Royalty and Ruin

The Golden Image: The Eternal Glory of Babylon

From his rich treasure, Nebuchadnezzar made a great golden image, similar to what he had seen in vision, except in one particular: the material of which it was composed. The Chaldeans had never before produced anything so impressive as this splendid statue. It is not surprising that in a land where idol worship prevailed everywhere, the priceless image on the plain of Dura would be consecrated as an object of worship. A decree went out that on the day of the dedication all should show their supreme loyalty to Babylon by bowing before the image. RR 180.1

A vast crowd from all “peoples, nations, and languages” assembled. When the music played, the whole company “fell down and worshiped the gold image.” The powers of darkness seemed to be gaining a victory, permanently connecting the worship of the gold image with the established forms of idolatry recognized as the state religion. Satan hoped in this way to defeat God’s purpose of making Israel in Babylon a means of blessing to all nations. RR 180.2

But God decreed otherwise. Not all had bowed to the idolatrous symbol of human power. Three men firmly resolved not to dishonor the God of heaven. Their God was King of kings; they would bow to no other. RR 180.3

Certain wise men, jealous of the faithful companions of Daniel, brought word to Nebuchadnezzar that some had dared to disobey his mandate: “There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” RR 180.4