Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Nebukadnesar sa til dem: «Er det sant, Sjadrak, Mesjak og Abed-Nego, at dere ikke tilber mine guder, og heller ikke gullstatuen som jeg har satt opp? Hvis dere bare faller ned og tilber statuen som jeg har lagd når dere hører lyden av horn, fløyte, lyre, harpe, lutt, trommer og all slags musikk, sier vi at dette er glemt og at alt er greit! Men hvis dere ikke tilber den, da skal dere straks kastes i en ovn med brennende ild. Hvem er den guden som kan befri dere fra min vilje?»
What Does This Mean?
King Nebuchadnezzar is questioning Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He asks if it's true that they refuse to worship his gods and the golden image he has made. The key message is about standing firm in one's beliefs, even in the face of authority.
Explained for Children
Imagine your teacher asked you if you refused to play a game because you didn't like it. That's like what Nebuchadnezzar is doing. He's asking Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego why they won't play his game of worshipping his gods.
Historical Background
The book of Daniel was written during the Babylonian exile, likely by Daniel himself, who was a high-ranking official in the Babylonian and Persian courts. The audience was the Jews in exile, and the cultural setting was one where Babylonian gods were the dominant religious force.
Living It Out Today
Imagine you're at work and your boss asks you to do something that goes against your personal values. How do you respond? This verse reminds us to stand firm in what we believe, even when it's hard.