Shadrach- Babylonian Astrologers Ganged Up On Us

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

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My name is Shadrach. My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

Meshach, Abednego and I stood while all the people of Babylon and most of the Hebrew slaves bowed to Nebuchadnezzar's statue. 

Off in the distance, a group of men dressed like the king's astrologers pushed their way through the crowd and up to the balcony where the king stood. 

Later, one of the Hebrew servants came to us. "You are in so much trouble, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Don't you realize what you've done?"

I closed my eyes for a quick second then looked at him. "Yes. We chose not to bow down to the king's statue. God said we are only to bow down to Him."

Meshach and Abednego nodded. We stood close together, ready for whatever might happen to us.

"I know that." The Hebrew looked behind him. No one stood near to hear what we said. "Your lives are at steak. The king's astrologers went to him a short time ago. 

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"They said, "O king live forever! You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kind of music must fall down and worship your image of gold. Whoever does not fall do this will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set in power over the affairs of the province of Babylon. Their names are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These Jews pay no attention to you or your decree. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.

"I telling you the king was furious. He's sending his official to come and take you to his thrown room. Run. Get away before they see you."

I shook my head. "We can't do that. First the officials would track us down before we got very far. Second, we won't hide from the king. We want him to know that we choose to bow down only to God."

The Hebrew man turned and saw the officers coming. He slipped into the crowd to get away from us.

The officers stood in front of us wearing their full uniform and carrying their weapons. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?"

The three of us answered. "We are the ones you want."

"The king has summoned you. Come with us immediately."

We followed the officer. Guards walked in front of us, behind us and to the sides. Babylonian men and women watch us walk through the streets. We had gained their respect before this as officials who were fair. Now they watched us and looked unsure if they should trust us.

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1. Why were the instruments played?
2. What did the people do when they heard the instruments?
3. Who didn't do this?
4. What did the king's astrologers do?
5. Why do you think they did this?
6. What did Nebuchadnezzar order the official to do?