The Image of Gold Daniel 3:1-7
The Image of Gold Daniel 3:1-7
Introduction
I was born in Wash DC. I have vague recollections from when I was 5.
Before my interview for NR, my cousin James gave me a night tour of DC
We saw th sights: White House, Capitol, monuments, supreme Ct,
archive, Smithsonian
Wash DC, big, impressive: reflect and represent the nation to citizens/visitors
Ancient Babylon was the most impressive city in the world in 6th cent BC
Euphrates ran through it, walls wide enough to run 2 4 horse chariot side
300’Ziggurat, Ishtar Gate, hanging Gardens of Babylon 1/7 wonder
ancient world
King of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar had big plans for Babylon – includ imag of Au
This AM look at the image of Au, dedication of image, 3 big lessons 4us
- Image of Gold 1
Image – could be of Babylonian god Marduk or of Nebuchadnezzar
Gold – rare precious metal, probably sheets of gold gilding
Height – 60 cubits = 90’ could include a platform
Width – 6 cubits = 9’, ~30ft3 Au ~17 tons if beat 1/16in thick
Proportions are wrong for a man, something like a totem pole
Main point is impressive because of height and gold
For comparison: statue of liberty 151’, pedestal 154’
Sphinx 65’high, 260’long, 20 ‘ wide
Colossus of Rhodes 98’ high, bronze
Plain of Dura – near city of Babylon, several possible sites 6-15miles
- Dedication of Image 2-7
- Guests 2,3Sent for and gathered:
satraps, administrators, governors, counselors, treasurers,
judges, magistrates, and all officials of the provinces
came and stood before Nebuchadnezzar and his image of gold
note the repetition of their titles in v3
- Command 4,5Herald announces when you hear sound of
Horn, flute, harp, lyre, psaltery in symphony w all music
Fall down and worship gold image Nebuchadnezzar set up
- Threat 6 Whoever does not, cast immediately into burning fiery furnace
- Result 7Music played, repetition of instruments named in 5
Note contribution of music for the dedication
All peopl of all nations fell down and worshipped N’s image of Au
- Three Big Lessons For Us
What was going on in Nebuchadnezzars mind?
Dream of imag of various metals, interpreted, he Babylon hd of Au
Overwhelmed by God: humbled himself, praised God
Between Daniel 2:49 and 3:1 about 20 years have passed, a generation
So after 20 years Nebuchadnezzar builds his Image of Au
1st Big Lesson – Remember to be overwhelmed by God 2Pt1:16-18; 1J1:1
Don’t forget what it meant to be overwhelmed by God
2nd Big Lesson – Follow what God says Mt24:14,35,44; 25:13
Don’t defy God. Think U can change what God said what God has
planned. Babylon was head of gold, ff by another kingdom
of silver. U cannot defy God
3rd Big Lesson – Worship is for God alone. Dt6:13; Mt 4:10; J4:22-24
Don’t promote worship of anything other than God
Anything or anyone other than God is unworthy of our worship