And they stood before the image - In the presence of the image. They were drawn up, doubtless, so as at the same time to have the best view of the statue, and to make the most imposing appearance. read more
Daniel 3:2-3. Then Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather together the princes, &c. It would be very difficult, and perhaps impossible, at this distance of time, to ascertain the proper titles and offices of the several characters that are here mentioned, and certainly would answer no valuable end to any reader. It may be sufficient to observe, that it is probable only those were summoned to attend on this occasion who held places under the government. Thousands of others, no doubt, would be... read more
Saved from the fiery furnace (3:1-30)Within Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom were people of many races, languages and religions. In a plan to create greater unity among these people, Nebuchadnezzar made a huge image as a national religious symbol, and demanded that all citizens, great and small, bow before it. He set up the image in open plain country where it could be seen from afar, then called all the leading officials from the country areas to a dedication ceremony (3:1-3). He gave instructions... read more
the king sent . This great Durbar would hardly have taken place till after the campaign referred to in note on "came" (Daniel 1:1 ). It was therefore probably held about 475 B. C, in Daniel's thirty-eighth year, twenty years after Nebuchadnezzar's dream of himself, the "head of gold" (Daniel 2:0 ). to gather together, &c . Note the eight technical terms. Well known to Daniel, but difficult for a Jew in Jer 300 years later to enumerate so minutely and so accurately. princes = satraps. ... read more
"Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had... read more
2. princes—"satraps" of provinces [GESENIUS]. captains—rulers, not exclusively military. sheriffs—men learned in the law, like the Arab mufti [GESENIUS]. read more
3. stood before the image—in an attitude of devotion. Whatever the king approved of, they all approve of. There is no stability of principle in the ungodly. read more
1. The worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue 3:1-7 read more
Nebuchadnezzar summoned his officials to the image for what he probably intended to be a demonstration of loyalty to him."The fairly recent date of the establishment of the Babylonian Empire as the successor to Assyria (at least in its southern half) made it appropriate for Nebuchadnezzar to assemble all the local and provincial leaders from every part of his domain and, in essence, exact from them a solemn oath of loyalty . . ." [Note: Archer, "Daniel," p. 51.] The religious connotations of... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:2
Then, Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes - It is difficult now, if not impossible, to determine the exact meaning of the words used here with reference to the various officers designated; and it is not material that it should be done. The general sense is, that he assembled the great officers of the realm to do honor to the image. The object was doubtless to make the occasion as magnificent as possible. Of course, if these high officers were assembled, an immense... read more