Nebuchadnezzar Died-His Son Released a Prisoner From The Deepest Dungeon

By Mary Vee
Jeremiah 52, II Kings 25

From Barach's Chronicle

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My name is Barach, I am the scribe for the prophet Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah was taken as prisoner to Egypt along with many other Jews. I am not sure if he is still alive.

I am including this last detail to close off Jeremiah's book.

Word has come to me that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon has died. He ruled his empire for forty-five years. During his reign he and his army invaded Jerusalem and took many prisoners, including the king, Jehoiachin.

Jehoiachin was an evil king and had taught the people of Judah to worship other gods even in the short three months he ruled. The Almighty allowed the take over of Judah as a punishment to the nation for worshipping other gods. Jehoiachin was put in a prison. The punishment, according to the Word spoken by Jeremiah and other prophets, was to be seventy years. Thirty seven years have passed so far.

The new king of Babylon is Nebuchadnezzar's son, Evil-Merodach - although I must add here that the Babylonians call him Amel-Marduk.

Apparently Evil-Merodach knew King Jehoiachin. Some Jews said that during the time Nebuchadnezzar lived in the fields with the animals, Evil-Merodach ruled the empire. When Nebuchadnezzar returned to the palace, he became upset with some of the things his son, Evil-Merodach did. Nebuchadnezzar threw his son in prison as a punishment. There, according to the Jews, he met and spent time with Jehoiachin. 

Other Jews said Evil-Merodach learned about the Jewish faith and the Almighty from Daniel who worked in the palace. 

I'm not sure exactly why Evil-Merodach had respect for Jehoiachin, but he released him from his sentence on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month. Our calendar was different from your calendar today. So it wasn't really December 25th at the time.

The servants helped Jehoiachin change his clothes, bathe, and groom before going to the new king of Babylon two days later. Evil-Merodach spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon.

Evil-Merodach kept Jehoiachin in his circle, allowing him to eat at his table. Day by day, Evil-Merodach also gave Jehoiachin an allowance to buy what he wanted as long as he lived.

It seems God had given this gift to Jehoiachin showing that although we may have miserable days, God will always care for those who worship Him. So, maybe during Jehoiachin's time in prison, he remembered how to worship God and God alone.

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1. How long did Nebuchadnezzar reign?
2. Who took Nebuchadnezzar's place?
3. Who did the new king release from prison?
4. What else did he do for this person?

Nebuchadnezzar-The Dream I Didn't Want To Come True

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose one of their brightest young men to serve me in my court. He calls himself Daniel, but I call him Belteshazzar

I had a scary dream. I asked Belteshazzar to tell me the meaning. He basically said God would punish me if I didn't ask forgiveness for my sins.

I figure I'm basically a good person. My great empire has done well so I must be doing a good job. Belteshazzar hasn't been wrong before. Maybe he misunderstood.

A year has past and nothing has happened to me. I guess I'm doing all right.

One morning I woke to a sweet scent in the air. I walked to the roof and breathed in the air. In the distance, I could see my empire. Everything looked good. Everything looked right. I said, "Isn't this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"

The words were still on my lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar--Your royal authority has been taken from you. 

"You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle. Seven years will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."

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Immediately, I was driven away from my people into the wild. I don't remember much of what happened during the seven years except I am told I ate grass like cattle. The dew of heaven drenched my body until I grew hair like the feathers of an eagle. My nails grew like the claws of a bird.

At the end of the time, I, Nebuchadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. I didn't pay attention to my looks, I immediately praised the Most High. I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Here is what I said:

"His dominion is an eternal dominion.
His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"

I didn't know what to expect from my royal advisors, but was really happy when they came looking for me. My honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

It is difficult to describe how I feel. I've been through quite a huge ordeal. One thing I do know, God is the one in charge, not me.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar had a scary ____________
2. In one year's time did Nebuchadnezzar change?
3. What happened at the end of the one year?
4. What happened seven years later?
5. Who did Nebuchadnezzar said he would praise?

Daniel-The Kings Frightening Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Daniel. I am a slave to the king of Babylon. My work is here in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace.

I am called upon whenever the king's advisors cannot answer his questions. He knows I will pray and ask God for what to say. He even encourages me to do so because then he will hear the right answer.

The answers, though are not necessarily something that will benefit the king. At least King Nebuchadnezzar is mostly interested in hearing the truth over what pleases him. Not all kings are this way.

Last time, Nebuchadnezzar told you about a dream he had. The dream came last night, and it scared him terribly. Scroll down to the last post to read the dream.

After he finished telling me the dream he said, "Belteshazzar," that is the name he calls me, even though my given name is Daniel. "Belteshazzar tell me what the dream means. Not one of the wise men in m kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."

I was thoroughly confused at the time. I prayed and God told me the meaning of the dream. My thoughts and the meaning of the dream terrified me. I couldn't speak, the meaning was so terrible.

King Nebechadnezzar finally said after I'd been quiet for such a long time, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you. Tell me what you know."

I took a deep breath and answered him. "My lord, if only the dream was meant for your enemies and its meaning for your adversaries! The tree you saw grew large and strong with its top touching the sky. It was visible to the whole earth with beautiful leaves and lots of fruit providing food for man and animal. It also gave shelter to the beasts of the field in addition to nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air. You, O king, are that tree!

"You have become great and strong. Your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky. Your kingdom extends to distant parts of the earth.

"You saw a messenger, a holy one from heaven who said, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump which is bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Leave the roots in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live like the wild animals for seven years.'"

I bowed my head. "This is the meaning of your dream, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against you, my lord. You will be driven away from people and live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven years will pass before you will acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and can give them to whom He wishes.

"The command to leave the stump and roots means your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Please, O king, accept my advice. Turn away from your sins by doing what is right. Turn from your wickedness by being kind to those who suffer. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.


Come back next time to read what King Nebuchadnezzar decided to do.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________
2. Why did Nebuchadnezzar call for Daniel's help with the dream?
3. What was the meaning of the dream, according to what God told Daniel?
4. What advice did Daniel give to King Nebuchadnezzar?

Nebuchadnezzar-I Had a Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose one of their brightest young men to serve me in my court. He calls himself Daniel but I call him Belteshazzar

What impresses me most about Belteshazzar is his ability to answer questions no one else can answer.

Just last night I had a dream. The visions that passed through my mind terrified me. A few moments ago, I called my magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. I told them my dream, and just as I suspected, none of them could interpret the meaning. 

I sent for Daniel.

"Sire, Daniel has arrived as you requested," said my guard.

I waved for him to come forward. "Daniel, I had a frightening dream last night. I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream. Interpret it for me."

"I will ask my God to tell me the meaning."

It was the answer I expected from him. "All right, this was my dream. As I lay in my bed, I saw a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky. It was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful. Its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter and the birds of the air lived in its branches. From it every creature was fed.

"I saw a messenger, a holy one coming down from heaven. He called in a loud voice, 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches. Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals run away from under it and the birds from its branches. But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground in the grass of the field.'

"The loud voice then said, 'Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal until seven years pass.'

"The loud voice said, 'The decision is announced by messengers. The holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and set over them the lowliest of men.'

I sat back on my chair and held out my hands. "This is my dream. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, because none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods in in you."

I knew Daniel would take a moment to speak with his God. I waited, giving him the time to learn the answer for me.


Come back next time to hear Daniel's answer.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________
2. Who did Nebuchadnezzar call first to tell him about his dream?
3. Could they help him?
4. Who else did Nebuchadnezzar call?
5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar think this person could help?
6. What was Nebuchadnezzar dream?
7. Why did this frighten him?

8. Who will Daniel ask for help?

Ezekiel-The Voice of The Lord Comforted Me

By Mary Vee
Ezekiel 40

From Ezekiel's Chronicles

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My name is Ezekiel. I am a prophet living in Babylon. As a prophet, my job is to tell the people messages sent from God. Other Jews who live in Babylon with me are prisoners along of the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar, too. We serve as slaves for the Babylonian people. 

One of my jobs is to keep record of what has happened to us. My people have lived here, as slaves, for twenty-five years. 

Our beloved city, Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar's army fourteen years ago. I received word saying the Babylonian army had burned the city to the ground. Our homes. Our memories. Everything, destroyed. Even though I was not there, I can picture the  destruction in my mind, and weep over our loss.

We celebrated another new year ten days ago. This day, the tenth day of the first month, was the same day Jerusalem fell into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. My heart was heavy. I long to go back to my home but know this is not yet God's timing. 

We as a nation sinned and deserve this punishment. As I sat, by the brook, the hand of the Lord touched me. He took me to a very high mountain of Israel in a vision. A man stood there, his skin was bronze. 

He stood in the gateway holding a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. The man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you. For that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see."

Of course I would. I listened to everything and watched closely as the man went about the city that looked like Jerusalem. He measured the east gate, the outer court, the north and south gates, the inner court, rooms set aside for preparation and room for the priests, the court and altar, the portico, outer sanctuary, Most Holy Place and side rooms. He measured the temple, decorations, table and doors--the place was huge. 

The man took me to the east gate. There I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters. The land was radiant with his glory. What I saw was like the vision of His glory showing me the destruction of Jerusalem and the vision of the dry bones. I gasped and fell facedown, afraid.

The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the east gate. Even with my head down the light amazed me and caused me to feel even more afraid. Every part of me shook.

The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court. There I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple. The voice said, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. 

While I shook in fear, His voice, the voice of the glory of the Lord comforted me.


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1. What is Ezekiel's job?
2. Where does he live?
3. Why does he live there?
4. What did he see in his vision?
5. Why was he afraid?
6. Who comforted him?

Nebuchadnezzar-How Did Three Men Survive the Fiery Furnace?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expected their obedience.

Three of the men did not obey me. I became so angry that these Jews dared to defy me that I ordered the fiery furnace heated seventy hotter to punish them. 

Do you know what those three men did? They didn't beg for their lives. They didn't weep. At least they didn't have a defiant face. They stood respectfully and accepted the punishment. I've never encounter such a problem. Usually watching men beg pleased me.

To make matters worse, my best guards died when they pushed the three men into the furnace. I thought all of that was bad enough, but when I watched the three men fall into the fire, they didn't burn. They stood up and walked around talking with each other, unharmed. The ropes we used to tie them up had fallen off. 

And then a fourth man appeared. He looked like a son of the gods. I have no idea where he came from.

These men had to be servants of the Most High God. I went to the opening of the furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

The three men walked out. They didn't limp or rub their arms. The satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They walked around the three men and inspected them. 

"They have no injuries," said one.

They touched their hair. "The hair on their heads is not singed," said another. 

They felt their robes and rolled the fabric in their hands. "Their robes are not scorched." 

They sniffed the air around the men. "They have no smell of fire on them! How can this be?"

I was as amazed as my advisors and realized there could only be one answer to explain this miracle. I said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They have trusted in him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble. For no other god can save in this way."

I turned to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. "I am promoting each of you to a new position in the provide of Babylon."

The three men surprised me again. They didn't rejoice, or say 'I told you so', or give a disrespectful look of victory. No, they each kept their wise looks of respect. Huh. After seeing what had happened, I guess I really did expect them to respond this way. Their dedication to their God really shows.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. Who were the three men who did not obey the king?

3. When the Nebuchadnezzar ordered the 3 men into the furnace, how did they act?

4. What happened while they were in the furnace?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar let them out of the furnace?

6. What didn't their hair feel like?

7. What didn't their robes feel like?

8. What didn't the air around them smell like?

9. What did Nebuchadnezzar decide from this information?

10. What did Nebuchadnezzar decree?

11. What was the last surprise?

Nebuchadnezzar-Weren't There Three Men?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

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My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expect their obedience.

The workers recently completed a ninety feet tall image of gold, as I commanded. On the dedication day, I told the musicians of horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music to play at the moment I assigned. I sent out heralds ahead of time to tell the people when they heard the music they were to bow down and worship the image.

Of course the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers agreed this was a great idea. The people will be brought together and will give me the respect I deserve as their king.

I went out to my balcony and watched the process. I signaled the musicians. The people from every nation and tongue bowed before the image--or so I thought. After the ceremony a few of my astrologers reported certain Jews refused to bow down. Imagine my surprise when I learned these were men I had placed in a high position in my kingdom.

How dare they defy me? My anger boiled and I ordered my guards to bring them to me. After a few minutes I managed to calm down and remember how good these men did their job. I offered them one more chance to obey my command by bowing down to the statue when the music played.

The three men refused! They said they would bow down to no other than their Jewish God. Talk about disrespect! I ordered them bound right then--and the fiery furnace pumped to seven times the heat. Even with this threat, the men would not give in. Did they really expect their God to save them from what I, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered? I think not.

My strongest soldiers bound the three men and pushed them toward the furnace. I watched from a safe distance. Those three men will be sorry they defied me, that's for sure.

The soldiers pushed them close and the door to the fiery furnace was pulled opened. A blast of heat came out in a ball of fire. The soldiers pushed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace. But before the soldiers could get away the fire took their lives.

I watched inside the furnace from a safe place. I wanted to witness the torment these men would suffer for disrespecting me. As I looked, though, I saw the three men standing in the midst of the flames. I called out to my advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

The advisor answered, "Certainly, O King."

"Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

I walked to the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

I will finish this telling next time.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. He ordered __________ to signal the people of his new command.

3. When the people heard the _______ they were to ___________.

4. Who did not obey the king and why?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give them a second chance?

6. Why did the men refuse the second chance?

7. What did Nebuchadnezzar order?

8. What happened?

Shadrach-Pushed Into The Fiery Furnace

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

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My name is Shadrach. My friends, Meshach and Abednego 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. 

The guards yanked our arms behind our backs and tied ropes around us. I've never seen King Nebuchadnezzar this angry before. 

To heat the furnace seven time hotter than he would for anyone else proved his incredible anger.

We still wore our robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes as we were forced to walk to the furnace.

King Nebuchadnezzar's command came so quickly and the furnace pushed to the super hot heat so fast that the burst of flames from the fire killed the soldiers who pushed us. Their last shove, before they died, caused us to fall into the blazing furnace.

The three of us landed on the floor of the furnace. The air around us was hot, but my skin didn't burn. I stood up. So did Meshach, and Abednego. We knew we couldn't just walk out of the furnace so we stood there, waiting to see what would happen next.

Then, to my surprise, I saw a man dressed in a white robe standing with us. He spoke with a gentle voice. "Don't be afraid. I am with you." 

We stood together not really sure what to say to each other. Our clothes didn't burn or catch on fire. We had air to breathe. The flames made a roaring sound all around us but never touched us. We moved our hands through the air and flames. It was thicker than air but not as thick as water.

A voice called to us from the entrance of the furnace. I looked and saw King Nebuchadnezzar shouting, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

We walked toward the opening. I looked back, though, and didn't see the man who stood with us. Meshach and Abednego saw me look. We all smiled to each other and stepped out the furnace door.

A swarm of satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers crowded around us. "The fire didn't burn them!" one shouted. 

They touched our hair. "Not a hair on their head is singed," said another. 

They touched the fabric of our robes. "Look, their robes are not scorched." 

They took a breath. "There is no smell of fire or smoke on them," said another. "How can this be?"

Nebuchadnezzar stroked his beard. He stepped closer to us and held his arms out wide. "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!

Can you imagine that! Truly God is amazing.

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1. Why was King Nebuchadnezzar angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? (You will have to look at the last story for this answer).

2. Why did King Nebuchadnezzar order the furnace to be made seven times hotter?

3. What happened to the guards who took Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the furnace?

4. What happened while the three friends were in the furnace?

5. Did the visitor go with the three friends when they walked out of the furnace? Why?

6. What did all the officials notice when the three friends stepped out of the furnace?

7. What did King Nebuchadnezzar say?

Shadrach-Standing Our Ground Before King Nebuchadnezzar No Matter the Cost

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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. 

King Nebuchadnezzar has a lot of power. His Babylonian kingdom is huge. If the king becomes angry with a person, that man would never find a way to run or hide to get away from Nebuchadnezzar or his soldiers.

King Nebuchadnezzar is very angry with my friends, Mesach, Abednego, and me. He set up a ninety foot image and ordered everyone to bow down to it. 

My friends and I have very high ranking positions even though we are slaves. We are expected to obey Nebuchadnezzar's decrees. This time we could not. We cannot bow down to any god. We will only worship the one true God.

Nebuchadnezzar yells at us for a little bit then gives us a chance to change our mind. He stands waiting for us to give him an answer. The answer he wants is that we will bow down to his god.

I speak for the three of us. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you when it comes to bowing to your image. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

I look sideways at my friends. All they do is glance at me. That's all they can do with the king staring at us. I knew they agree with everything I had said.

Nebuchadnezzar isn't happy, though. His face turns a dark red and he stomps. We have lost favor in his eyes. "Heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual. And you," he called the strongest soldiers in his army to come. "Tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace."

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

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1. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give the three Jews a second chance?
2. Do you think he gave others a second chance?
3. What did Nebuchadnezzar want the three Jews to do?
4. What did the three Jews decide to say?
5. King Nebuchadnezzar was angry or happy with their answer?
6. What did Nebuchadnezzar do with the furnace?

Shadrach-Nebuchadnezzar's Seething Anger

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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. 

King Nebuchadnezzar summoned my friends, Meshach, Abednego, and me to his room. Being summoned to a king's chamber is not a good thing. It usually means something terrible would soon happen.

My friends and I walk in humility with the officers. Like we should. To show respect. We didn't feel sorry for ourselves, no matter what was about to happen. We also didn't feel cocky or want to show off that our God is the one and only God who lives and breathes, and cares and loves and... and his god was only man made.

Our sandals swished on the marble floor. The palace had expensive metals, rich fabrics, paintings, and every bit of wealth imaginable decorating the interior. 

We stopped at a door. The official shouted in to the king, "The three Jews are here."

Nebuchadnezzar signaled the official to bring us to him. The guards behind us shoved our shoulders forward. We walked to his throne and stood. Not weeping, not trembling, not arrogant, but strong.

Nebuchadnezzar stood up and walked around us. His face was red with anger and his fist balled ready to hit one of us. "Is it true," he said. "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that  you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?"

We looked at each other. We were close friends and had made a bond to worship only God and to never bow down to images. We didn't need to give any signals. No nods or winks or movement of an arm. We remained strong together.

He stopped walking and stood in front of us. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you," Nebuchadnezzar shouted.

We looked at him and nodded our answer. It was true. We do not and will not serve his gods or worship his image.

Some of the red left his face. We had pleased him with our work so many times before. He seemed uncertain about giving us a punishment. Instead he said, "All right. The next time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good."

He wanted to give us a chance to change our minds. But we never would. We couldn't go against God's laws to obey Nebuchadnezzar.

He stepped closer and his face reddened again, "But if you don't worship the image, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace." He raised his fist in the air. "Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

I felt sorry for him in a way. His gods would never save him and that is why he said those words. Only the true God, the real God, the God who lives and loves us could save anyone.

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

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1. Where were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego taken?
2. What did that person want them to do?
3. What did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego decide to do?
4. Did these three men show respect to that person even with their decision?
5. What did that person decide to do?
6. What threat did that person give?

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?

Shadrach-We Won't Bow Down

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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. 

Babylonian men and women had come to see the new statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. As they gathered around the statue a herald stood on the platform and shouted, 

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"This is what you are commanded to do. O peoples, nations, and men of every language. As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown int a blazing furnace."

 Meshach, Abednego, and I looked at each other. 

"We can't do that," said Abednego. "That would violate God's law."

"I know. I'm just not sure what we should do," said Meshach

"Well, we can't bow down," I said. None of us would bow down. 

When we first came to the king's court, we, and Daniel took a stand not to eat the king's special food. At first the guards were afraid we would get sick, but after awhile, he saw our Hebrew diet made us healthier than the other boys.

Meshach whispered "We need to take a stand for what we believe. No matter the cost."

Abednego and I nodded. 

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The horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music played loud enough for everyone to hear. As they played, the people, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up all except some Jews, including us.

We stood strong with each other and will wait to see what happens. Maybe the king will excuse us. We will see.

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

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1.  When the music played, what were the people supposed to do?
2.  Why did Shadrach and his friends say they couldn't do this?
3.  Had Shadrach and his friends ever chosen not to do what the king said before?
4.  What happened when they first came to Babylon?
5.  When the music played, what did the Babylonian people and other people of nations do?
6.  What did Shadrach, his friends, and some other Jews do?

Shadrach-The Golden Statue that Amazed Babylon

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

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. 

Daniel, Meshach, Abednego, and I, along with other kids from Hebrew royal and noble families, met the standard given by King Nebuchadnezzar. He said he wanted all the young boys who proved the smartest and had the physical looks best for his kingdom.

I guess you could say we were the lucky ones. We didn't have to suffer the cruelty given by the soldiers when they captured the rest of our people and dragged them here with chains. I should be thankful. Still, my friends and I often talk of home, our foods, our language, our way of doing things.

Daniel scored the highest of all of us and was given a job in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. He asked the king to give Meshach, Abednego, and me a good job as well. The king was so pleased with Daniel that he agreed. We don't see Daniel very often, but at least we have our friendship with each other.

Recently, workers began building something in the plain of Dura. We couldn't tell what is was for a long time. It was made of gold, only nine feet wide, but ninety feet high (taller than an eleven story building). The structure began to take shape after a while. Meshach figured out what it was suppose to be first. The structure was a statue of King Nebuchadnezzar.

When the workers finished the statue the Babylonians cheered. They gathered around it and admired the workmanship. 

The day to dedicate the image came. Men and women dressed in their best clothes. Their children came too, wearing their very best. 

Satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other provincial officials came together for the dedication of the statue. Every single Babylonian man who had any job with the king stood in the group.

The sun shone on the land. Not a cloud hung in the sky.

A herald stood on the platform and shouted, "This is what you are commanded to do. O peoples, nations, and men of every language." 

I had a feeling right then, that there would be trouble. Abednego looked at Meshach and me. "He said all peoples, nations, and men of every language. That includes us."

"Let's hear what else he says first," said Abednego.

"I agree," I said. "Maybe it won't be so bad."

"You really think so, Shadrach?" asked Meshach.

"No." I shook my head. "I can only hope."


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

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1.  Why was Shadrach and his friends in Babylon?
2.  Who were Shadrach's friends?
3.  Why wasn't Daniel with them?
4.  Why did King Nebuchadnezzar choose them?
5.  What was being built in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon?