Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

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 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king ,.... In a mild and gentle manner, without affronting his majesty, or insulting his gods, and yet without the least degree of servile fear or fawning flattery: O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter ; about worshipping the image; we are not solicitous about a choice of words, or in what manner to draw up our answer, it is ready in our mouths; we have no need to take time and consider of this... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 3:16

We are not careful - We have no need to put thee to any farther trouble; we have made up our minds on this subject, and have our answer ready: Be it known unto thee, We Will Not Serve Thy Gods. This was as honest as it was decisive. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 3:16

Verse 16 In this history it; is necessary to observe with what unbroken spirit these three holy men persisted in the fear of God, though they knew they were in danger of instant death. When, therefore, this kind of death was placed straight before their eyes, they did not turn aside from the straightforward course, but treated God’s glory of greater value than their own life, nay, than a hundred lives, if they had so many to pour forth, and opportunity had been given them. Daniel does not... 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 3:14-18

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 3:16

Brave carelessness. The three Jews set an example of unhesitating decision and fearless promptness, which may afford a wholesome lesson to us who live in the midst of the quibbling cauistry and timid expediency of a less simple age. I. TO A HEALTHY CONSCIENCE THE DUTY OF FIDELITY TO GOD IS CLEAR AND UNQUESTIONABLE . The three Jews had no question as to their duty, nor any wish to reconsider their decision. It was clear and final. 1 . Doubt and mystery are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:16-18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. The Septuagint Version differs in several slight points from the Massoretic. "And Shadrach,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 3:16-18

The Church's triumvirate Nothing was further from these youths' thoughts than public notoriety, much less world-wide renown. They did but perform what seemed plain duty; and they asked no more than to be allowed to serve their God in quiet obscurity. When temptation spake through royal lips, they calmly said "No;" because loyalty to the King of kings had a previous and paramount claim. I. LOYALTY TO GOD RESISTS THE ENCROACHMENTS OF HUMAN AUTHORITY . " In this matter ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king - They appear to have answered promptly, and without hesitation, showing that they had carefully considered the subject, and that with them it was a matter of settled and intelligent principle. But they did it in a respectful manner, though they were firm. They neither reviled the monarch nor his gods. They used no reproachful words respecting the image which he had set up, or any of the idols which he worshipped. Nor did they... read more

Group of Brands