Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king in the world, made a huge golden idol to be worshiped by all. It was an object lesson for the whole world: loyalty to Nebuchadnezzar comes first.


But three Hebrew officials refused to obey, knowing that proper allegiance is always to God first. The king was furious! He ordered them thrown into a blazing furnace stoked so hot that it killed the soldiers who threw them in. Yet the Hebrew men were unharmed. The king leaped to his feet in awe at the three and the additional supernatural fourth man with them.


Why was a furnace this big sitting there so handy? It was probably the same one used to make the king’s idol. Using the king’s own resources, God showed His power over idols, a furnace, the laws of nature, and men. Sending His messenger to walk with the men is a picture of how Jesus would come years later and walk alongside of us. The prophet Isaiah would tell of it: “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (43:2).