Daniel 3:15

15 I'm giving you a second chance - but from now on, when the big band strikes up you must go to your knees and worship the statue I have made. If you don't worship it, you will be pitched into a roaring furnace, no questions asked. Who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"

Daniel 3:15 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye shall hear
The meaning is, that if they were disposed in mind, which the king was very desirous they should, both for his own honour, and for their safety, for whom he had a regard; and were willing to comply with his orders, and readily yield obedience to his will, and worship his idol; the following would be a signal to them, and all would be well with them: or it may be rendered, "when now ye shall be, that at what time ye shall hear" ^F17; for the word signifies future, as well as "ready", and is by some so translated; and the sense is, when it shall be, or for the future, that they should hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer,
and all kinds of music;
which was played not once only, but perhaps at certain times every day, and designed to be continued: ye fall down and worship the image which I have made;
it is well; so doing the king's wrath would be appeased, their lives would be preserved, and they continued in his favour, and in their honourable posts: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of
a burning fiery furnace;
immediately, without any delay; no reprieve will be granted, and much less a pardon: and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
he knew their confidence in the God of Israel, which he attempts to break and remove; he foresaw the objection they would make, which he endeavours to anticipate by this proud and vain boast, forgetting what he himself had said, ( Daniel 2:47 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Nydyte Nwkytya Nh) "si futuri estis", Gejerus.

Daniel 3:15 In-Context

13 Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought in. When the men were brought in,

14 Nebuchadnezzar asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't respect my gods and refuse to worship the gold statue that I have set up?

15 I'm giving you a second chance - but from now on, when the big band strikes up you must go to your knees and worship the statue I have made. If you don't worship it, you will be pitched into a roaring furnace, no questions asked. Who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us.

17 If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king.