Pastor Peter's Bible Insights
Daniel Chapter Three
Some scholars believe that there is a period of about 20 years between the second and third chapters of Daniel. If that is the case, then Daniel is now approximately 37 years old. One of the puzzling questions of this chapter is why Daniel is not featured in these events. Some think that Daniel was on a personal mission for Nebuchadnezzar and not present at the dedication of the image.
Vs 1. Nebuchadnezzar's image was approximately 90 feet by 9 feet including its pedestal. The dimensions of the image were disproportionate and not at all human looking. The image was too tall for its width to look human. It is most likely that the image was not solid gold. Isaiah makes mention of how idols were fashioned in ancient times (Isaiah 40:18-19).
Phidias' great statue of Athena in the Parthenon at Athens was 45 feet tall. She was constructed with a wooden frame and then overlaid with gold. Her garment of gold weighed 400 pounds.
The plain of Dura in the province of Babylon was 6 miles southeast of the city of Babylon.
Archaeologists have discovered ruins, which they believe are the base of the image that Nebuchadnezzar set up in the plain of Dura. These ruins are about six miles southeast of Babylon.
Why did Nebuchadnezzar set up this image? Did it stem from his dream? Was he not satisfied to be the head? Did he want to be the whole image? Perhaps he was not content with a head of gold and wanted the whole body to be gold. Great kings down through the ages have often wanted to be worshiped as a god.
Vs. 19 If one has to die by fire, the hotter the fire the easier the death. Death by a cool fire is much worse than death by a hot fire.
Preaching/teaching Outline
Vs. 15 "Just say no" to peer pressure. (Acts 4:19; 5:29)
Vs. 16 Not every question has to be answered. (Matthew 7:6)
Vs. 17 Convictions are more important than consequences. (Job 13:15)
Vs. 19 Sometimes hotter is better. (James 1:20)
Vs. 25 You never go into a fire without the fourth man. (Hebrews 13:5,6,8)
Vs. 27 When we operate in the Spirit of Christ, the fire has no effect.
Vs. 30 God's peculiar path to promotion. (Philippians 2:8-9)
"To broaden your ministry, deepen your message."
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