Daniel - Lesson 11, November 21

1. Image and the Decree; 3:1-7

a. Construction of this great image is the first thing here.

b. Dedication of the image 3:2-3.

Satraps = civil leader; governor of a province; direct rep of king

Prefects = military commanders, high level

Governors = general military personnel

Councilors = arbitrators, justices, attorneys

Treasurers = Babylon was divided into provinces, colonies; each had its own treasurer

Judges = another level of lawyers; used of those with higher skills in the law

Magistrates = police officials

All the rulers of the provinces = bureaucrats; takes in all the rest

c. The proclamation; decree: vs:4-6

2. 3:8-18 Defiance of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

They are really presented with a dilemma. Obey God or the state!

There are 2 characteristics of every believer that defied the state under the will of God.

#1 The state called for action that was clearly forbidden by the Word of God.

#2 The individuals never asked for any exemption from the consequences of their act either from God or from the authorities.

a. (Situation here) Their detractors - antagonists 3:8-12

They didn't bow and they got tattled on!

They are facing two different kinds of tests.

b. The Chaldeans reiterate the Kings decree in vs:9-11 and then in vs:12 get down to the issues as they saw it.

#1 they have the gall to disregard your decree.

#2 they did not serve your gods, Neb.

#3 they did not worship the golden image which you have set up.

c. Interrogation, a 2nd chance; but most important what we see here is their convictions! 3:13-18.

What really sticks out here - their convictions.

#1 They have convictions about man. vs:16

#2 They have convictions about God. vs:17-18