Daniel 3:18

18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

Daniel 3:18 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 3:18

But if not
If our God does not think fit to exert his power, and deliver us, which we are well assured he is able to do; if it is not his will, we are content, we are resigned unto it: be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods,
be it as it will, whether we are delivered or not; we are not sure of the one, but we are at a point as to the other: nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up;
come life, come death, we are ready; we had rather die than sin: they were all of one mind, and agreed in this matter; a noble instance of spiritual fortitude and courage!

Daniel 3:18 In-Context

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnez'zar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

19 Then Nebuchadnez'zar was full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he ordered certain mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.