Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and commanded all the people to fall down and worship it when they heard the sound of the horn, flute, and other instruments. Whoever did not fall down and worship would immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.

Some astrologers went to the king and said, "There are some Jews whom you have appointed to govern Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who pay no attention to you. They do not serve your gods and do not worship the image of gold you have set up."

Nebuchadnezzar was furious. He summoned them and said, "Is it true that you do not serve my gods? Now when you hear the music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very well. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Nebuchadnezzar was furious and ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. He commanded some of his strongest soldiers to tie them up and throw them into the furnace. The king was astonished and said, "Did we not throw three men, bound, into the fire? I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." He praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who had sent his angel and rescued his servants.