Daniel 3 When the heat is on

Nebuchadnezzar’s encounter with God and the revelation of His Sovereignty through Daniel’s unveiling the dreams seemed quickly forgotten. His kingdom was vast and embraced many peoples, each struggling for liberty. By introducing a religious focal point in the form of a colossal obelisk to which all citizens were required to give obeisance, Nebuchadnezzar attempted to bring some degree of cohesion and secure the empire.

The report of insubordination (v 12) provoked a spectacular punishment. Although Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction does seem rather extreme - power often brings with it an insecurity and uncertainty and provokes severe actions to preserve it. Comparing the events of this chapter with other documentation of the time, they were not at all improbably - until we come to the miraculous intervention to save the lives of the three men.

Read through the chapter and put yourself into the shoes of the different characters, compare actions and reactions before and after the furnace incident.

What are the Jews expecting of God in verses 16-18? What was their overriding conviction?

Again in this pagan situation we encounter probably a quiet resistance but matched by a quiet determination and clearly thought through reply.

In what we have already seen of these men what might have produced this kind of courage and trust?

What is the significance of the miracle in this account to the various people concerned?

In our basically pagan society, how prepared are we to take a clear stand? Do we recognise issues on which that might be necessary and how can we prepare ourselves?

Was Nebuchadnezzar’s response in verses 28 and 29 a personal repentance?

To ponder:

Where might you have to be the odd one out?

What for you personally is an issue which could cause you to compromise or lose distinctiveness as a Christian? (This may not be appropriate to share with the group. But maybe confide in a supportive Christian friend and enlist their prayer support.)