Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 3:19
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: [therefore] he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
19. full of ] filled (A.V. marg.) with would be both more accurate and more forcible.
than it was wont, &c.] than it was proper or, the rule [229] for it to be heated.
[229] See in Onkelos Lev 5:10; Lev 9:16, Num 29:6; Num 29:21 (for Heb. ); and the Targ. of Jer 22:13; Jer 32:11.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
19 27. The three youths delivered from the flames.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury – Margin, filled. He was exceedingly enraged. He evidently was not prepared for a stand so firm and determined on their part, and he did not appreciate their motives, nor was he disposed to yield to them the privilege and right of following their honest convictions. He was deeply excited with anger when the complaint was made that they would not worship his gods Dan 3:13, but he had hoped that possibly they had not understood his command, and that what they had done had not been by deliberate purpose (the notes at Dan 3:14); and he had therefore given them an opportunity to reconsider the subject, and, by complying with his will, to save themselves from the threatened punishment. He now saw, however, that what they had done was done deliberately. He saw that they firmly and intelligently refused to obey, and supposing now that they not only rebelled against his commands, but that they disregarded and despised even his forbearance Dan 3:15, it is not wonderful that he was filled with wrath. What was with them fixed principle, he probably regarded as mere obstinacy, and he determined to punish them accordingly.
And the form of his visage was changed – As the face usually is when men become excited with anger. We may suppose that up to this point he had evinced self-control; possibly he may have shown something like tenderness or compassion. He was indisposed to punish them, and he hoped that they would save him from the necessity of it by complying with his commands. Now he saw that all hope of this was vain, and he gave unrestrained vent to his angry feelings.
He spake and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated – Chaldee, Than it was sees to be heated; that is, than it was ever seen. The word seven here is a perfect number, and the meaning is, that they should make it as hot as possible. He did not reflect probably that by this command he was contributing to shorten and abridge their sufferings. Wicked men, who are violently opposed to religion, often overdo the matter, and by their haste and impetuosity defeat the very end which they have in view, and even promote the very cause which they wish to destroy.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Dan 3:19-28
That they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
The Fiery Furnace
I. THE PERSON WHO CAUSED IT TO BE MADE. This Oriental despot was then in the zenith of his glory. He was the acknowledged master of the world. The pomp and pageantry, of that religious gathering has never been surpassed. In deep awe, they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up (v. 4).
II. THE PERSONS WHO WERE CAST INTO THIS BURNING FIERY FURNACE AND WHY. These were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego–the three Hebrew children, who were carried to Babylon in captivity B.C. 606. They were of royal birth. They first came into notice in refusing to eat the kings meat. Why were they cast into the burning furnace? It was because they refused to do that which would offend the living God. Listen to the answer given by those Hebrews: Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (v. 18). What is our answer? Observe, there is one great word in this verse now quoted. It is the word not! We will not serve thy gods! O this word, not! How grand it is!
1. It contains all the decision of 5:16. There they say: We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. There is no need for talk on this subject, O king. You are determined what to do; so, also, are we! Glorious decision! There is never any not where there is the least hesitation or parleying with sin.
2. This word not contains all the faith of 5:17. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning furnace. This is what the great Paul once said: The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom (2Ti 4:18). How glorious such a trust!
3. The not before us contains the profoundest courage. It was popular that day to bow to the image; the lend-mouthed herald proclaimed the penalty of not worshipping. Yet the brave men spoke out courageously. With decision, faith, and courage, we can alone stand against the evils of our day. Because Shadrach and his friends said net, they were cast into the fire.
III. THE PERSON WHO DELIVERED THEM, AND WHY. It was Almighty God (v. 28). Why? Because they trusted in Him (v. 28). This the versereferred to in Heb 11:33-34 –who through fire subdued kingdoms! It is faith that overcomes the world. Faith is the mighty moral force of the age. The Apostles said unto the Lord, and so should we, Increase our faith (Luk 17:5). Observe:
1. The completeness of this deliverance: Nor was an hair of their head singed (v. 27). So God always saves–it is complete, or not at all.
2. They were thrown into the furnace bound, but soon they walked through the flames loose (v. 24, 25). O how Satan has tried to bind us in our afflictions, but in the greatest sorrow–when the furnace has been heated seven times, we have had both freedom and joy. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (Joh 8:36).
IV. THE PERSONS BENEFITED BY THE FIERY FURNACE, AND WHY.
1. The three Hebrews were benefited by receiving another wonderful evidence of the power of grace; by being promoted to a higher official rank in the kingdom (v. 30). This was the result of decision, faith, and courage.
2. Nebuchadnezzar was benefited by being brought back to the knowledge of God which, years before, he had professed (Dan 2:47).
3. No doubt the great multitude which that day had worshipped the golden image was benefited. They all saw that the true God was He whom the Hebrews worshipped. Decision for the Lord Jesus is the best way to win the wicked to His worship and service. (Alfred W. Moment.)
Religious Persecution
We have in this chapter an affecting case of an attempt to punish men for holding certain opinions, and for acting in conformity with them. When we read of an instance of persecution like this, it occurs to us to ask certain questions.
1. What is persecution? It is pain inflicted, or some loss, or disadvantage in person, family, or office, on account of holding certain opinions. It has had two objects. One to punish men for holding certain opinions, as if the persecutor had a right to regard this as an offence against the state; and the other a professed view to reclaim those who are made to suffer, and to save their souls. In regard to the pain or suffering involved in persecution, it is not material what kind of pain is inflicted in order to constitute persecution. Any bodily suffering; any deprivation of comfort; any exclusion from office; any holding up of one to public reproach; or any form of ridicule, constitutes the essence of persecution. It may be added that not a few of the inventions most distinguished for inflicting pain, and known as refinements of cruelty, have been originated in times of persecution, and would probably have been unknown if it had not been for the purpose of restraining men from the free exercise of religious opinions. The Inquisition has been most eminent in this; and within the walls of that dreaded institution it is probable that human ingenuity has been exhausted in devising the most refined modes of inflicting torture on the human frame.
2. Why has this been permitted? Among the reasons may be the following:
(1) To show the power and reality of religion. It seemed desirable to subject it to all kinds of trial, in order to show that its existence could not be accounted for except on the supposition that it is from God. If men had never been called on to suffer on account of religion, it would have been easy for the enemies of religion to allege that there was little evidence that it was genuine, or was of value, for it had never been tried (Job 1:9-11). As it is, it has been subjected to every form of trial which wicked men could devise, and has shown itself to be adapted to meet them all. The work of the martyrs has been well done, and religion, in the times of martyrdom, has shown itself to be all that it is desirable it should be.
(2) In order to promote its spread in the world. The blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church; and it is probable that religion in past times has owed much of its purity, and of its diffusion, to the fact that it has been persecuted.
(3) To fit the sufferers for an exalted place in Heaven. They who have suffered persecution needed trials as well as others, for all Christians need them–and theirs came in this form. Some of the most lovely traits of Christian character have been brought out in connection with persecution, and some of the most triumphant exhibitions of preparation for Heaven have been made at the stake.
3. What have been the effects of persecution?
(1) It has been the settled point that the Christian religion cannot be destroyed by persecution.
(2) The effect has been to diffuse the religion which has been persecuted. The manner in which the sufferings inflicted have been endured has shown that there is reality and power in it. (John Cumming, D. D.)
In the Fiery Furnace
Note the teachings of the miracle.
I. THOSE ONLY WHO LIVE ABOVE THE WORLD CAN AFFORD TO LEAVE IT OR TO LOSE IT. The man who has temporal blessings without fellowship with God cannot afford to disobey the worlds laws or customs (Heb 11:14).
II. THE MEANS TAKEN TO EXTINGUISH TRUTH WILL BE USED TO EXTEND ITS INFLUENCE. The Philippian jailer, not content with beating his prisoners, thrust them into the inner prison, yet into this prison he shall come, and falling upon his knees, shall beseech help from his prisoners. The very means taken in that city by the magistrates to silence Paul and Silas led to their being more highly esteemed, and consequently to the words which they had spoken receiving more attention.
III. ONE SPECIAL INTERPOSITION OF PROVIDENCE IN A LIFETIME WILL NOT GUARANTEE EXEMPTION FROM AN ORDINARY FATE AT ANOTHER PERIOD. Peter was saved from Herods sword, but he suffered martyrdom in later life.
IV. THE SERVANTS OF GOD WHO HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY CONDEMNED SHALL BE PUBLICLY VINDICATED. The Son of God was publicly condemned and executed as a malefactor by the Jews, but they will one day own Him as their Lord with Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him Isa 25:9). (Outlines by a London Minister.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 19. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury] How strange is this, after having had so many proofs of the supremacy of Jehovah! He had seen how God poured contempt upon his authority in the case of the three Hebrews, and yet he will try his strength once more! How infatuated is man!
Seven times more] As hot as it could be made. Seven expresses the great intensity of the heat.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The kings fury appeared in his face, and in his words; taking this answer for the highest affront and provocation, which as the case stood he could not bear, the pride of his heart made his indignation boil over, and therefore he made the
furnace seven times hotter. Tyrants would burn the people of God in hell if they could.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. visage . . . changedHehad shown forbearance (Dan 3:14;Dan 3:15) as a favor to them, butnow that they despise even his forbearance, anger “fills”him, and is betrayed in his whole countenance.
seven times more than it waswontliterally, “than it was (ever) seen to beheated.” Seven is the perfect number; that is, it wasmade as hot as possible. Passion overdoes and defeats its ownend, for the hotter the fire, the sooner were they likely to be putout of pain.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury,…. Nettled at the answer given him; perceiving his threats made no impression on these three men, and that they were resolutely determined at all events not to obey his will:
and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; not only to what it was in times past, when they were his favourites, and he smiled upon them; but with respect to what it was while they were under examination, and he was trying to bring them to his will; when finding it impracticable, fury rose up, and showed itself in the furrows and frowns of his forehead; in the sharpness of his nose; in his sparkling eyes, foaming mouth, and gnashing teeth, and that general redness his face was covered with:
therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated; this seems to be a furnace for this purpose, and where it was usual to burn malefactors; it being a common punishment with the Chaldeans; see Jer 29:22 the order was to put seven times more fuel in the furnace, that it might be so much the hotter, and burn so much the fiercer; which order of the king shows indeed the greatness of his wrath and fury, but at the same time that it had transported him out of his sense and judgment; since so fierce a fire was the better for the three men, supposing them to have died as he intended; who would have been the sooner dispatched by it, and so not suffer so much pain and torment as in a slow fire, or less heat; but this was overruled by the providence of God, that so it should be, that the miracle of their walking in it unsinged and unhurt, and their deliverance out of it, might appear the greater.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The judgment pronounced on the accused, their punishment, and their miraculous deliverance.
After the decided refusal of the accused to worship his gods, Nebuchadnezzar changed his countenance toward them. Full of anger at such obstinacy, he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times greater than was usual (Dan 3:19), and that the rebels should be bound in their clothes by powerful men of his army, and then cast into the furnace (Dan 3:20, Dan 3:21). The form of his countenance changed, and his wrath showed itself in the lineaments of his face. The Kethiv ( plur.) refers to the genitive [ , plur., “of his countenances”] as the chief idea, and is not, after the Keri, to be changed into the sing. for . On , sevenfold, cf. Winer, Chald. Gram. 59, 5. , beyond that which was fit, i.e., which was necessary. Seven is used as expressive of an exceedingly great number, with reference to the religious meaning of the punishment.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| The Three Hebrews in the Furnace; Deliverance from the Furnace. | B. C. 587. |
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 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 Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 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. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 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 whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
In these verses we have,
I. The casting of these three faithful servants of God into the fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzar had himself known and owned so much of the true God that, one would have thought, though his pride and vanity induced him to make this golden image, and set it up to be worshipped, yet what these young men now said (whom he had formerly found to be wiser than all his wise men) would revive his convictions, and at least engage him to excuse them; but it proved quite otherwise. 1. Instead of being convinced by what they said, he was exasperated, and made more outrageous, v. 19. It made him full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against these men. Note, Brutish passions the more they are indulged the more violent they grow, and even change the countenance, to the great reproach of the wisdom and reason of a man. Nebuchadnezzar, in this heat, exchanged the awful majesty of a prince upon his throne, or a judge upon the bench, for the frightful fury of a wild bull in a net. Would men in a passion but view their faces in a glass, they would blush at their own folly and turn all their displeasure against themselves. 2. Instead of mitigating their punishment, in consideration of their quality and the posts of honour they were in, he ordered it to be heightened, that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated for other malefactors, that is, that they should put seven times more fuel to it, which, though it would not make their death more grievous, but rather dispatch them sooner, was designed to signify that the king looked upon their crime as seven times more heinous than the crimes of others, and so made their death more ignominious. But God brought glory to himself out of this foolish instance of the tyrant’s rage; for, though it would not have made their death the more grievous, yet it did make their deliverance much the more illustrious. 3. He ordered them to be bound in their clothes, and cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace, which was done accordingly, Dan 3:20; Dan 3:21. They were bound, that they might not struggle, or make any resistance, were bound in their clothes, for haste, or that they might be consumed the more slowly and gradually. But God’s providence ordered it for the increase of the miracle, in that their clothes were not so much as singed. They were bound in their coats or mantles, their hosen or breeches, and their hats or turbans, as if, in detestation of their crime, they would have their clothes to be burnt with them. What a terrible death was this–to be cast bound into the midst of a burning fiery furnace! v. 23. It makes one’s flesh tremble to think of it, and horror to take hold on one. It is amazing that the tyrant was so hard-hearted as to inflict such a punishment, and that the confessors were so stout-hearted as to submit to it rather than sin against God. But what is this to the second death, to that furnace into which the tares shall be cast in bundles, to that lake which burns eternally with fire and brimstone? Let Nebuchadnezzar heat his furnace as hot as he can, a few minutes will finish the torment of those who are cast into it; but hell-fire tortures and does not kill. The pain of damned sinners is more exquisite, and the smoke of their torment ascends for ever and ever, and those have no rest, no intermission, no cessation of their pains, who have worshipped the beast and his image (Rev 14:10; Rev 14:11), whereas their pain would be soon over that were cast into this furnace for not worshipping this Babylonian beast and his image. 4. It was a remarkable providence that the men, the mighty men, that bound them, and threw them into the furnace, were themselves consumed or suffocated by the flame, v. 22. The king’s commandment was urgent, that they should dispatch them quickly, and be sure to do it effectually; and therefore they resolved to go to the very mouth of the furnace, that they might throw them into the midst of it, but they were in such haste that they would not take time to arm themselves accordingly. The apocryphal additions to Daniel say that the flame ascended forty-nine cubits above the mouth of the furnace. Probably God ordered it so that the wind blew it directly upon them with such violence that it smothered them. God did thus immediately plead the cause of his injured servants, and take vengeance for them on their persecutors, whom he punished, not only in the very act of their sin, but by it. But these men were only the instruments of cruelty; he that bade them do it had the greater sin; yet they suffered justly for executing an unjust decree, and it is very probable that they did it with pleasure and were glad to be so employed. Nebuchadnezzar himself was reserved for a further reckoning. There is a day coming when proud tyrants will be punished, not only for the cruelties they have been guilty of, but for employing those about them in their cruelties, and so exposing them to the judgments of God.
II. The deliverance of these three faithful servants of God out of the furnace. When they were cast bound into the midst of that devouring fire we might well conclude that we should hear no more of them, that their very bones would be calcined; but, to our amazement, we here find that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are yet alive.
1. Nebuchadnezzar finds them walking in the fire. He was astonished, and rose up in haste, v. 24. Perhaps the slaying of the men that executed his sentence was that which astonished him, as well it might, for he had reason to think his own turn would be next; or it was some unaccountable impression upon his own mind that astonished him, and made him rise up in haste, and go to the furnace, to see what had become of those he had cast into it. Note, God can strike those with astonishment whose hearts are most hardened both against him and against his people. He that made the soul can make his sword to approach to it, even to that of the greatest tyrant. In his astonishment he calls his counsellors about him, and appeals to them. Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? It seems, it was done by order, not only of the king, but of the council. They durst not but concur with him, which he forced them to do, that they might share with him in the guilt and odium? “True, O king!” say they; “we did order such an execution to be done and it was done.” “But now,” says the king, “I have been looking into the furnace, and I see four men, loose, walking in the midst of the fire,” v. 25. (1.) They were loosed from their bonds. The fire that did not so much as singe their clothes burnt the cords wherewith they were bound, and set them at liberty; thus God’s people have their hearts enlarged, through the grace of God, by those very troubles with which their enemies designed to straiten and hamper them. (2.) They had no hurt, made no complaint, felt no pain or uneasiness in the least; the flame did not scorch them; the smoke did not stifle them; they were alive and as well as ever in the midst of the flames. See how God of nature can, when he pleases, control the powers of nature, to make them serve his purposes. Now was fulfilled in the letter gracious promise (Isa. xliii. 2), When thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. By faith they quench the violence of the fire, quench the fiery darts of the wicked. (3.) They walked in the midst of the fire. The furnace was large, so that they had room to walk; they were unhurt, so that they were able to walk; their minds were easy, so that they were disposed to walk, as in a paradise or garden of pleasure. Can a man walk upon hot coals and his feet not be burnt? Prov. vi. 28. Yes, they did it with as much pleasure as the king of Tyrus walked up and down in the midst of his stones of fire, his precious stones that sparkled as fire, Ezek. xxviii. 14. They were not striving to get out, finding themselves unhurt; but, leaving it to that God who preserved them in the fire to bring them out of it, they walked up and down in the midst of it unconcerned. One of the apocryphal writings relates at large the prayer which Azariah, one of the three, prayed in the fire (wherein he laments the calamities and iniquities of Israel, and entreats God’s favour to his people), and the song of praise which they all three sang in the midst of the flames, in both which there are remarkable strains of devotion; but we have reason to think, with Grotius, that they were composed by some Jew of a later age, not as what were used, but only as what might have been used, on this occasion, and therefore we justly reject them as no part of holy writ. (4.) There was a fourth seen with them in the fire, whose form, in Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment, was like the Son of God; he appeared as a divine person, a messenger from heaven, not as a servant, but as a son. Like an angel (so some); and angels are called sons of God, Job xxxviii. 7. In the apocryphal narrative of this story it is said, The angel of the Lord came down into the furnace; and Nebuchadnezzar here says (v. 28), God sent his angel and delivered them; and it was an angel that shut the lions’ mouths when Daniel was in the den, ch. vi. 22. But some think it was the eternal Son of God, the angel of the covenant, and not a created angel. He appeared often in our nature before he assumed it in his incarnation, and never more seasonable, nor to give a more proper indication and presage of his great errand into the world in the fulness of time, than now, when, to deliver his chosen out of the fire, he came and walked with them in the fire. Note, Those that suffer for Christ have his gracious presence with them in their sufferings, even in the fiery furnace, even in the valley of the shadow of death, and therefore even there they need fear no evil. Hereby Christ showed that what is done against his people he takes as done against himself; whoever throws them into the furnace does, in effect, throw him in. I an Jesus, whom thou persecutest, Isa. lxiii. 9.
2. Nebuchadnezzar calls them out of the furnace (v. 26): He comes near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and bids them come forth and come hither. Come forth, come (so some read it); he speaks with a great deal of tenderness and concern, and stands ready to lend them his hand and help them out. He is convinced by their miraculous preservation that he did evil in casting them into the furnace; and therefore he does not thrust them out privily; no verily, but he will come himself and fetch them out, Acts xvi. 37. Observe the respectful title that he gives them. When he was in the heat of his fury and rage against them it is probable that he called them rebels, and traitors, and all the ill names he could invent; but now he owns them for the servants of the most high God, a God who now appears able to deliver them out of his hand. Note, Sooner or later, God will convince the proudest of men that he is the most high God, and above them, and too hard for them, even in those things wherein they deal proudly and presumptuously, Exod. xviii. 11. He will likewise let them know are who his servants, and that he owns them and will stand by them. Elijah prayed (1 Kings xviii. 36), Let it be known that thou art God and that I am thy servant. Nebuchadnezzar now embraces those whom he had abandoned, and is very officious about them, now that he perceives them to be the favourites of Heaven. Note, What persecutors have done against God’s servants, when God opens their eyes, they must as far as they can undo again. How the fourth, whose form was like the Son of God, withdrew, and whether he vanished away or visibly ascended, we are not told, but of the other three we are informed, (1.) That they came forth out of the midst of the fire, as Abraham their father out of Ur (that is, the fire) of the Chaldees, into which, says this tradition of the Jews, he was cast, for refusing to worship idols, and out of which he was delivered, as those his three children were. When they had their discharge they did not tempt God by staying in any longer, but came forth as brands out of the burning. (2.) That it was made to appear, to the full satisfaction of all the amazed spectators, that they had not received the least damage by the fire, v. 27. All the great men came together to view them, and found that there was not so much as a hair of their head singed. Here that was true in the letter which our Saviour spoke figuratively, for an assurance to his suffering servants that they should sustain no real damage (Luke xxi. 18), There shall not a hair of your head perish. Their clothes did not so much as change colour, nor smell of fire, much less were their bodies in the least scorched or blistered; no, the fire had no power on them. The Chaldeans worshipped the fire, as a sort of image of the sun, so that, in restraining the fire now, God put contempt, not only upon their king, but upon their god too, and showed that his voice divides the flames of fire as well as the floods of water (Ps. xxix. 7), when he pleases to make a way for his people through the midst of it. It is our God only that is the consuming fire (Heb. xii. 29); other fire, if he but speak the word, shall not consume.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
PRESERVATION–NO HARM IN THE FURNACE
Verses 19-25:
Verse 19 relates the fury, rage, and changed countenance of Nebuchadnezzar toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, because they refused his second chance, v. 14, 15. Because of their stand for their God, against idols and the image worship that he had decreed, he commanded that the fiery furnace be made seven times hotter than normal for the burning of these three Jewish patriots. Seven is the perfect number. It simply means it was to be heated as hot as possible. Passion overdoes its own end, for the hotter the fire the sooner they would be out of pain, if the Lord did not intercede, Php_4:19; Heb 13:5.
Verse 20 further relates that the most mighty (the strongest) of his armed men were ordered to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the fiery furnace, so that there would be no escape. They vainly thought they would then be rid of them, even as those Jews who sealed the tomb of our Lord, Mat 27:62-66; Mat 28:11-15.
Verse 21 adds that these three were bound alive in their coats, hose, hats, and their other garments (fully dressed) and cast by these mighty men of Nebuchadnezzar’s army into the burning fiery furnace. This should have been the end of them, except their God was their protection, Psa 34:7; Heb 13:5.
Verse 22 discloses that because the king’s command was so furiously urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, those mighty men of the king’s army were slain, burned to death, when they threw Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego headlong into the furnace, Dan 6:24; Psa 7:16; Num 32:23.
Verse 23 affirms that these three men, the certain colleague Jews accused by the Chaldeans, v. 8, 12, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego “fell down bound” into the midst (very center) of the high-heated fiery furnace. Such demonstrated the arm or care of the God they trusted, v. 16-18. He protected them through it all, not keeping them out, but protecting them while they were in there, to deliver them, Psa 34:7.
Verse 24 states that Nebuchadnezzar was suddenly astonished, aghast, upon looking into the fiery furnace, at the door of which his three mighty men of his army had burned to death from the escaping heat, from within the furnace. He arose up in haste and demanded of his counselors “did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” From the mouths of our Lord’s own enemies they truthfully affirmed that this was true, v. 21.
Verse 25 adds that Nebuchadnezzar replied that he saw four men loose, (not bound) walking in the midst of the fire and that they had no hurt, Isa 43:2; Joh 8:36. Their coats, hose, hats, and garments were fit to wear in a royal palace, unharmed by the flames. But Nebuchadnezzar cried that one of the four was of the likeness of the “Son of God.” What did he know about the Son of God? Act 2:26-27; 2Co 12:8-9; Gen 8:12-18. Evidently Daniel and these three faithful Jews had so witnessed of Jesus, the Messiah, that his conscience had a perfect vision of that one who never leaves nor forsakes His own, Psa 34:7; 1Co 10:13; Heb 13:5; Joh 11:49-52; Mat 27:54.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Here, at; first sight, God seems to desert his servants, since he does not openly succor them. The king orders them to be thrown into a furnace of fire: no help from heaven appears for them. This was a living and remarkably efficacious proof of their faithfulness. But they were prepared, as we have seen, to endure everything. These bold answers were not prompted simply by their trust in God’s immediate help, but by a determination to die; since a better life occupied their thoughts, they willingly sacrificed the present life. Hence they were not frightened at this terrible order of the king’s, but followed on their course, fearlessly submitting to death for the worship of God. No third way was opened for them, when a choice was granted either to submit to death, or apostatize from the true God. By this example we are taught to meditate on our immortal life in times of ease, so that if God pleases, we may not hesitate to expose our souls by the confession of the true faith. For we are so timorous when we are attacked by calamity, we are seized with fear and torpor, and then when we are not pressed by any urgency we feign for ourselves a false security. When we are allowed to be at ease, we ought to apply our minds to meditation upon a future life, so that this world may become cheap to us, and we may be prepared when necessary to pour forth our blood in testimony to the truth. And this narrative is not set before us simply to lead us to admire and celebrate the courage of these three holy ones, but their constancy is proposed to us as an example for imitation.
With reference to King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel here shews, as in a glass, the pride and haughtiness of kings when they find their decrees disobeyed. Surely a mind of iron ought to grow soft by the answer which we have just narrated, on hearing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego committing their lives to God; but when it heard how they could not be drawn aside from their faithfulness by the fear of death, its anger was only increased. In considering this fury, we ought to take into account the power of Satan in seizing and occupying the minds of men. For there is no moderation in them, even if they shew some great and remarkable hope of virtues, — for, as we have seen, Nebuchadnezzar was endued with many virtues; but as Satan harassed him, we discern nothing but cruelty and barbarity. Meanwhile, let us remember how pleasing our constancy is to God, though it may not produce any immediate fruit before the world. For many indulge in pleasure through thinking they would be rash in devoting themselves to death, without any apparent utility. And on this pretext, they excuse themselves from not contending more boldly for the glory of God, by supposing they would lose their labor, and their death would be fruitless. But we hear what Christ pronounces, namely, this sacrifice is pleasing to God, when we die for the testimony of the heavenly doctrine, although the generation before which we bear witness to God’s name is adulterous and perverse, nay, even hardened by our constancy. (Mat 5:11, and Mat 10:32, and Mar 8:38.)
And such an example is here set before us in these three holy men; because, although Nebuchadnezzar was more inflamed by the freedom of their confession, yet that; liberty pleased God, and they did not repent of it, though they did not discern the fruit of their constancy which they wished. The Prophet also expresses this circumstance to demonstrate the king’s fury, since he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than before; and then, he chose from his own servants the strongest of all to bind these holy men, and cast them into the furnace of fire
But from the result it is very evident, that this did not occur without God’s secret impulse; for the devil will sometimes throw discredit on a miracle, unless all doubt is removed. Since therefore the king ordered the furnace to be heated sevenfold more than before, next when he chose the strongest attendants, and commanded them to follow him, God thus removed all doubts, by liberating his servants, because light emerges more clearly from the darkness, when Satan endeavors to shut it out. Thus God is accustomed to frustrate the impious; and the more impious they are in opposing his glory, the more he makes his honor and doctrine conspicuous. In like manner, Daniel here paints, as in a picture, how King Nebuchadnezzar passed nothing by, when he wished to strike terror into the minds of all the Jews by this cruel punishment. And yet he obtained nothing else by his plans than a clearer illustration of God’s power and grace towards his servants. It now follows: —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
d. PERFECT DELIVERANCE
TEXT: Dan. 3:19-25
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 seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
20
And he commanded certain mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21
Then these men were bound in their hosen, their tunics, and their mantles, and their outer garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
22
Therefore because the kings 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.
24
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he 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 aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.
QUERIES
a.
Why heat the furnace seven times hotter than before?
b.
What caused the soldiers of the king to fall into the flames?
c.
Who was the fourth person in the furnace?
PARAPHRASE
Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury and his face was distorted with rage. At once he commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be bound by certain of his most powerful soldiers and thrown into a flaming furnace which he had ordered to be fired up seven times hotter than it was before. The three Hebrew youths were then bound up securely hand and foot with all their fine regalia of boots, leggings, caps and robes on, and cast into the very center of the flaming furnace. Driven by the fury of the kings anger, the soldiers were in such haste they did not take precautions concerning the intensity of the leaping flames and as they shoved the Hebrew lads into the furnace they themselves were burned to death by the flames. After the three Hebrew lads had fallen into the furnace, king Nebuchadnezzar bent over to look into the aperture but he rose to his feet quickly with astonishment on his face. He said to his counsellors, Did we not cast three men bound hand and foot into that flaming furnace? They answered, Indeed we did, O King. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Look! I see four men loose, walking around in the middle of that inferno, and none of them are burned. The fourth man in there is like a son of the gods.
COMMENT
Dan. 3:19-21 . . . COMMANDED THAT THEY SHOULD HEAT THE FURNACE SEVEN TIMES MORE THAN IT WAS WONT TO BE HEATED . . . Their vow of resolution after being offered a second chance angered the king to the extreme. He was hot with anger. His face was distorted with rage. His command to heat it seven times more . . . is a figure of speech much like our ten times as much or hundred times more. It would be impossible to measure precisely when the heat was exactly seven times greater.
The furnaces resembled our present day lime kilns. They were stone or brick, open at the top and approachable by an elevated path or inclined plane because the kiln was built against a hillside from which the approach was made. At the bottom there must have been an opening that was large enough to enable men to peer into the flames if they stooped or got down on their knees.
The three Hebrew lads had appeared, evidently, at this occasion of state dressed in their finest apparel. Ordinarily, their finery would be stripped off before committing them to the furnace. In this case, however, due to the urgency of the kings command, the victims were taken just as they were, bound hand and foot, and cast into the roaring inferno.
The description of their apparel begins with boots, trousers, caps and ends with robes. They were cast into the flames fully clothed. Clothing would serve as extremely combustible fuel to feed the flames and serve to make the burning-up of the persons faster.
Dan. 3:22-23 . . . BECAUSE THE KINGS COMMANDMENT WAS URGENT, AND THE FURNACE EXCEEDING HOT, THE FLAME OF THE FIRE SLEW THOSE MEN . . . The kings order given with furious rage written all over his countenance and pouring forth from his mouth spurred his powerful soldiers to careless and fatal haste. They rushed headlong toward the opening of the furnace on the top close enough to hurl their victims in but they went too close and the leaping, licking flames, roared out from that inferno many times hotter than ever before and burned the soldiers to death. They succeeded, however, in casting the Hebrew men into the very center of that furnace. The fact that the soldiers were burned to death instantly when they merely came close to the flames and the fact that the Hebrew men did not even have the smell of smoke upon them makes this miracle most outstanding.
Dan. 3:24-25 . . . DID WE NOT CAST THREE MEN . . . INTO THE . . . FIRE? . . . LO, I SEE FOUR MEN . . . WALKING IN THE . . . FIRE . . . AND THE . . . FOURTH IS LIKE A SON OF THE GODS. The king took up a position at a safe distance from the furnace, yet at a vantage point where he could stoop down and peer inside through the opening at the bottom of the furnace. His furious rage at being disobeyed by, in his estimation, these ingrateful Hebrews caused him to want to witness their execution. But instead of seeing them writhing in agony as they are roasted alive, he sees a scene which utterly astounds him! It is so astonishing he is incredulous. He asks his counselors for confirmation of the number of men cast into that inferno for he has counted an extra one. He sees, in fact, six amazing things. (1) he sees not three but four; (2) they are not bound but free; (3) they are not lying down or standing still but walking about; (4) they are not being consumed by the fire but are unhurt; (5) the appearance of the fourth was like unto a son of the gods; (6) they were not frantically searching for a way of escape, but were evidently calmly resigned to let their God handle the situation.
The statement of Nebuchadnezzar, . . . like a son of the gods . . . concerning the fourth person he saw in the furnace is to be expected from a pagan king. The KJV translates the kings statement, . . . like the Son of God, but that is not grammatically defensible. The literal meaning is . . . son of deity, and the Aramaic, in reproducing the sense of Nebuchadnezzars statement does so by the language of paganism. What the king saw was a being with supernatural qualities and appearance. The king was impressed with this beings divine appearance and its superhuman abilities but speaks as a typical heathen when he likens the fourth person to a son of the gods. We believe the fourth person was an angel of the Lord, whether one of the angels of high rank or not is uncertain (cf. Dan. 10:13; Dan. 10:21, regarding Michael, the arch-angel). To hold that the fourth person was the pre-incarnate Son of God robs the incarnation, in our estimation, of its uniqueness and seems to contradict plain teaching of scripture that the appearance of the Son of God took place uniquely at His birth by the virgin Mary and His subsequent life (cf. Joh. 1:1-18; Heb. 1:1-14). In the passage in Heb. 1:1-14 we are told of Gods previous ministry to the fathers through the agency of angels and this is to emphasize the uniqueness of the ministry of the Son in these last days. God did many things through the agency of angels. We will discuss angels in a Special Study in connection with chapter ten.
QUIZ
1.
Why was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury? How angry was he?
2.
How hot was seven times more than it was wont to be heated?
3.
Why were the soldiers burned to death?
4.
Why mention the apparel of the three Hebrew men?
5.
Name six things which caused the king to be astonished?
6.
Who was the fourth person like a son of the gods?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(19) One seven times.It is doubtful whether seven is used here as a round number or not. According to the Babylonian mythology, there were seven demons, named Maskim, who were the most formidable of the infernal powers. Perhaps the number seven has a reference to them, for the religious nature of the punishment favours the view that the overheating of the furnace was regarded as a religious act.
Than it was wont.More correctly, than it was fitting. The improper heating of the furnace led to the death of the mighty men (Dan. 3:22).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. This public and outspoken act of disobedience naturally infuriated the king, who was in the habit of having his own way absolutely. It is still customary in the East to say of one who is angry with another “his face is black against him.” This does not prove that as late as Dan 3:14 the face of the king was white to these men (Thomson), but that he was now excessively and additionally furious. De Wette ( Allgemeine Encyclopedia) remarks that the king’s order to heat the furnace “seven times more than it was wont to be heated” was impossible, since “heating has its limits,” and seems to hold the Book of Daniel responsible for the king’s lack of scientific knowledge! The use of the number seven here is decidedly oriental, and this phrase only means that the furnace must be made as hot as possible. This was done to make the circumstances of their death more frightful.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the look on his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He spoke and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was normally heated. And he commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning, fiery furnace.’
Nebuchadnezzar had been well intentioned towards them, as the look on his face had revealed, but now at their refusal his fury knew no bounds. The look on his face changed. How dare these men defy him to his face? He had never experienced such treatment in all his days.
And yet within his heart there was a doubt. The quiet confidence of these men shook him. And the thought of their God disturbed him. Perhaps He might deliver them? So he took precautions. He had the furnace heated to the maximum possible, hotter than it had ever been before. ‘Seven times’ may mean ‘to its ultimate’, or it may be intended to suggest the divine perfection of the judgment from his god that would come on them. The use of the number may have indicated that by his action he was calling for help from his god against this other powerful God.
And he called for the mightiest men of his army. He wanted help from both god and man. He would see what their God could do against these combined forces. And then he had them bound and commanded that they be thrown into the intense heat of the overheated furnaces. He was satisfied that he had taken all possible precautions.
Once again we see that excessive intensity which would later come out in his mental illness, signs that indicated that all was not quite right in his mental state.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The Miraculous Preservation of God’s Servants
v. 19. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, v. 20. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army, v. 21. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, v. 22. Therefore, because the king’s commandment was urgent, v. 23. v. 24. Then Nebuchadnezzar, the king, was astonied, v. 25. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, v. 26. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, v. 27. And the princes, governors, and captains, v. 28. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, v. 29. Therefore I make a decree, v. 30. Then the king,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Ah! wretched Nebuchadnezzar! how wilt thou endure the heated furnace of everlasting wrath! What! even if it had killed the faithful servants of the Lord, what would have been their sufferings for a few moments, which, in consuming, would soon have put them out of all pain, compared to thy torments in that lake whose smoke ascends forever and ever? A worm that never dies, and a fire that cannot be quenched! Here are torments that do not destroy. A second death which is endless, and of never dying misery! Oh! wretched, wretched man! Reader! awfully ponder over those scriptures: Rev 20:10 to the end. Mar 9:43-44 ; Isa 33:14 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Dan 3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
Ver. 19. And the form of his visage was changed. ] Chal., The countenance of his face. Passionate persons vex and distemper their own hearts and bodies, Pro 25:28 and are exceedingly disfigured with furiousness of the looks, extraordinary panting of the heart, beating of the pulse, swelling of the veins, stammering of the tongue, gnashing of the teeth, as those in Act 7:54 . So the tyrant that martyred Laurence stamped and stared, ramped and fared as out of his wits, swelling like a toad, looking like a devil, &c. See on Dan 3:17 .
That they should heat the furnace one seven times more.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Dan 3:19-23
19Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire. 22For this reason, because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. 23But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.
Dan 3:19 seven times more than it was usually heated This is an obvious use of figurative language (cf. v. 22). It simply means that the brick kiln was heated as hot as it possibly could be heated. See Special Topic: Symbolic Numbers in Scripture .
Dan 3:20
NASBvaliant warriors
NKJVmighty men of valor
NRSVsome of the strongest guards
TEVthe strongest men
NJBcertain stalwarts from his army
The construct (BDB 1086 and 1093) implies his strongest military guards. Nebuchadnezzar’s anger will result in the death of these servants (cf. Dan 3:22).
Dan 3:21 their trousers, their coats, their caps, and their other clothes This was their official attire showing the high governmental level they had attained in the neo-Babylonian empire.
Dan 3:22 the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men This is a graphic detail of the extreme heat into which the three Hebrew boys were thrown. The fall itself should have killed them, much less the temperature.
Dan 3:23 After this verse is the place where the Septuagint inserts two Apocryphal writings, The Song of the Three Youths and The Prayer of Assariah. These two Apocryphal writings assert that the dew of heaven brought by the angel of the Lord kept the Hebrew youths from death.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Dan 3:19-21
Dan 3:19 ThenH116 was NebuchadnezzarH5020 fullH4391 of fury,H2528 and the formH6755 of his visageH600 was changedH8133 againstH5922 Shadrach,H7715 Meshach,H4336 and Abednego:H5665 therefore he spake,H6032 and commandedH560 that they should heatH228 the furnaceH861 oneH2298 seven timesH7655 moreH5922 thanH1768 it was wontH2370 to be heated.H228
Dan 3:20 And he commandedH560 the most mightyH1401 H2429 menH1400 thatH1768 were in his armyH2429 to bindH3729 Shadrach,H7715 Meshach,H4336 and Abednego,H5665 and to castH7412 them into the burningH3345 fieryH5135 furnace.H861
Dan 3:21 ThenH116 theseH479 menH1400 were boundH3729 in their coats,H5622 their hosen,H6361 and their hats,H3737 and their other garments,H3831 and were castH7412 into the midstH1459 of the burningH3345 fieryH5135 furnace.H861
Dan 3:19-21
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 one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 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.
Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king on earth had been defied by three of his own trusted government high officials. The men in charge of executing these three men were ordered to heat the fire up as hot as possible. They were then commanded to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in their clothes. These clothes were probably their articles of official attire. In his rage Nebuchadnezzar was going to make an example out of them before the whole empire by having them thrown into the furnace with their official clothing on.
At this point the Chaldeans must have been quite pleased with themselves, having successfully manipulated Nebuchadnezzar into removing these men from their positions of authority and were most likely eagerly awaiting their executions with bated breath. One can almost hear their smug comments amongst themselves in their own private language.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Loyalty Rewarded
Dan 3:19-30
It is only when we reach the fire that we become aware of the presence of the divine Companion, walking beside us as if treading the dew-besprinkled glades of Paradise. The Good Shepherd was there with His rod and staff. Loose, Dan 3:25, that is, the fire had consumed their bonds and nothing else. Hair would soonest catch the flame, but not a hair perished, Luk 12:7; Luk 21:18. The yielded body of Dan 3:28 reminds us of Rom 6:13; Rom 12:1-2. Let us yield our bodies and souls to our faithful Creator for Him to use as He will. He made and redeemed, let Him have; and when we are possessed by His Spirit, all other fires, whether physical or temperamental, fail to hurt. Of the martyrs, it may be said that upon them also the fire had no power, Isa 43:2!
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
was Nebuchadnezzar: Dan 3:13, Pro 21:24, Isa 51:23, Luk 12:4, Luk 12:5, Act 5:33, Act 7:54
full: Chal, filled
the form: Dan 5:6, Gen 4:5, Gen 4:6, Gen 31:2
he spake: Exo 15:9, Exo 15:10, 1Ki 20:10, 1Ki 20:11, 2Ki 19:27, 2Ki 19:28, Psa 76:10, Pro 16:14, Pro 27:3, Pro 27:4
one seven: Dan 6:24, Lev 26:18, Lev 26:21, Lev 26:24, Lev 26:28
than: 1Ki 18:33-35, Mat 27:63-66
Reciprocal: Gen 19:9 – pressed Gen 44:18 – as Pharaoh Exo 11:8 – a great anger 1Sa 22:16 – Thou shalt Est 1:12 – was the king Est 3:5 – full of wrath Est 7:7 – for he saw Psa 124:3 – their wrath Pro 14:29 – but Pro 19:12 – king’s Isa 51:13 – were ready Jer 36:32 – there Eze 21:14 – let the Mat 2:16 – was exceeding Mat 5:22 – That Mat 20:25 – exercise dominion 1Co 13:4 – vaunteth not itself Heb 11:34 – Quenched
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dan 3:19. Upon learning that the report. was true, the rage of Nebuchadnezzar returned with increased fury. Visage means face and changed means distorted. The king was so enraged that his face was twisted Out of its normal shape as he looked at the three Hebrews who were brave enough to defy his decree. Wont means accustomed and it shows that the furnace had been in use for some time. (See comments at verse 6.) Sewn is derived from a word that Strong defines, A primitive root; properly to be complete.” If a furnace had been accustomed to being heated enough that it would roast a man to death (Jer 29:22), then it would be impossible for a human being to make it literally seven times that hot. The statement therefore means they were to make it as hot as possible. The king allowed his anger to blind him to the inconsistency of his order. He evidently wished to slay these men, yet also intended that they should be tortured first. A furnace “seven times as hot as usual would cut off their lives all the sooner and lienee cause less torture.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Dan 3:19-21. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury Nebuchadnezzar had himself known and owned so much of the true God, that one would have thought, though his pride and vanity had induced him to make this golden image, and set it up to be worshipped, yet that what these young men now said (whom he had formerly found to be wiser than all his wise men) would have revived his convictions, and at least have engaged him to forbear proceeding to extremities against them; but it proved quite otherwise. 1st, Instead of being convinced by what they said, he was exasperated, and made more outrageous. 2d, Instead of mitigating their punishment, in consideration of their quality and the honourable offices they were in, he ordered it to be heightened, commanding the heat of the furnace to be increased seven-fold; which, though it would not make their death more grievous, but rather despatch them the sooner, yet was designed to signify, that the king looked upon their crime as seven times more heinous than the crimes of others, and so made their death more ignominious. But God brought glory to himself out of this foolish instance of the tyrants rage; for though it would not have made their death the more grievous, yet it made their deliverance much the more illustrious. 3d, He ordered them to be bound in their clothes, which was done accordingly. They were bound, that they might not struggle, or make any resistance; were bound in their clothes for haste, or that they might be consumed the more slowly and gradually: but Gods providence ordered it for the increase of the miracle, in that their clothes were not so much as singed. What a terrible death was this, to be cast bound into the midst of a burning fiery furnace! It makes ones flesh tremble to think of it, and horror to take hold of one. It is amazing that the tyrant was so hard-hearted as to inflict such a punishment, and the confessors possessed of such fortitude as to submit to it, rather than sin against God. But what is this to the second death? to the furnace into which the tares shall be cast in bundles? to that lake which burns eternally with fire and brimstone? Let Nebuchadnezzar heat his furnace as hot as he can, a few minutes will finish the torment of those who are cast into it; but hell-fire tortures, and doth not kill; the pain of damned sinners is more exquisite, and the smoke of their torments ascends for ever and ever, and they have no rest, no intermission, no cessation of their pains, who have worshipped the beast and his image, Rev 14:10-11; whereas their pain would be soon over that were cast into this furnace, for not worshipping this Babylonian beast and his image.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
3:19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven {i} times more than it was wont to be heated.
(i) This declares that the more that tyrants rage, and the more crafty they show themselves in inventing strange and cruel punishments, the more is God glorified by his servants, to whom he gives patience and constancy to abide the cruelty of their punishment. For either he delvers them from death, or else for this life gives them better.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
4. The execution of the king’s command 3:19-23
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
The determination of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to withhold the form of allegiance that Nebuchadnezzar required made the king as angry as he could be. He apparently ordered the furnace heated to seven times its normal heat to make an example of them. "Seven times more" is a proverbial expression for "much more" in some passages (cf. Pro 24:16; Pro 26:16), and it probably has that meaning here, too.
"His furnace was hot, but he himself got hotter! And when a man gets full of fury, he gets full of folly. There is no fool on earth like a man who has lost his temper. And Nebuchadnezzar did a stupid thing. He ought to have cooled the furnace seven times less if he had wanted to hurt them; but instead of that in his fury he heated it seven times more." [Note: G. R. King, Daniel, p. 85.]