - the cornet Daniel 3:7 - when Daniel 3:15 - ye hear Daniel 3:24 - O king Matthew 10:28 - And

Verse 11

Reciprocal: Daniel 3:6 - falleth Daniel 6:7 - he shall Acts 5:23 - The prison

Verse 12

certain: Daniel 2:49, Daniel 6:13, 1 Samuel 18:7-11, Esther 3:8, Proverbs 27:4, Ecclesiastes 4:4

not regarded thee: Chal, set no regard upon thee, Acts 5:28, Acts 17:7

Reciprocal: Esther 3:4 - he had told Daniel 1:7 - Hananiah Daniel 2:17 - Hananiah

Verse 13

in his: Daniel 3:19, Daniel 2:12, Genesis 4:5, 1 Samuel 20:30-33, Esther 3:5, Esther 3:6, Proverbs 17:12, Proverbs 27:3, Proverbs 29:22, Luke 6:11

Then: Matthew 10:18, Mark 13:9, Luke 21:12, Acts 5:25-27, Acts 24:24

Reciprocal: Esther 1:12 - was the king Esther 5:9 - he was full Proverbs 16:14 - wrath Lamentations 1:15 - trodden Daniel 6:14 - was sore Matthew 2:16 - was exceeding Matthew 5:22 - That

Verse 14

true: or, of purpose, Exodus 21:13, Exodus 21:14

my gods: Daniel 3:1, Daniel 4:8, Isaiah 46:1, Jeremiah 50:2

Reciprocal: Isaiah 44:10 - General John 19:10 - knowest

Verse 15

ye hear: Daniel 3:10

harp: Kaithros in Arabic kitharat, Greek ךיטבסב, the guitar.

sackbut: Sabbecha ףבלגץךח, sambuke, a kind of harp.

psaltery: Pesanter, רבכפחסיןם, a stringed instrument struck with a plectrum; probably similar to what is called a psalterium in Egypt, which Hasselquist describes as a large oblique triangle, with two bottoms two inches from each other, and about twenty catguts of different sizes.

dulcimer: Soomphanya probably the same as the Talmudic סמפון [Strong's H5481], a pipe.

ye fall: Luke 4:7, Luke 4:8

well: Daniel 3:17, Exodus 32:32, Luke 13:9

and who: Daniel 3:28, Daniel 3:29, Daniel 6:16, Daniel 6:20, Exodus 5:2, 2 Kings 18:35, 2 Chronicles 32:15-17, Isaiah 36:20, Isaiah 37:23, Matthew 27:43

we are: Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Luke 12:11, Luke 21:14, Luke 21:15, Acts 4:8-12, Acts 4:19, Acts 5:29, Acts 6:15, Acts 24:10-13

Reciprocal: Genesis 44:18 - as Pharaoh Judges 18:28 - And there 2 Samuel 6:5 - David 1 Kings 19:2 - if I 2 Kings 18:22 - We trust 2 Kings 18:29 - Let not 2 Chronicles 21:11 - compelled Job 10:7 - and there Psalms 11:3 - what Psalms 12:4 - who Psalms 14:6 - Ye Psalms 71:11 - for there Psalms 73:9 - set Proverbs 30:31 - against Ecclesiastes 2:8 - musical instruments Ecclesiastes 8:4 - the word Isaiah 36:14 - General Isaiah 36:18 - Hath Isaiah 50:2 - have I Isaiah 51:13 - were ready Jeremiah 9:23 - neither Jeremiah 44:16 - we Ezekiel 36:20 - These Daniel 2:9 - there is Daniel 3:5 - the cornet Daniel 3:6 - falleth Daniel 3:20 - to bind Micah 7:10 - Where Matthew 13:42 - cast Matthew 20:25 - exercise dominion John 19:10 - knowest Ephesians 6:9 - forbearing Hebrews 7:25 - he is James 3:5 - so

Verse 16

Reciprocal: Exodus 1:17 - feared God Esther 3:4 - he had told Esther 5:9 - he was full Job 36:21 - this Psalms 112:7 - heart Psalms 119:46 - speak Proverbs 28:1 - the righteous Ecclesiastes 4:12 - and a Isaiah 44:8 - ye are Isaiah 51:12 - that thou Jeremiah 26:14 - As for Daniel 3:28 - serve Matthew 10:19 - it shall Matthew 22:21 - and Matthew 26:63 - Jesus Mark 13:11 - take Luke 12:4 - Be Acts 8:1 - except 1 Corinthians 13:3 - though I give Philippians 4:6 - careful Hebrews 11:23 - and they Hebrews 13:6 - I will 1 Peter 3:6 - and 1 Peter 3:15 - and be 1 Peter 4:19 - in Revelation 2:10 - shalt

Verse 17

our God: Daniel 4:35, Daniel 6:20-22, Daniel 6:27, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 18:14, 1 Samuel 17:37, 1 Samuel 17:46, Job 5:19, Job 34:29, Psalms 27:1, Psalms 27:2, Psalms 62:1-6, Psalms 73:20, Psalms 115:3, Psalms 121:5-7, Psalms 18:10, Psalms 18:11, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 26:4, Isaiah 54:14, Luke 1:37, Acts 20:24, Acts 21:13, Acts 27:20-25, Romans 8:31, Hebrews 7:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:14 - In Genesis 32:11 - Deliver Psalms 37:40 - the Lord Proverbs 3:25 - Be Ecclesiastes 4:12 - and a Isaiah 44:17 - Deliver me Daniel 2:18 - they would Daniel 3:15 - well Daniel 3:24 - O king Daniel 3:26 - ye servants Daniel 3:29 - amiss Daniel 5:18 - O thou Daniel 6:16 - Thy God Malachi 3:18 - between him Luke 12:4 - Be Acts 27:23 - and 1 Corinthians 10:13 - who Ephesians 3:20 - able 2 Thessalonians 1:11 - our God Revelation 7:3 - the servants

Verse 18

be it: Job 13:15, Proverbs 28:1, Isaiah 51:12, Isaiah 51:13, Matthew 10:28, Matthew 10:32, Matthew 10:33, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:2, Luke 12:3-9, Acts 4:10-13, Acts 4:19, Acts 5:29-32, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 12:11

that: Exodus 20:3-5, Leviticus 19:4

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 21:11 - did as Jezebel 1 Chronicles 21:4 - Wherefore Proverbs 3:25 - Be Daniel 3:25 - the Son of God Daniel 5:18 - O thou Habakkuk 2:19 - that Acts 13:38 - it

Verse 19

was Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 3:13, Proverbs 21:24, Isaiah 51:23, Luke 12:4, Luke 12:5, Acts 5:33, Acts 7:54

full: Chal, filled

the form: Daniel 5:6, Genesis 4:5, Genesis 4:6, Genesis 31:2

he spake: Exodus 15:9, Exodus 15:10, 1 Kings 20:10, 1 Kings 20:11, 2 Kings 19:27, 2 Kings 19:28, Psalms 76:10, Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 27:3, Proverbs 27:4

one seven: Daniel 6:24, Leviticus 26:18, Leviticus 26:21, Leviticus 26:24, Leviticus 26:28

than: 1 Kings 18:33-35, Matthew 27:63-66

Reciprocal: Genesis 19:9 - pressed Genesis 44:18 - as Pharaoh Exodus 11:8 - a great anger 1 Samuel 22:16 - Thou shalt Esther 1:12 - was the king Esther 3:5 - full of wrath Esther 7:7 - for he saw Psalms 124:3 - their wrath Proverbs 14:29 - but Proverbs 19:12 - king's Isaiah 51:13 - were ready Jeremiah 36:32 - there Ezekiel 21:14 - let the Matthew 2:16 - was exceeding Matthew 5:22 - That Matthew 20:25 - exercise dominion 1 Corinthians 13:4 - vaunteth not itself Hebrews 11:34 - Quenched

Verse 20

most mighty men: Chal, mighty of strength

to bind: Daniel 3:15, Acts 12:4, Acts 12:5, Acts 16:23, Acts 16:25

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 22:16 - Thou shalt Psalms 21:9 - Thou Psalms 76:10 - Surely Psalms 140:10 - let them Daniel 5:19 - whom he would he slew Matthew 2:16 - was exceeding Matthew 22:13 - Bind

Verse 21

in their: Herodotus says the Babylonish dress was a linen tunic, another of woollen, a white short cloak, and a turban.

coats: or, mantles

hats: or, turbans, Daniel 3:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:20 - into the prison Jeremiah 29:22 - roasted Daniel 5:19 - whom he would he slew Matthew 13:42 - cast

Verse 22

commandment: Chal, word

urgent: Exodus 12:33

flame: or, spark

slew: Daniel 6:24, Proverbs 11:8, Proverbs 21:18, Zechariah 12:2, Zechariah 12:3, Matthew 27:5, Acts 12:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:20 - into the prison 1 Kings 13:28 - the lion had 2 Kings 1:10 - consumed Matthew 13:42 - cast

Verse 23

fell: Daniel 6:16, Daniel 6:17, Psalms 34:19, Psalms 66:11, Psalms 66:12, Psalms 124:1-5, Jeremiah 38:6, Lamentations 3:52-54, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 2 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:13

Reciprocal: Esther 3:4 - he had told

Verse 24

astonied: Daniel 5:6, Acts 5:23-25, Acts 9:6, Acts 12:13

counsellors: or, governors, Daniel 3:2, Daniel 3:3

O king: Daniel 3:9, Daniel 3:10, Daniel 3:17, Daniel 4:22, Daniel 4:27, Daniel 5:18, Daniel 6:7, Daniel 6:22, 1 Samuel 17:55, Acts 26:13, Acts 26:27

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 38:16 - that the Acts 12:7 - And his

Verse 25

walking: Isaiah 43:2

they have no hurt: Chal, there is no hurt in them, Psalms 91:3-9, Mark 16:18, Acts 28:5, 1 Peter 3:13

the Son of God: Or, as bar elahin may be rendered, "a son of the gods," i.e., a divine person or angel. Daniel 3:18, Daniel 3:28, Job 1:6, Job 38:7, Psalms 34:7, Proverbs 30:4, Luke 1:35, John 19:7, John 19:8, Romans 1:4

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 18:33 - Fill four 2 Kings 1:10 - consumed Daniel 6:23 - because Matthew 2:13 - until Matthew 14:33 - Of Acts 12:7 - And his Acts 12:11 - that the Acts 16:37 - let

Verse 26

mouth: Chal, door

ye servants: Daniel 3:17, Daniel 2:47, Daniel 6:20, Ezra 5:11, Acts 16:17, Acts 27:23, Galatians 1:10, Revelation 19:5

the most: Genesis 14:18

come forth: Joshua 3:17, Joshua 4:10, Joshua 4:16-18, Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 52:12, Acts 16:37

Reciprocal: Joshua 4:17 - Come ye up Joshua 4:24 - all the people Ezra 5:8 - the great God Isaiah 54:17 - the heritage Daniel 4:2 - that Micah 6:6 - the high Matthew 2:13 - until Romans 6:22 - become Revelation 7:3 - the servants

Verse 27

the princes: Daniel 3:2, Daniel 3:3, 1 Samuel 17:46, 1 Samuel 17:47, 2 Kings 19:19, Psalms 83:18, Psalms 96:7-9, Isaiah 26:11, Acts 2:6-12, Acts 26:26

upon: Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 11:34

nor was: This miraculous manifestation of Divine power was witnessed by the court and the nation, and was felt as a just punishment on the transgressors, and a signal display of mercy to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, which should operate on all believers to similar acts of faith and confidence in the Lord. Matthew 10:30, Luke 21:17, Luke 21:18, Acts 27:34

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:2 - bush burned 1 Kings 13:28 - the lion had Isaiah 33:13 - Hear Daniel 6:7 - All Daniel 6:23 - because Acts 7:30 - in a flame

Verse 28

Blessed: Daniel 2:47, Daniel 4:34, Daniel 6:26, Genesis 9:26, Ezra 1:3, Ezra 7:23-28

hath sent: Daniel 3:25, Daniel 6:22, Daniel 6:23, Genesis 19:15, Genesis 19:16, 2 Chronicles 32:21, Psalms 34:7, Psalms 34:8, Psalms 103:20, Isaiah 37:36, Acts 5:19, Acts 12:7-11, Hebrews 1:14

that trusted: 1 Chronicles 5:20, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Psalms 22:4, Psalms 22:5, Psalms 33:18, Psalms 33:21, Psalms 34:22, Psalms 62:8, Psalms 84:11, Psalms 84:12, Psalms 146:5, Psalms 146:6, Psalms 147:11, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 26:4, Jeremiah 17:7, Jeremiah 17:8, 2 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Peter 1:21

and have: Ezra 6:11, Acts 4:19

yielded: Romans 12:1, Romans 14:7, Romans 14:8, Philippians 1:20, Hebrews 11:37, Revelation 12:11

serve: Daniel 3:16-18, Exodus 20:5, Matthew 4:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:40 - will Genesis 31:29 - the God 1 Kings 8:42 - For they shall 1 Kings 13:28 - the lion had 2 Chronicles 13:18 - relied Ezra 7:26 - whosoever Psalms 37:40 - the Lord Psalms 97:10 - delivereth Psalms 145:6 - And men Proverbs 16:20 - whoso Proverbs 29:25 - whoso Ezekiel 36:23 - and the heathen Daniel 3:15 - and who Daniel 3:29 - amiss Daniel 6:16 - Thy God Daniel 6:20 - is Nahum 1:7 - that Acts 12:11 - that the Acts 16:17 - the servants Acts 27:23 - and Romans 6:13 - but yield 1 Timothy 4:10 - because Revelation 22:6 - sent

Verse 29

Therefore: Daniel 6:26, Daniel 6:27

I make a decree: Chal, A decree is made by me

amiss: Chal, error. the God. Daniel 3:15, Daniel 3:17, Daniel 3:28

cut in pieces: Chal, made pieces, Daniel 2:5, *marg.

because: Daniel 6:27, Deuteronomy 32:31, Psalms 3:8, Psalms 76:10

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:24 - what God Ruth 1:16 - thy God 1 Samuel 17:46 - all the earth 2 Kings 5:15 - now I know 2 Kings 10:27 - made it a draught house Ezra 6:11 - his house Ezra 7:26 - whosoever Esther 1:22 - into every province Psalms 77:14 - thou hast Psalms 86:8 - Among Psalms 105:1 - make known Psalms 135:5 - I know Psalms 145:6 - And men Isaiah 44:17 - Deliver me Isaiah 50:2 - have I Jeremiah 51:44 - the nations Ezekiel 36:23 - and the heathen Daniel 4:1 - unto all Daniel 5:19 - whom he would he slew Daniel 6:20 - is Habakkuk 2:19 - that Hebrews 7:25 - he is

Verse 30

the king: 1 Samuel 2:30, Psalms 91:14, John 12:26, Romans 8:31

promoted: Chal, made to prosper, Psalms 1:3

Reciprocal: Proverbs 22:11 - the king Daniel 3:1 - in the province