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Daniel 3:20
ESV And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
NIV and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
NASB And he ordered certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in order to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire.
CSB and he commanded some of the best soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire.
NLT Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
KJV And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

What does Daniel 3:20 mean?

These three Hebrew men were among those captured from Judah and made to serve the king of Babylon (Daniel 1:1–7). They openly refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol (Daniel 3:16–18), driving the king into an irrational rage. He ordered a furnace—probably a lime kiln—superheated (Daniel 3:19), and now commands that the men be tied up.

Kilns such as these were usually made of earth, with carefully sized openings on top and on one side. Even at normal burning temperatures, it would be unlikely for anyone to be able to climb out if they fell in. The fact that the furnace is superheated makes this even less of a risk—yet the king demands his victims be tied up. This reflects the king's raging, uncontrolled temper. Rather than thinking about his actions, he seems to be lashing out with spite. A modern English language expression notes that "when a man's temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him." Ecclesiastes 7:9 wisely counsels: "Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools."

The real lesson to be learned will be delivered soon. Nebuchadnezzar is attempting to display his royal power. Soon the God of Israel will display His strength by rescuing His three loyal servants (Daniel 3:24–25).
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