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    Chapter 41—Three Hebrews in the Fiery Furnace

    This chapter is based on Daniel 3.

    The dream of the great image had been given that Nebuchadnezzar might understand the relation that his kingdom should sustain to the kingdom of heaven. In the interpretation of the dream, he had been plainly instructed regarding the establishment of God's everlasting kingdom.SS 261.1

    The king had acknowledged God, saying to Daniel, “Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, ... and a revealer of secrets.” Daniel 2:47. For a time Nebuchadnezzar was influenced by the fear of God, but his heart was not yet cleansed from a desire for self-exaltation. Filled with pride, in time he resumed his idol worship with increased zeal. The words “Thou art this head of gold” had made a deep impression on the ruler's mind. The wise men of his realm, taking advantage of this, proposed that he make an image similar to the one in his dream and set it up where all might behold the head of gold, interpreted as representing his kingdom.SS 261.2

    Pleased, he determined to go even farther. His image should not deteriorate in value from the head to the feet, but be entirely of gold—symbolic of Babylon as an indestructible, all-powerful kingdom.SS 261.3

    Establishing a dynasty that should endure forever appealed strongly to the ruler before whose arms the nations of earth had been unable to stand. Forgetting the remarkable providences connected with the dream of the great image, and that in connection with the interpretation the great men of the realm had been saved an ignominious death, the king and his counselors determined that they would endeavor to exalt Babylon as supreme.SS 261.4

    Daniel's interpretation was to be rejected and forgotten; truth was to be misapplied. The symbol designed of Heaven to unfold to men important events of the future was to be used to hinder the knowledge God desired the world to receive. Satan knew that truth unmixed with error is a power mighty to save, but when used to exalt self it becomes a power for evil.SS 262.1

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