What does the Book of Daniel tell us about the Revived Roman Empire?
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I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
VS 1-7: Nebuchadnezzar’s pride: the image of gold. VS 8-18: Daniel’s three companions refuse to worship the image. VS 19-25: Daniel’s companions protected in the fiery furnace. VS 26-28: Nebuchadnezzar recognizes the deliverance to be of God. VS 29-30: Nebuchadnezzar’s decree and the promotion of the three Hebrew young men.
III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.
The account of the golden image which was erected on the plain of Dura records Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to the revelation of chapter 2 in which he was symbolized by the head of gold. The astounding courage and deliverance of Daniel’s companions, who refused to worship the image, has inspired the people of God in similar times of trial. The chapter as a whole, however, is often regarded as merely providing historical insight into the characteristics of this period. Works devoted to study of the prophecies of Daniel often omit consideration of chapter 3 entirely as do S. P. Tregelles and Robert D. Culver. Others, such as Geoffrey R. King, interpret the chapter as not only history but parable and prophecy. The introduction of the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 3 immediately following Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image depicting Gentile times, even if its parabolic implications are ignored, obviously is intended to convey not only spiritual truth in general, but characteristics of the times of the Gentiles. Its study, accordingly, not only provides spiritual insights but contributes to the overall presentation of prophecy in Daniel.
IV. Scripture Text. See below.
Daniel 3:1-30. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+3&version=NASB1995
V. Verse Examination.
A. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.
https://www.amazon.com/Charles-Caldwell-Ryrie/e/B001HMRTWW
3:1: “an image of gold.” Probably the image was in human form (though not necessarily an image of Nebuchadnezzar) overlaid with gold, rather than with solid gold (Isa. 40:19). It was 90 x 9 ft (27×2.7 m), probably including a pedestal. 3:2: “satraps.” Leaders of the various provinces. 3:5: “horn.” A wind instrument. “trigon.” A triangular instrument with four strings that played high notes. “psaltery.” Another triangular instrument whose strings were beneath the sounding board. 3:6: The command to “worship” shows that this act had not only a political significance but a religious one as well, requiring the recognition of Nebuchadnezzar’ gods (v. 12). 3:12: “they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image.” Strictly forbidden by the law (Ex. 20:3-5). 3:17-18: They do not make any conditions with God; deliverance or martyrdom were equally possible in His plan. 3:25: The fourth form Nebuchadnezzar saw in the furnace was like a divine being. It may have been an angel or possibly a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, though the king would not have known who He was. But, Nebuchadnezzar realized that this being was mightier than his gods, who would never have delivered men. 3:27-30: There can be no natural explanation for such complete deliverance (cf. v. 22). Their faith brought deliverance, protection, reward, and glory to God (cf. 1 Peter 4:14).
B. Dr. Ron Rhodes (Th.M., Th.D.) 40 Days Through
Daniel. http://www.ronrhodesresources.com/About_Me.html
Daniel 3:6. But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.”
The penalty for refusing to bow down and worship the image was incineration in what was apparently an industrial-sized oven used for smelting metals and baking bricks. This is punishment that Nebuchadnezzar had elsewhere used for two Judean false prophets, Zedekiah and Ahab (Jer 29:22). The code of Hammurabi (section 25, 110, and 157 ) indicates that this may have been a common Babylonian means of execution.
C. Dr. Charles H. Dyer (Th.M., Ph. D.) The Moody Bible Commentary.
https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/d/charles-dyer/
Jeremiah 29:22. Because of them a curse will be used by all the exiles from Judah who are in Babylon, saying, “May the Lord make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire,
Jeremiah singled out two of the false prophets in Babylon, “Ahab the son of Koliah,” and “Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah” who were “prophesying”….falsely and committing “adultery with their neighbors’ wives.” The Lord would judge them by delivering “them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.” For rebellion against Babylon, they would be publicly executed, “roasted in the fire,” a form of execution often used in Babylon (cf. Dn 3:6, 11, 15, 17, 19-23). Their death by fire would give rise to a “curse” the captives would use. These false prophets had said Nebuchadnezzar would not capture the city; when Babylon captured Jerusalem they were among the first to die for their insolence against mighty Babylon.
VI. Summary. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
In this third chapter of Daniel we have considered: 1-3 Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image, 4-12 and commands all to worship it. 13-18 Their declaration before the king. 19-23 They are cast into the fiery furnace. 24-25 Their miraculous preservation. 26-30 The king thereupon acknowledges the God of Israel.
VII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/
VIII. My Websites To Follow.
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