Shedrach, Meshack And Abednego Accused For Not Worshipping The Image: Daniel 3 v 8 - 12

Daniel 3:8 "Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews."

Perhaps, there was some jealousy, because Daniel and his 3 friends had been raised to such a high position in the kingdom. These Chaldeans were carefully watching to find anything they might accuse them of.

These are most likely the priests of Belmerodach who were envious of these young Jews, and sought their death.

Daniel 3:9 "They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever."

This is a statement very similar to "long live the king". They must pay honor to Nebuchadnezzar, before they went on with their real purpose for coming.

In the book of Proverbs you find this to be addressed numerous times when scripture is speaking of flattery. Normally done when somebody wants something and not to just make you feel good.

Daniel 3:10 "Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image:"

The king really did not need them to remind him of his decree. This, possibly, is mentioned to him, to tell him there is no way out of punishing these Jews.

Daniel 3:11 "And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, [that] he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."

The punishment had been set from the beginning for those who would not worship this false god.

Daniel 3:12 "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."

These accusers were trying to say that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were not honoring Nebuchadnezzar, or his image. They were pretending to be for Babylon and the king, and they were not loyal to him.

Someone in so high a position should be leading others to carry out the wishes of the king, not rebelling against his commands. Their jealousy of these Jews is showing.

First, they called them Jews, even though they used their Babylonian names. This is slight indication they wanted the king to believe they were faithful to Jerusalem, and not to him.

They, also, point out that the king had put them in their high positions. It is as if they are saying he should not have placed them above Babylonians. There, also, is a progression of accusations.

First, they did not regard Nebuchadnezzar. Second, they did not worship his gods. Third, they did not bow down to the image.