Daniel 3 tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar setting up a golden image, most likely made in his image, and three Hebrews who refused to bow down to it.

Two thoughts on the Hebrew Children cast into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3: While we know them collectively as the Hebrew Children by the names Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego, those were the names given to them by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Their Hebrew names were Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah. We do not identify the Hebrew Children by their Hebrew names, those are not the ones that everybody knows. Let’s ignore the fact that they were not children either; that’s a whole other rabbit hole we could go down.

Here is the thought that matters, and may help you in times of trouble. In Daniel 3:25 Nebuchadnezzar says he can see four men walking around in the fire, and the image of the fourth is like a Son of God (or son of the gods depending on translation). The men are brought out of the furnace unharmed and the king declares there is no other god who can save in this way (v. 29). We don’t hear from Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah again. They spoke to the king before going into the furnace but we never get a first hand account of their experience inside. But take a careful look at the text; we are never told that they could see the fourth man. Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man, and noted his appearance, but only three went in and three came out. The Bible never says they saw another in the fire with them. They didn’t need to see him; Nebuchadnezzar did. They testified that if God wanted to he could save them from the furnace but if even if he did not, they would not bow down and worship the image. They had incredible faith that they were willing to die for. They did not need to see to believe.

The next time things look hopeless, the next time you feel alone, forsaken or forgotten… the next time things look impossible remember these three men of faith. They trusted in God’s provision even though they could not see him working. They did not see him inside the fire, but at least one person on the outside of the trial looking in did. You don’t need to see him if you know he’s there. And he will be there, staying closer than a brother. An ever-present help in time of trouble. Provider, protector, comforter, friend.