Made an image — Perhaps he did this, that he might seem no ways
inclined to the Jews, or their religion, whereof the Chaldeans might
be jealous, seeing he had owned their God to be greatest, and had
preferred Daniel and his friends to great honours.... [ Continue Reading ]
Nations and languages — Proclamation was made therefore in several
languages.... [ Continue Reading ]
We are not careful — Heb. We care not: there is no need of any
answer in this case for it is in vain for us to debate the matter; the
king is resolved to have his will of us, and we are resolved on the
contrary.... [ Continue Reading ]
But if not — It was therefore all one to them, which way God would
honour himself; they were resolved to suffer rather than sin, and
leave the cause to God. Indeed if God be for us, we need not fear what
man can do unto us. Let him do his worst. God will deliver us either
from death, or in death.... [ Continue Reading ]
To bind — What did he think these three men would have refused? Or
that their God would defend them from his power, or that if he had,
his mighty men could have prevailed? None of all this was the case;
for God purposed to shew his power when the king did his worst, and in
the thing wherein he dealt... [ Continue Reading ]
Fell down — All this is exprest with emphasis, to make the power of
God more glorious in their preservation; for that shame that slew the
executioners, might much more easily have killed them, even before
they fell down.... [ Continue Reading ]
No hurt — See how the God of nature can when he pleases control the
powers of nature! The Son of God — Probably he had heard David speak
of him. Jesus Christ, the Angel of the covenant, did sometimes appear
before his incarnation. Those who suffer for Christ, have his gracious
presence with them in... [ Continue Reading ]
And spake — With a milder tone than before, God having abated the
fire of his fury. Now he could at once acknowledge the true God to be
the most high above all gods, and the three worthies to be his
faithful servants.... [ Continue Reading ]