Friday, February 1, 2008
Daniel 3:7-14 (NIV)
7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 8 At this time some astrologers [b] came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up." 13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 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?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I wonder why Nebuchadnezzar reacts so enraged. I believe he is just angry that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego neither serve his gods nor worship the image of gold he has set up." He dislikes the fact that he has not authority over everyone. By looking at these two examples, we can see that the king has already two committed sins toward God: 1.) he has set up another god and lets his people practice idolatry, which violates the first of the ten commandments; 2.) he has forgotten all the mercies and grace of God Almighty, who has promised prosperity in his country. Rather the king is self-centered and believes there is no one greater than himself.... We should remember that we are not different from King Nebucchadnezzar, in the fact that we also seek other gods in life and lift up ourselves rather than acknowledging the Lordship of Christ.
Post a Comment