The Amazing Old Testament: Cool in the Furnace

 We might think of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel, chapter 3) as a children’s story; perhaps kids still learn to sing (with the sizzle sound) “It’s cool in the furnace.” But they are grown men, and with immense courage and stalwart faith – and so it’s a story for grownups who might muster a little more courage and a stronger faith.

The setting is ancient Babylon, the powerful empire that had reduced Israel to smoldering ruins just a few years earlier, the Israelites forced to live in exile far from home. Surely they were awestruck by Babylon; among its marvels was the “Hanging Gardens,” one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” They adapted, fitting in, following the rules, trying not to draw unwelcome attention to themselves.