Daniel 3:7

Daniel 3:7 says, Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.  Since Nebuchadnezzar made the decree, we can assume he would want to see if it would be obeyed.  Until the actual playing of the music the people did not have to make a choice.  Today, until we are actually faced with having to worship some idol or false god, we do not really have our faith put to a test.  This verse states that all the people fell down and worshipped, but we know this is not true.  Verse eight adds, Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.  Evidently some people were observing who did not worship the image as much as Chaldeans were worshipping the image themselves.  I believe that had they really been devoted to worshipping that they would not have been concerned with what others were doing.  When we are truly worshipping God, our focus should be on God and not those around us.  Yet we often are more focused on those around us than we are on God.  Verse nine continues, They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.  Once more they were flattering the king, but they were really there for their own benefit.  They saw an opportunity to get rid of certain Jews who had been placed in power, namely Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  I am not sure why Daniel was not included, but I believe that it is safe to say that he did not worship the image either.  There will always be people who want to destroy those who worship and stand for God for their own benefit in this world.  Verse ten states, Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:  These Chaldeans reminded Nebuchadnezzar of his decree, wanting it to appear that they were concerned about his authority being challenged.  Sometimes today those who want something from a ruler will go out of their way to make it appear that they are concerned simply within the ruler's welfare.  Verse eleven adds, And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.  Then, they repeated the decree, maybe to show that they had been listening and heeding the king. Verse twelve continues, There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.  This was the true reason for their speaking to Nebuchadnezzar.  They wanted to point out that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had not followed the king's decree.  Again, I am not sure why Daniel was not included, but we can be certain that he did not fall down and worship as well.  When we stand firm in our faith in God, there will always be those who attempt to destroy us in any way they can.  Verse thirteen concludes, Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.  Nebuchadnezzar had evidently forgotten his declaration to Daniel that Daniel's God was a powerful God and was now only concerned with his own authority.  There are many people in the world today who are more concerned with their authority than with the power of God, and they will do anything they can to destroy those who are faithful to Him.