Daniel 3:14-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 3:8-18

It was strange that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, would be present at this assembly, when, it is likely, they knew for what intent it was called together. Daniel, we may suppose, was absent, either his business calling him away or having leave from the king to withdraw, unless we suppose that he stood so high in the king's favour that none durst complain of him for his noncompliance. But why did not his companions keep out of the way? Surely because they would obey the king's orders as far... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 3:14

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, is it true ,.... What I have heard of you, what you are charged with and accused of; surely it cannot be; so Aben Ezra and Saadiah interpret the word as we do, and all the Oriental versions: it is only used in this place: it is expressed by way of admiration, as Jacchiades observes; it being incredible to the king, what he could never believe, unless it appeared plain in his own eyes. Some F15 הצדא "nunquid desolatio?" Montanus. So Jacchiades,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye shall hear ,.... The meaning is, that if they were disposed in mind, which the king was very desirous they should, both for his own honour, and for their safety, for whom he had a regard; and were willing to comply with his orders, and readily yield obedience to his will, and worship his idol; the following would be a signal to them, and all would be well with them: or it may be rendered, "when now ye shall be, that at what time ye shall hear" F17 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:1-30

EXPOSITION THE GOLDEN IMAGE , AND THE FIERY FURNACE . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:13-15

A critical alternative. The alternative which these young men were called to face was idolatry or death. The claimants for their loyalty were Nebuchadnezzar on the one hand, God on the other. The former appealed to all the selfish principles of their nature; the latter, to the moral sense alone. Herein lies the crucial trial of human life. Shall God's voice be supreme? his authority be dominant over every part of my nature, over every act of my life? Or, on the other hand, shall some other... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:14

Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? The Septuagint rendering here is, "Whom when he saw, Nebuchadnezzar the king said to them, Wherefore, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do ye not worship my gods, nod before the golden image which I have set up do ye not prostrate yourselves?" There seems to have been a difference of reading here. The first words must have been... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:14-18

Principle illuminated by fire. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful," etc. ( Daniel 3:16-18 ). Sketch the leading features of this intensely interesting martyr-history; and then— I. RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE . And here, that we may not move in mist, let us open out, step by step, what needs to be said. 1 . Principle. What is it .9 A principle is literally a first thing; a beginning; a cause. The spring on the mountain-side, whence the mighty river. The root of the tree. Newton's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be east the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? The differences between the Septuagint and the Massoretic text are not great. The last clause is rendered," but if not, know." It inserts... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:14

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true - Margin, “of purpose;” that is, have you done this intentionally? Wintle renders this, “Is it insultingly?” Jacchiades says that the word is used to denote admiration or wonder, as if the king could not believe that it was possible that they could disregard so plain a command, when disobedience was accompanied with such a threat. De Dieu renders it, “Is it a joke?” That is, can you possibly be serious or in earnest that you disobey so... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:15

Now, if ye be ready, that at what time ... - At the very time; on the very instant. It would seem probable from this that the ceremonies of the consecration of the image were prolonged for a considerable period, so that there was still an opportunity for them to unite in the service if they would. The supposition that such services would be continued through several days is altogether probable, and accords with what was usual on festival occasions. It is remarkable that the king was willing to... read more

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