Nebuchadnezzar had asked the question: “What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (3 v 15). These three young men seem to be in the king’s hand for him to do with them as he wishes. But there’s a greater hand at work…
In the hands of the king
Read Daniel 3:19
• How does Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude change towards these three men?
• What details are given to show his fury?
• What should we be thinking at this point of the story?
In the hands of God
Read Daniel 3:24
• What causes Nebuchadnezzar to be amazed?
• What is significant in how Nebuchadnezzar addresses them?
• What details are given to show the extent of the miracle?
God decides to rescue His people. He does so by making the heat of the furnace nothing to them; but He also sends someone to be with them. This may have been an angel or could have been Jesus (before He had become man)—the details allow for either.
• Why do you think God sent someone to be with them in the fire?
While the presence of someone with them was comforting for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, its purpose seems to be more for Nebuchadnezzar. This is what alerts him to the fact that something strange is happening, and this is how he knows that God has acted—see verse 28.
The bottom line is that despite all the pomp and majesty of Nebuchadnezzar, God can step in and short circuit his plans. Where is Nebuchadnezzar’s power now?
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PRAY THRU
We read in Hebrews 11 of those who “through faith … quenched the fury of the flames” (Hebrews 11 v 33-34).
Pray for this same trust in the true God.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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