3 in the Fire
This is a story of 3 men in a fire, Many know of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
These are the names given by their Babylonian oppressors, as they are referenced the Christian Bible in Daniel 3.
Their Hebrew names are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. For me, it is important to say their given names, names of their faith and people.
It would be like calling Kunta Kinte, Tobe. #iykyk
So . . . As the story goes, the 3 men are figures from the biblical Book of Daniel, chapter 3.
In the narrative, the Hebrew men are thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon, for refusing to bow to the king's image.
Nebuchadnezzar was in disbelief: He saw, in the flames, four men walking around unharmed, one of which “look[ed] like the son of God.” He opened the furnace and told them to come out. When the 3 men emerged from the fire, it was clear “that the fire had had no power over the bodies of these men; not a hair of their heads had been singed, nor were their garments altered; there was not even a smell of fire about them,” (Daniel 3:92-94).
Amazed at God’s deliverance, Nebuchadnezzar called the Lord blessed, and promoted them. Nebuchadnezzar declared that all in the nation should worship the Lord, “For there is no other God who can rescue like this,” (Daniel 3:96).
These 3 are remembered for they were committed to their faith, even when faced with a violent death. Because of their faith, God delivered them from the evil, and the king of Babylon recognized God's Lordship over heaven and earth.
“There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, you should know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up.” (Daniel 3:18)
Digital collage by QueenEarth Rock photography by QueenEarth Illustration by QueenEarth
