But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
These three men teach us all a necessary lesson: when danger for the truth's sake presses close, we must learn to place our life in God's hand and devote ourselves to death unflinching. Few hold this conviction truly fixed in their heart; most contrive their own safety as if God's power were empty. But he who has learned to trust his life to God's care will never hesitate when called, since God can snatch His servants from a thousand deaths.
AI summary
Those Chaldeans who accused them bore a grudge, likely because Daniel and his companions had eclipsed them; they requited good with evil for the very prayers that saved their lives. Envy is a bitter master and stands before nothing. Yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not hide away; they stood in office and bore public testimony against gross idolatry, though it cost them everything.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 3:8-18
Whether God delivers them or not, they are resolved: we will not serve your gods or bow to your image, come life or come death. They are certain of His power but at a point on this matter alone. Life and death matter less than refusing to sin; that is spiritual fortitude.
AI summary