Daniel 3:1-30: The Golden Image and Fiery Furnace

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Daniel 3.

After Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a mighty statue, the king seemingly got the idea of fashioning a giant statue—of himself—covered in gold. Nebuchadnezzar erected this towering idol in honor of his kingdom and gods, but it was really a 90-foot incarnation of the king’s sinful pride. This chapter begins with the king calling together all the officials in the kingdom to dedicate the massive idol. This edict was then spread throughout the kingdom: everyone must bow down and worship the statue or endure the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Jews whom the king had previously promoted to high positions, refused to obey. Will they survive the fiery furnace? What does this mean for us?