The Fiery Furnace
605- 537BC
Bible Reference: Daniel 1-3, Hebrews 11:34
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- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive as youths from Israel to Babylon.
- Their names were changed from their Hebrew names Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah when they entered into Babylon.
- They were of superior intellect and were taught the language and culture of the Babylonians, and they were trained in the college of magicians.
- They were forced to violate their covenant with God by eating forbidden food from the king’s table, but they refused, choosing only to eat vegetables along with Daniel. As a result, they grew in stature and were promoted.
- They stood with Daniel when challenged to interpret a forgotten dream from Nebuchadnezzar and prayed for God’s revelation. As a result of the interpretation, they achieved a higher civic office.
- They were envied by the other magicians for their advancement, and this led to others scheming against them.
- They refused to worship a golden image that was set up on the plains of Dura in Babylon knowing full well the penalty of being thrown into a fiery furnace.
- When thrown into the fiery furnace, their faith remained strong and God miraculously kept them alive without even a hint of smoke on their clothing.
- Nebuchadnezzar saw four men standing in the fire, and the fourth being was divine in nature, confirming God was with the three and that their God was the one and only true God.
- As a result of their commitment, God’s name was lifted up in the Babylonian nation, and they were promoted to higher positions.
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