When the Crowd Worships Gold: Three Against a King

We live in an age where the danger to our faith isn’t just persecution, it’s also persuasion. Every day, believers are invited to bow, and many do. Scripture has warned us that this isn’t a new concept.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as both a blueprint and a wake-up call for our time.

More Relevant Than Ever Before.

“Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” Daniel 3:7

The key phrase in this passage is, “all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.” 

While Babylon didn’t have census records as we have now, history and archaeology allow us to estimate the population of Nebuchadnezzar II’s kingdom. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive (along with Daniel) around 605 B.C., during the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldean Era). Although short-lived, lasting from 539 to 626 B.C., it had some umph.

Archaeologists believe the city of Babylon itself housed between 150,000 and 200,000 people, with some estimates reaching as high as 250,000. When the surrounding territories are included, the empire’s population is estimated to be around one million. 

Think Delaware, Montana, or Rhode Island-sized population.

The Portal of Knowledge

For the point I’m about to make, I’m focusing just on the city of Babylon, where the three stood before the king. The estimated range of 150,000 to 200,000 is more than enough for my purposes.

“ALL the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.”

Seems Impossible. 

But is it, though?

(Also, I’m not saying everyone there was a believer; that's not the point, the point is they all went along despite their individual beliefs.)

Look at our nation today and the societal upheaval and dry heaving that we have experienced in the last few years. How quickly so many have bowed down to inclusiveness, political agendas, and, in many cases, efforts to rewrite Scripture so that everything receives a “thumbs up” from God, somehow to enter heaven’s gates. 

You’ve probably guessed where this is going, at least I hope so.

When Scripture says, “all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.” 

God is trying desperately to show us and warn us of something here. 

Most people don’t resist pressure for very long, if at all. Standing alone requires courage, and many simply won’t do it. So these people all bowed, a public gesture that said, “I’ll go along.” 

Think Mob Mentality, “the phenomenon where individuals in a group often adopt behaviors and attitudes that differ significantly from their own personal beliefs or morals.”

Then History Gives Us These Three.

Contemplate this situation for a moment; three out of, say, 150,000 people, using the conservative estimate for those who might question whether everyone actually bowed or if there were really that many people there.

3÷150,000=0.00002 

That's only 0.00002% of the population.

If you’re wondering, that's not an error. I tried 5 different sites to create this pie chart. It’s not even a literal speck in a sandbox, and that pie chart uses the lowest estimate, 150,000.

Statistically speaking, not a lot of people are going to make it into heaven.

That’s why Revelation tells us of only one book of life versus all the other books at judgment. 

In this situation, we see just one man, King Nebuchadnezzar, build an idol, call together the higher-ups, demand the people bow, cue the music, and bam, just like that, all but three fell down and bowed. No questions asked, no faith fought for, no battle of the wills, just fallen people.

That Golden Image Has Never Gone Away. 

It just changed shape.

Today’s idols may not be gigantic golden statues in the middle of a city, but they are no less visible. An idol is anything people elevate above God, anything they trust, want, obey, or fear more than Him. 

Money, careers, reputation, power, fame, patriotism, sexual identity, the “my truth” mentality, comfort, entertainment, etc. These are some of the things people pursue, protect, and prioritize at all costs. 

They believe these things promise security and fulfillment, but when they take the place of God, they become idols. They come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t be fooled.

When the Music Starts.

The question has never been whether the crowd will bow. Scripture and history have already answered that for us.

The question is whether you will stand. 

Will you be able to stand firm when that furnace heats up? 

When obeying God costs you your reputation, your career, your relationships, your comfort, maybe even your life? 

Will you hold fast or blot out your own name?

Faith Stronger Than This World.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17–18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God. 

They stood firm because their faith WAS GREATER than their fear, that crowd, and that idol. They knew the outcome if they died that day. 

So do we; there is no excuse, just choice. Him or bow down, simple as that.

We have the Bible, we have His promises to the faithful, we have the book of Revelation, and we know He kicks butt and has made a home for us.

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21: 2–5

 Whatever the cost, I hope I see you in heaven.

© Jane Isley

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