Daniel 3-5
/“They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up” (3:12). Babylon’s golden image represented world dominance: military, economic, cultural, and spiritual power But Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego refused to bow to the image, despite the risk to their jobs, status, and lives. Nebuchadnezzar believed the fantasy of his own glory (4:30), and later Belshazzar made the same mistake (5:22). But the exiled Jews, while serving Babylon, remained loyal to the true God and bowed to no one else.
“We do not need to defend ourselves before you ...” (3:16). When we give whole-hearted allegiance to Jesus and His kingdom, our hearts are at peace. Whether in life or death, we belong to God and are safe with Him.