Observation

This question was also popular among the candidates. A vast number of the candidates attempted it. The performance to this question was above average. Some candidates narrated the experience of Daniel in the lion’s den rather than of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the burning furnace. In some other instances, they mistook the name Darius for Nebuchadnezzar. In regards to this question, candidates were expected to have highlighted some of the essential points as listed below;

1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were devout Jews brought into captivity in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.
2.  They were dedicated to the worship of their God and rigid observance of the Israelite laws.
3. Owing to their outstanding qualities, the King appointed the three men to high positions of authority in the country.
4. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon set up a golden image to be worshipped by all his subjects and nations under him.
5. All officials of his Kingdom were assembled for the dedication of the golden image.
6. Nebuchadnezzar’s official proclamation was backed up by a decree in case of any violation.
7. Whoever defied the King’s order of worshipping the golden image was to be cast into a burning fiery furnace.
8. The Chaldeans conspired against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
9. They were accused of disobeying the King’s order of worshipping the golden image.
10. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were summoned by Nebuchadnezzar.
11. Nebuchadnezzar gave the three another opportunity to worship the golden image.
12. They rejected the offer to worship the golden image saying, “be it known to you, O king that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have setup”.
13. Nebuchadnezzar became furious at their refusal
14. He ordered that they be cast into the burning fiery furnace.

(B) LESSONS THAT CAN BE LEARNT FROM THE INCIDENT IN (A) ABOVE

1. The incident offers hope to believers who suffer as a result of persecution/ opposition.
2. It is a special source of encouragement to believers.
3. It shows that judgment is certain and God’s servants will be vindicated.
4. It can sustain believers going through persecution.
5. It teaches that the world may seem out of control but God reigns.
6. God cares for believers who take a stand for Him.
7. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego demonstrated an incredible courage which believers should emulate.
8. It reveals an in depth knowledge of the supremacy of the Almighty God.
9. It helps to strengthen believers’ faith in God/ confidence in God.
10. God’s enemies shall never go unpunished.