Page 95 - Daniel

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The Golden Image of Nebuchadnezzar

he account of Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image records his reaction
Tto 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. This chapter, however, is often regarded

as merely providing historical insight into the characteristics of this
period. Works devoted to the prophecies of Daniel often omit
consideration of chapter 3 entirely, as do S. P. Tregelles and Robert D.
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Culver. Others, like Goldingay, suggest that the chapter combines
factual allusions with traditional motifs or legends. Undoubtedly,
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chapter 3 is intended to convey spiritual truth, but also characteristics of
the times of the Gentiles. Its study not only provides spiritual insights,

but contributes to the overall presentation of prophecy in Daniel.
The likely background for the events of chapter 3 is a coup attempt

against Nebuchadnezzar that occurred December 595-January 594 B.C.,
during the tenth year of his reign. This event was significant enough to
have been recorded in the Babylonian Chronicle as the major event of
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the year. After the coup attempt failed, it is likely that Nebuchadnezzar
summoned all his provincial rulers and vassal kings back to Babylon for

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a loyalty oath. Those who had proved themselves loyal at the royal
court in Babylon would have been exempt from the ceremony. This
would explain why Daniel did not have to appear at the gathering. He
had been with Nebuchadnezzar “at the king’s court,” but Daniel’s three
friends were summoned with the other officials because they had been
serving as administrators in the “province of Babylon” (Dan. 2:49).

The dream of chapter 2 and the statue of chapter 3 could have been
separated by as many as eight years (the difference between
Nebuchadnezzar’s second year (2:1) and the coup attempt in his tenth

year). Yet it’s still possible to make a connection between the two