CHAP. III.
Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden image, and commands all his
ministers of state, and officers, when they hear all kinds
music, to fall down and worship it, on pain of being cast into
a fiery furnace, 1-6. His orders are almost universally complied with, 7. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, are accused of disobedience, 8-12. The king vehemently threatens them, if they persist in refusal, defying any God to deliver them; but they answer calmly and resolutely, 13-18. They
are cast into the furnace, flame kills those
threw them in, 19-23. The king is astonished, at seeing them
walk unhurt in the fire with fourth like to the Sonde
24, 25. They and all immense company see that the fire has not touched them, 26, 27. Nebuchadnezzar blesses God, and decrees severe punishment on those who spake against him, 28, 29. The subsequent promotion of the three Jews, 30.
EBUCHADNEZZAR
NEBU
EZZAR the king
made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, b in the province of Babylon.
2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image, which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the
a 2:31,32. 5:23. Ex. 20:23. 32: | b 30. 2:48. Esth. 1:1. 2-4,31. Deut. 7:25. Judg. 8:26,27. 1 Kings 12:28. Ps. 115:4-8. 135:15. Is. 2:20. 30: 22. 40:19. 46:6. Jer. 10:9. Hos. 8:4. Hab 2:19. Acts 17:29. Rev. 920.
c Ex. 32:4-6. Num. 25:2. Judg. 16:23. 1 Kings 12:32. Prov. 29:12. Rev. 17:2. d Ps. 82: Acts 19:34,35. Rom. 1:21-28. 3:11. 1 Cor. 1:24- 26. Rev. 13:13-16. 17:13,17.
him, who yet have no serious thoughts of worshipping him themselves. He, however, over-rules even such convictions, to bring his servants into those stations, in which they are to be usefully employed: and they may consistently accept the favors offered them, when they give them an opportunity of doing good, and are not clogged with any sinful conditions. It behoves those who are advanced, to be mindful of their former friends; but far more to use their influence in promoting the wise and righteous, that God may be glorified, and the best interests of mankind furthered by
them.
NOTES.
CHAP. III. V. 1-7. It is not certain at what time the events of this chapter occurred. The Septuagint indeed says, that it was in the eighteenth year; that is, after Nebuchadnezzar's prophetical dream.-Some think Nebuchadnezzar had a reference in this image to that which he had seen; as if he would have one wholly of gold, and not be contented with being represented by "the head of gold." ( Marg . Ref . a.) It seems, however, more probable, that the impression of his dream had worn off, and that his ambition and arrogance were still
counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then an herald cried * aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound off the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
6 And whoso & falleth not down and worshippeth, shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image, that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. [Practical Observations.]
perhaps made hollow, but with plates of solid gold; and it was set up in an extensive plain near Babylon, which could contain a vast concourse of people; and probably it was erected in honor of Bel, the chief idol of Babylon. ( Note , Is . 46:1,2.) Having completed the image, in order to render the worship of it more noticed, and to make the greater ostentation of his own magnificence and authority, Nebuchadnezzar summoned all his officers, civil and military, from every part of his extensive dominions, to attend on its dedication. ( Marg .
Ref . c, d.) When met together upon the plain, they were ordered, by proclamation, to fall down and worship this new made deity, of whatever nation they were: the signal for this act of adoration, by the striking up of all kinds of musical instruments at once, might be intended to allure them by soothing strains to join in the worship, and inspire fervor into their supposed devotion. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . e.) But to secure uniformity in so large a company, it was also proclaimed that every one, who refused compliance, should immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. ( Marg .
Ref . g-i.- Note , Jer. 29:21-23.) It does not appear, that any were obliged to attend, who did not hold places under governthen they must comply; but all employed in the conduct of public affairs were constrained to be present, at very great trouble and expense, from every part of the empire: so that it was a sort of religious test , by which they were to approve themselves proper persons to be employed in the king's service; and, as it is common on such occasions, there was a general conformity observed. Almost all concern
further increased by success; that his attachment: others would doubtless be there, and
ment to idolatry was augmented by his victories over the people of JEHOVAH; and that this image was formed from the spoils of the conquered nations. It was of an enormous size, and must have cost immense treasure. The
height of it was above thirty yards; but this, being ten times its breadth, or thickness, and out of all proportion, favors the conclusion, that the pedestal edestal also on which it stood was
taken in, under the admeasurement. It was led were so overawed by the menaces and pow
8 Wherefore at that time certain worship the golden image which thou hast Chaldeans came near, Jews.
and accused the
9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image.
11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
set up.
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in his rage and fury, commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. $ Then they brought these men before the king.
14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego? do not ye serve gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
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
12 There are a certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of and worship the image which I have made, Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-x well : but if ye worship not, ye shall be nego: these men, O king, have * not re-cast the same hour into the midst of a garded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor burning fiery furnace; and who is that
m 6:13. Ezra 4:12-16. Esth. 3:6,8,9. Acts 16:20-22. 17: 6-8.28 22. 1 Pet. 4:3,4. n See on 2:4.-5:10. 6:6,21. • 4-7. 6:12. Ex. 1:16,22, Esth. 3:12-14. Ps. 94:20. Ec. 3:16. Is. 10:1. John 11: 57. Rev. 13:16,17.
Chr. 15:16,28. 16:5,6. 25:1-6. 2 Chr. 29:25. Ps. 81:1-3. 92: 1-3. 149:3,4. 150:3-6. Am. 6 : 5.
q 2:49. 6:13. 1 Sam. 18:7-11. Esth. 3:8. Prov. 27:4. Ec. 4:4.
* Chal. set no regard upon thee.
p Ex. 15:20,21. 32:18,19. 1 Acts 5:28. 17:7.
er of the king, or so allured by the hopes of ingratiating themselves with him; or so devoid of principle, knowledge, or conscience; or so attached to a pompous and soothing and fascinating idolatry, that they unanimously observed the signal, and prostrated themselves in adoration of the golden image. ( Marg . Ref . 1.)-The several words, by which the different officers, and the various kinds of musical instruments, are enumerated, do not seem to ad
God that shall deliver you out of my
hands?
way for his ruin, as they supposed, by first attacking his friends. It seems, however, that Shadrach and his two companions chose rather to make this public protest against idolatry, than to absent themselves. The Chaldean accusers appear to have been influenced in part by enmity to the Jewish religion, and zeal for idolatry; but still more by envy and indignation at the preferment bestowed on strangers, and by a hope of succeeding to their prefer
mit of any satisfactory explanation: for, with-ments. It is probable, that no other Jews
out referring to ancient usages, they cannot be distinctly made intelligible, except to those few, who are fully acquainted with those usages, and perhaps scarcely even to them. -'The idol is not known for an idol, so long 'as he is with the workman: but when the cer'emonies and customs are recited and used, 'and the consent of the people is there; then of 'a block they think they have made a god.' No instance, that I recollect, occurs before this, of idolatrous conformity, or any religious conformity, enforced by penal statute: but the example has been abundantly copied by the
were employed in offices under the king; or it must be supposed, degenerate as they were, more would have been found, who refused compliance with the decree. The accusers represented, that three of the captive Jews, who had been graciously promoted by the king, had proved themselves ungrateful for his favor, by contemptuously disobeying his will: as if they had despised the king's authority, and were influenced by a spirit of obstinate rebellion, rather than by conscientiousness, in refusing to worship the golden image. Thus the accusers both paid court to Nebuchadnezyoung men, in order to irritate him against them. "This is the more intolerable, for that 'they have dared to affront thee in that very 'province, the charge of which thou hast com'mitted unto them. Bp . Hall . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Note , 2:46-49.)
New Testament Babylon, and by many oth-zar, and misrepresented the behavior of these
ers who in this respect have in some measure imitated her. On this account she is probably called "Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots, and of abominations of the earth." (Notes, Jer. 51:7. Rev. 13:11—17. 14:9—11.18: 3–6.)
V. 8-12. Many opinions have been held, concerning the way, in which Daniel escaped on this occasion. The silence of the scripture, as well as the excellency of his character, sufficiently prove that he did not worship the golden image: for the same impartiality, which
V. 13-15. Nebuchadnezzar had formerly found these persons "ten times better, than all his magicians and astrologers;" and he had employed them, and found them faithful and able. ( Notes , 1:17-20. 2:46-49, v. 49.) He could not but know, that the laws of their
caused David's adultery and murder, and Sol-religion forbad them to worship any image,
omon's idolatry, to be recorded, would have reported Daniel's sin, if on this occasion he had been overcome by temptation.-He might be elsewhere employed about the king's business, and be dispensed with in his absence: or he might refuse to worship the image; yet his enemies might fear to accuse him in the first instance, choosing to prepare the ||
and that they acted consistently in refusing obedience. Yet his imperious temper would not endure the least opposition; but he was enraged even to fury, when he heard of their conduct: and having cited them before him, and renewed his menace of the fiery furnace, if they disobeyed his orders, that when the music should again play, they should prostrate 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego || one seven times more, & than it was wont answered, and said to the king, O Nebu- to be heated. chadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 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.
18 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.
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar * full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake and commanded that they should heat the furnace z Matt. 10:19. Mark 13:11. b Prov. 28:1. Is. 51:12,13. Matt
Luke 12:11. 21:14,15. Acts 4: 10:28,32,33,39. 16:25. Luke 8-12,19. 5:29, 6:15. 24:10-12:3-9. Acts 4:10-13,19,5: 13. 29-32. Rev. 2:10,11. 12:11. c See on 13.-Prov. 21:24. Acts 5:33. 7:54.
a 4:35. 6:20-22,27. Gen. 17:1. 18:14. 1 Sam. 17:37,46. Job 5:19. 34:29. Ps. 27:1,2. 62:1 -6. 73:20. 115:3. Prov. 18: 10,11. Is. 12:2. 26:3,4. 54:14. Luke 1:37. Acts 20:24. 21:13. 27:20-24. Rom. 8:31. Heo. 7:25.
* Chal. filled.
d 5:6. Gen. 4:5,6, 31:2.
e Ex. 15:9,10. 1 Kings 20:10, 11. 2 Kings 19:27,28, Ps. 76: 10.
themselves in worship before the golden image; he set their God, and "all that was called
20 And he commanded the most mighty men, that were in his army, b to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
22 Therefore, because the king's || commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery
furnace.
[Practical Observations.]
i Ex. 12:33.
f 6:24. Lev. 26:18,21,24,28. g 1 Kings 18:33-35. Matt. 27: Or, spark .
63-66.
k 6:24. Prov. 11:8. 21:18. Zech. † Chal. mighty of strength. 12:2,3. Matt. 27:5. Acts 12:19. h See on 15.-Acts 12:4,5. 16: 16:16,17. Ps. 34:19. 66:11,12. 23,25.
† Or, mantles. Or, turbans. Chal. word .
124:1-5. Jer. 38:6. Lam. 3: 52-54. 2 Cor. 1:8-10. 4:17. 1 Pet. 4:12,13.
certain, that they would on no account, at any time, worship his gods, or on the present oc
god or worshipped," at defiance, by emphatic-casion adore his golden image. When we
ally inquiring, "Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hand?" though he had before acknowledged JEHOVAH to be a God of gods, and a Lord of kings! - ""Thus Nebuchad'nezzar exalted himself above God almighty, as Sennacherib had done before him; ... not'withstanding that he had before made an 'ample confession of the true God, 2:47. Lowth . (Marg. Ref . Notes , Ex . 5:2. 9:17. 2 Kings 18: 28-35.19:9-13,22. 2 Chr . 32:9-16, v. 15. 2 Thes. 2:3,4.)-The question which he proposed to them means, 'Did ye this on set purpose, and with deliberate determination?' (14. marg .)
consider the situation of these men; that they were strangers and captives, at a distance from the land and ordinances of God, and without any person to countenance or encourage them; that they had been under great obligations to the king; that most of their countrymen, even when in their own land, were given up to idolatry, that they were not required to abjure the God of Israel, or to enter upon a constant course of idolatry, but merely in one instance to comply with the king's humor; and in such remarkable circumstances, when the whole empire was against them, and the fiery furnace before V. 16-18.
This answer is stamped with a them: I say, when these things are duly conpeculiar beauty and propriety. The accus- sidered, we shall perceive, that this instance ed persons uttered no outrageous language of heroic constancy, and intrepidity in a good against the idols of Babylon, or the iniquity of cause, was scarcely ever equalled, and certainthis sanguinary edict; nor did they use any ly was never exceeded, by by a a mere man, since soothing address, address, mean supplications, or flat- the beginning of the world. ( Marg .
Ref . b. tering expressions, to mollify the king's king's dis--Notes, Prov. 28:1. Jer . 26:12-15. Acts 4:13 pleasure: but they calmly assured the king, -22, υυ . 19,20. 5:29-31. 7:51-60.)-The lanthat they were no way perplexed about the guage commonly used, and the pictures formanswer, which they should return to him; theyed on this subject, have led numbers to conhad made up their minds; they did not want time for deliberation; they were not anxious about the consequences; yet they were rere ready in few words to state their determination. (Marg.
Ref . z.-Notes, Matt. 10:19,20.) If it were so, that he should cast them into the furnace, that God whom they worshipped was able to deliver them. Of this it seems they had some expectation: either because of the numbers, who would witness the contest between JEHOVAH and this haughty idolater; or because of the bold defiance of God which he had uttered. ( Marg . Ref . a.- Notes , 6:18-23, υυ . 20-22,25-28, v. 27. 1 Sam . 17:34-37,4549. 2 Kings 19:14-19, v. 19.
Acts 12:5-11.) If therefore the Almighty saw good, he would deliver them out of the hand of the king: but if he should not please thus miraculously to interpose, they were not solicitous about the event; but desired the king should know for VOL. IV.
ceive of these persons, as children : but it seems far more probable, that they were in the full vigor of manhood, at least thirty or nearly forty years of age when this event took place.
V. 19-23. The decisive answer, returned by these pious Jews, threw the proud tyrant into the utmost excess of rage, which appeared in the perturbation of his countenance. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . c, d.- Notes , 5:5-9, υ. 6. Gen. 4:3-5, v . 5.) To shew his indignation at the supposed atrociousness of their conduct, he ordered the heat of the furnace to be increased seven-fold; which would merely have shortened and lessened their torture, if the Lord had left them to be consumed in the flames. ( Marg . Ref . e-g.- Notes , Lev . 26:24. Ps . 90:11. Matt . 10:27,28.) He selected the mightiest of his soldiers to cast them into the furnace; and bound them with their clothes [641
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, " O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
whose bodies the fire had no power, "nor was an hair of their heads singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants 2 that trusted in him, a and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither . Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,
came forth of the midst of the fire.
27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon
m 5:6. Acts 5:23-25. 9.6. 12: Chal. door. 13.
* Or, governors. See on 2,3,
n 9,10,17. 4:22,27. 5:18. 6:7,22.
1 Sam. 17:55. Acts 26:13,27.
o See on Is. 43:2.
† Chal. there is no hurt in them. Ps. 91:3-9. Mark 16: 18. Acts 28:5,6. 1 Per. 3:13. p 28. Job 1:6. 38:7. John 19:
7,8.
9 17. 2:47. 6:20. Ezra 5:11. Acts 16:17. 27:23. Rev. 19:5. r Josh. 3:17. 4:10,16-18. Is. 28:16. 52:12. Acts 16:37.
See on 2,3.-1 Sam. 17:46,47. 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 83:18. 96: 7-9. Is. 26:11. Acts 2:6-12 26:26.
t Is. 43:2. Heb. 11:34.
on, as if he would secure the destruction of all that belonged to them. Thus they were cast bound into this tremendous furnace of fire, at the time when it was heated to that extreme degree, that the executioners themselves were struck dead by the vehement flame which issued out of it. It is not improbable, that these had been forward to comply with the king's orders, and to shew their malice against the Jews; and thus they fell victims to their own evil dispositions. Every circumstance, however, served to illustrate the greatness of the miracle, in the preservation of those who "fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace." ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . 1.)
V. 24, 25. Some think that Nebuchadnezzar was astonished by the death of his mighty men, or by the terrors of his conscience: but it is more likely, that he saw at a distance the young men walking at liberty, and apparently in comfort, in the fiery furnace. It seems that it was large enough to admit of their walking about in it, and was probably formed somewhat like those, in which lime is at present burned.
Nebuchadnezzar called his counsellors to witness this astonishing incident: they had thrown three men bound into the fire; but now four were walking about, in the midst of the furnace; and the fourth was so glorious, that he was like to a son of God, or a holy angel.
The fire, it seems, had power power to burn the bonds of the young men, th though not to singe their garments: they found no inconvenience, and they felt no terror, in the midst of this most vehement fire, nor any desire to come forth from it: they probably were employed in thankful praise and adoration of their great Deliverer, though the song ascribed to them in the Apocrypha is not genuine: and, whatever the king might mean by the fourth person "like the Son of God;" it is probable, that it was indeed the eternal and coequal
29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thingamiss against the God
shall be "cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Matt. 10:30. Luke 21:17,18. a Ezra 6:11. Acts 4:19. Acts 27:34.
See on 2:47. 4:34. 6:26. Gen. 9:26. Ezra 1:3. 7:23-28.
y 25. 6:22. 2 Chr. 32:21. Ps. 34:7,8. Is. 37-36. Acts 5:19.
12:7-11.
b Rom. 14:7,8. Phil. 1:20. Rev. 12:11.
c See on 16-18.- Ex. 20:5. Matt. 4:10.
Chal. a decree is made by me. Chal. error.
z1 Chr. 5:20. 2 Chr. 20:20. Ps. d See on 15,17,28. 22:4,5. 33:18,21. 34:22. 62:8.1 84:11,12. 146:5,6. 147:11. Is. 26:3,4. Jer. 17:7,8. 2 Cor. 1:9, 10. Eph.1:12,13. 1 Pet. 1:21.
Chal. made pieces. See on 2:5. marg.
e 6:27. Deut . 32:31. Ps. 3:8. 76:10.
Son of the Father, and not a created angel. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Is . 43:1,2. Matt . 28:19,20, v . 20. Acts 18:9-11.)
V. 26, 27. When the king had viewed for some time this surprising scene, he was convinced of his error, and altered his conduct: he called to the pious Jews, by the honorable appellation of "the servants of the most high God," and commanded them to come forth.
None could bring them out, nor would they quit their place without being called from it. ( Note , Acts 16 16:35-40.) But on this summons they came forth: and all the multitude of the chief persons, from every part of the empire, who witnessed the transaction, were collected ransacti together to examine them; and found, to their unspeakable astonishment, that the fire had had no power at all on their bodies, or even any effect upon their raiment.
Thus the principal persons, in every part of this extensive empire, would be prepared to return home, and to circulate and authenticate, in the most unexcерtionable and decisive manner, the account of this wonderful interposition of the God of Israel in behalf of his faithful worshippers. And we cannot but suppose, that it had a happy effect upon the minds of many individuals, and tended greatly to check the progress of idolatry, and to promote the worship of the living God. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 4:1 -3.6:25–28.)
V. 28, 29. This transaction seems to have produced deep convictions in the mind of Nebuchadnezzar: insomuch that, at the time, he rendered adoration before all his princes to the God of Israel, who had "sent his angel to deliver his servants:" he allowed, that they had done right , in trusting in the Lord; and in rather yielding up their bodies to the flame, than worship any other but their own God. But (as if he were resolved at all events to be a persecutor,) he decreed most terrible punishments to those, who dared to speak a word
lee
30 Then the king promoted Sha-drach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, in the
f1 Sam. 2:30. Ps. 91:14. John 12:26. Rom. 8:31.
* Chal. made to prosper. Ps. province of Babylon.
1:3.
against the God of the Jews; "because no other God could deliver after that manner." His convictions, however, were transient; his pride was unhumbled; and no abiding change at this time took place in his disposition and conduct; as it will appear from the extraordinary narration of the ensuing chapter. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . - Notes, 2:5-9. 4:34-37.6:25 -28. Ezra 1 : 1-3 . )
meet with malicious accusers: especially if the liberty, favor, or property which they enjoy, be worth envying, or coveting. Their enemies will speciously profess themselves to be the only loyal and dutiful subjects to their prince, and zealous for his welfare, the honor of the law, and the quiet of the realm: and they will represent the pious scruples of the servants of God, as arising from contumacy, contempt of authority, and disaffection to the government; 'rendered his command of no effect, God hav-and as deserving the severest punishment de'ing suspended the execution of it.' Lowth . nounced by the most cruel laws. They will
Have changed the king's word. (38) Have
V. 30. ( Marg . Ref .) The Septuagint add not, if they can help it, let persecuting statutes at the end of this verse, 'And he advanced remain unexecuted: and they will plead, that 'thein to be governors over all the Jews that if the religious tenets of the persecuted do not 'were in his kingdom.'-That translation, in- deserve punishment, yet their obstinacy and deed, contains, in this chapter, several circum-contempt of legal authority do. Thus princes
stances, which are not in the original; while the death of the mighty men, who cast the three young men into the furnace, is omitted.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-7.
Ungodly men commonly spare no cost in gratifying their pride and lusts; and the devotees of idolatry and superstition are often equally profuse about their false worship: surely then the servants of God should not be niggardly in shewing their attachment to his cause and service!-Pride and bigotry combine
have often been wrought up to the highest pitch of rage and fury, against their most useful and inoffensive subjects, and their most faithful servants: and Christians have been dragged as the vilest malefactors before kings and rulers; and put to the dreadful alternative, either to risk the everlasting wrath of God by deliberate disobedience to his commandments, or to suffer every torture which the infernal rage and cruelty of man can devise.Those who have been long accustomed to be obeyed with unreserved servility, and to overawe and crush all opposition, can scarcely con
in disposing princes to require from their sub-ceive of a power above th them, or a God able to
jects conformity to their religion, whether right or wrong: and alas! there are but few in comparison, even among professed Christians, who can give a much better reason for their religious obs observances, than the Babylonians could for worshipping the golden image, which the king had set up. up.-When When worldly worldl interest allures, and sanguinary statutes terrify, seldom any great number will refuse compliance; but fear, or hope, or superstition, will procure "the golden image" far more worshippers, than will adhere to the God of heaven.
Conformity and uniformity of this kind are perfectly easy to the slothful, the careless, the sensual, and the infidel: that is, to a very great majority in most communities; whose worship, if paid at all, springs far more from habit, interest, love of ease, or desire of obtaining the ruler's favor, than from regard to the authority and commandments of God.--Satan has ever studied to entice men into antiscriptural modes of worship, by external splendor, and whatever could enchant the senses, enliven the imagination, or move the affections: and even music, though consecrated to the service of the sanctuary, and capable of good improvement in subserviency to devotion, has been, and is often, wretchedly abused to the vilest purposes:
deliver his servants out of their hands: but their impious boasts and proud menaces are real kindnesses to the persecuted, persecuted, who need not be careful or fearful, in answering under such circumstances. Indeed these fiery trials will not suit the superficial or hypocritical: the fear of man, and love of the world, and want of fear or love to God; and above all their
want of faith, will concur in rendering them apostates in the time of temptation. Nor will every real believer be able to stand, with serene and unshaken fortitude, when first cast into such a trying situation. But the Lord will strengthen his people's faith in the time of need: and firm reliance on the divine wisdom, power, truth, and mercy, together with peace of conscience, and an assured joyful hope of heaven, will gradually compose their minds, and determine them to venture all consequences rather than sin against the Lord. He is as able, as he was in ancient times, to preserve the lives of his servants, in the most imminent perils, to support them under the most exquisite sufferings, and abundantly to recompense all their losses for his sake. A firm persuasion of these truths will fortify the soul against temptations to prevaricate, or to be ashamed of Christ: for no plea of necessity, danger, obli
it should therefore be used in religious ordi-gation to gratitude, or example, will be suffi
nances with jealousy and caution, lest it should produce a false fervor, and subserve the cause of vice, delusion, idolatry, superstition, or enthusiasm. ( Note , Ex . 15:1.)
V. 8-23.
While the multitude, in every age, nation, and rank in society, are servile in compliance with the will of their superiors, and ready to obey any laws about religion, which conduce to their outward ease, safety, or emolument, without fear of God or regard to conscience; there are a few witnesses for the truth in the most degenerate times, who dare to be singular, and to venture all consequences in "obeying God rather than man." These will be sure to
cient, if we deliberately break God's commandments for the sake of temporal safety or advantage.---We should be meek in our replies, even when exposed to the most unmerited injuries, "not rendering railing for railing;" for "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God:" but we must also be decisive , that we will obey God rather than man, and take the consequences.
V. 24-30.
A firm and resolute conduct, however calm and prudent, will greatly enrage proud persecutors, whose furious countenances both shew the misery of being the slaves to their own passions, and prove whose children they are,