Page 112 - Daniel

divine being.” Nebuchadnezzar interpreted this in verse 28 as an angel.
If it was not the preincarnate Christ, then the alternative is that God sent
an angel to protect them. This, of course, is also plausible and in keeping
with other Scripture. 34

Nebuchadnezzar not only recognized the God of Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego, but now belatedly commended them for their trust in
God even though it resulted in contradicting his word. He also

recognized the superior obligation of the men not to worship any deity
except their own. This was a remarkable admission for a king in
Nebuchadnezzar’s situation.
Having given this preamble, Nebuchadnezzar made his decree. He did

not deprecate his own gods but acknowledged the power of the God
whom Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worshiped. Nebuchadnezzar
also warned everyone in his realm not to speak ill of this God, and made
dire threats that everyone knew he had the power to carry out. Although
Nebuchadnezzar was greatly impressed, he had not yet been brought to

the place where he was willing to put his trust solely in the God of
Israel.
The chain of events that had brought about this miracle also
consolidated the position of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as

principal officials in the province of Babylon. Whatever their former
rank and authority, they were now promoted. Although probably in the
same office, they were relieved of any opposition and had the special
favor of the king in what they did. Interestingly, these men are not
mentioned again after this chapter.

As pointed out in an extended discussion by Leupold, the nature of
this trial and persecution was quite different from that of Antiochus
Epiphanes in the second century B.C., and scholars who attempt to draw

parallels to support the idea of a pseudo-Daniel writing the book of
Daniel in the second century have no basis for such claims.
Nebuchadnezzar at least respected the God of Israel, something that was
quite untrue in the case of Antiochus Epiphanes. As recorded in the
35
Word of God, it is characteristic of Gentile times that there will be

tensions between obedience to God and obedience to men. This will
reach its peak in the future great tribulation when once again the choice
between obeying an earthly ruler and obeying God will result in many