JULY 6, 2025 – IMAGE

READ: Dan. 3:1–7:  … you shall fall down and worship …

After Daniel’s explanation of the dream, Nebuchadnezzar expresses a certain recognition of God. But it is by no means genuine faith. He now exalts himself and has a golden statue made—about thirty meters tall. He commands everyone to fall down and worship it at a given signal.

It seems to be Nebuchadnezzar’s answer to the dream in chapter 2. It is a direct attack on the majesty of God, before whom the entire world must bow. Nebuchadnezzar reveals himself as a servant of Satan, the great adversary of God.

The statue in chapter 2’s dream had only a head of gold, but this tangible image is entirely made of gold. A special liturgy is created for its worship. A symphony of various musical instruments enhances the ceremony. All senses are engaged. People become enchanted: how beautiful, how majestic, how impressive!

First, there is a dedication ceremony where all the high officials of the empire must be present. This includes Daniel and his three friends. They are once again forced to take a stand—will they bow only to God or also to Nebuchadnezzar?

It’s tempting to briefly go along and make the requested bow. After all, isn’t everyone else doing it? Is it really that bad? You didn’t choose this situation, right? But what about Naaman (2 Kings 5:18)?

So, Nebuchadnezzar’s statue becomes a temptation for the church. This is not unique. We know of the temptations in Egypt for Joseph (Gen. 39:9) and for Moses (Heb. 11:25). Soon after Joshua’s death, idolatry returned to Israel from the surrounding nations.

We know of the worship of Baal in Ahab’s time. Do we recognize that same temptation today? How do we deal with it? (Compare 1 Tim. 6:11, Rev. 13:8,15)

Is Naaman’s ‘temptation’ comparable to Daniel’s?

Sing: Ps. 96:3,5