Daniel 3:22

The flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, etc.

If the furnace was so intensely heated as the king commanded, with such inflammable materials as would be likely to be used, the flames would rush forth from its open mouth with great fury, making it dangerous to approach near. Yet no one could be thrown in unless the very rim was reached. The king's command was imperious and it was death to disobey; hence, the men charged with the duty rushed up into the surging flame with their victims and hurled them in; before they could escape they were overcome by the heat and flame so that they died.

Those who think it improbable that men would obey an order at such peril, know little of the customs of absolute countries. To mention one or two illustrations, in the reign of Peter the Great, of Russia, he had visited with an ambassador the top of. lofty tower. Something was said about the obedience of his subjects, and turning to an attendant, the Czar bade him leap down. Without. word and without hesitation, he leaped to certain death.. similar instance is recorded of. potentate of Western Asia, during the Middle Ages, known as the Prince of the Assassins. In order to impress. visitor with the danger encountered by those who displeased him, he ordered an attendant to stab himself to the heart, which was done at once.