Daniel 3:16-17

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 3:17

If it be so ,.... That we must be cast into the fiery furnace, as thou hast threatened: our God whom we serve ; for though they did not serve the gods of the Babylonians, they did not live without God in the world; they believed in the one true God, the God of Israel, their covenant God and Father; whom they worshipped, had an interest in, and who had and would have a regard for them: he, say they, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace ; either to prevent their being... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 3:17

If it be so - Thou mayest cast us into the furnace; the terror of it has no effect on our minds to induce us to alter the resolution we have taken, nor shall the fire change our purpose. We serve a God who is able to deliver us. Should he not, we are equally determined; but we are satisfied that in some way or other he will deliver us out of thy hand. Thy power cannot affect us in the kingdom of our God to which we shall ascend from thy furnace, should he permit the fire to kindle upon us.... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 3:17

Verse 17 And when they add — God is sufficiently powerful to preserve us; and if not, we are prepared for death, they point out to us what ought to raise our minds above all trials, namely, the preciousness of our life in God’s sight, since he can liberate us if he pleases. Since, therefore, we have sufficient protection in God, let us not think any method of preserving our life better than to throw ourselves entirely on his protection, and to cast all our cares upon him. And as to the second... 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

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