In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how, “certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews”, and they said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded you: they serve not your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up”, and in chapter three and verse thirteen of his book Daniel shared about, “Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury”, where we read,
Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
The verse reads, “Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”Daniel began with the words, “then Nebuchadnezzar” or “at that time Nebuchadnezzar whose name means 'may Nebo protect the crown' and was the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive” “in his rage and fury” which means “within his, King Nebuchadnezzar's, violent anger and heated wrath” “commanded to bring” or “charged and ordered to carry forth and lead” “Shadrach” whose name means “royal or the great scribe”, “Meshach” or “guest of the king”, “and Abednego” or “servant of Nebo”. Daniel shared how King “Nebuchadnezzar” within his violent anger and heated wrath ordered that “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” be lead in before him.
The verse goes on to say, “Then they brought these men before the king.” Daniel continued with the words, “then they brought these men” which means “at that time they, the servants of King Nebuchadnezzar, carried and lead forth the male human beings, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” “before the king” or “into the presence of the royal ruler and leader Nebuchadnezzar”. Daniel said at that moment the servants of King Nebuchadnezzar lead “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” into his presence.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the accusers received what they desired concerning “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego”. Not only did their behavior cause Nebuchadnezzar to be violently angry, but also made him order “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” to be lead into his presence. We will see what happens in our next verses, but for now let us imagine the “rage and fury” that was exhibited by King Nebuchadnezzar. When he gave this command, his servants obeyed him. God was aware of all these things, and He used them to bring about the birth of His Son Jesus into the world so He could die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and be raised from the grave after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the courage and ability through His Holy Spirit to withstand anyone who opposes Him regardless of the outcome.
Next time Daniel shares how King Nebuchadnezzar asked, “do you not serve my gods?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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