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Verse
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Daniel 3:3
ESV Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
NIV So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.
NASB Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the chief treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the administrators of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
CSB So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue the king had set up. Then they stood before the statue Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
NLT So all these officials came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
KJV Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

What does Daniel 3:3 mean?

After hearing the interpretation of his dream (Daniel 2:36), Nebuchadnezzar creates some sort of enormous idol and commands high officials from all over the empire to attend its dedication (Daniel 3:1–2). The list here is identical to that in the prior verse (Daniel 3:2), with a long list of positions and job titles. That repetition suggests the oppressive and intrusive nature of the king's upcoming command (Daniel 3:4–6). This chapter will make a point of repeating certain phrases and lists, possibly to continue emphasizing this idea.

Some commentators suggest that Nebuchadnezzar set up the golden image to prove he had not abandoned the polytheistic religion of the Babylonians. He had, after all, praised Daniel's God (Daniel 2:47). Others speculate that the occasion was a celebration of Nebuchadnezzar's many military victories. It seems most likely that Nebuchadnezzar wanted everyone in his kingdom to see him as the majestic, supreme ruler over Babylon's many provinces. Bowing to the image would symbolize submission to the power and religion of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar's construction of the golden image on the plain of Dura prefigures the construction of the image of the beast by the false prophet of Israel in the tribulation (Revelation 13:11–15).
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