The Golden Idol

The Golden Idol

That dream of the metallic image made a great impression on Nebuchadnezzar. For though at first he couldn't remember it, after Daniel had brought it back to his mind and explained its meaning he couldn't think of anything else.

But there was one thing about it he didn't like. That was the suggestion that his great empire would someday give place to another. He womdered whether that had to be. Perhaps if he made Babylon strong enough he could stop anything like that from happening.

Then he had a bright idea. He would make an image like the one he had seen in his dream, but of one metal, not several, to show that his kingdom would last forever. Not just the head would be of gold but the entire body---arms, legs, feets, toes, everything.

So he gave orders for the to be carried out. And what a gigantic image it was! When completed it stood about 100 feet tall, including its pedestal, while the width at the shoulders was more ten feet. Imagine it! And all of gold!

Crowds must have gathered to watch as the great gleaming idol was carried out of the city and set up in the midst in the plain of Dura. Soldiers no doubt went along to guard it and see that thives didn't break off its golden toes at night.

Everybody wondered what the king planned to do with so huge an image in such a place, but they did not have long to wait to find out. Soon word spread everywhere that Nebuchadnezzar had sent messengers throughout the whole Babylonian empire commanding the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, and the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image.

One and all they came; and a great sight it must have been as all these important officials, each with his train of servants, began to arrive in the capital.

When the day of dedication arrived tens of thousands gathered on the plain of Dura, men and women, boys and girls. Some no doubt camped out all the previous night to get a place with a good view. Others started coming at early dawn, bringing their lunches with them.

Everyone was excited-especially the children-for wasn't the king himself coming to the show and the royal band providing the music?

More and more people arrived. The crowd become thicker and thicker, especially towards the center, where the great golden image towered above all.

Suddenly a hush fell over the mighty throng. A richly dressed heral began to speak.

Slowly, in a loud, clear voice, he cried, “To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up."

The the he added this warning: “Whoso fall not down and worshipe shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."

Then the band began to play. Just what sort of tune came from those cornets, flutes, harps, sackbots, psalteries, and other musical instrument we are not told, but as the sound rolled out over the plain, the people with one accord fell on their faces before the image.

Nebuchadnezzar, looking over yhe amazing scene from his royal throne, felt very pleased with himself. This was just what he had planned! Everybody bowung down to his image. No, no, his empire would never pass away. Not with such obedience as this—and a little touch of the fiery furnace to help things along!

His contentment did not last long, however, for far out of the kneeling crowd he noticed a disturbance. Some people were actually standing. Yes, standing!

“What's the matter?" he demanded of those about him.

“It's Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Your Majesty," said his Chaldean counselors. “You know, those three young Hebrews whom you promoted not long ago. They refuse to bow down to your golden image."

“What!" cried Nebuchadnezzar in a rage. “Bring them here. I'll teach them to disobey me!"

Soldiers brought the three young men through the crowd while everybody looked up to see what was going on. Quickly the news spread. Voices buzzed. “Did you see that!" one said to another. “Three young men refused to bow to the golden idol! They've been arrested and taken before the king. Whatever will happen to them?"

By this time the people were far more interested in the three young Hebrews than ever they had been in the image. The dedication was completely spoiled.