Daniel 3 7

Daniel 3:7 kjv

Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Daniel 3:7 nkjv

So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel 3:7 niv

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 esv

Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel 3:7 nlt

So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 3 7 Meaning

The verse describes the immediate and overwhelming reaction of all the peoples, nations, and languages to the king's decree and the subsequent music. Their swift and unified action in bowing down to the golden image signifies complete submission and obedience to Nebuchadnezzar's authority and the imposed religious system.

Daniel 3 7 Context

This verse occurs in Daniel chapter 3, following King Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation and the blare of musical instruments. The decree commands all individuals to fall down and worship the massive golden image that the king had erected. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, where Nebuchadnezzar sought to unify his diverse empire under a common religious symbol, thereby solidifying his absolute political and religious authority. This act was a direct challenge to the monotheistic worship of the God of Israel, particularly by the Jewish exiles like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Daniel 3 7 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: This introductory phrase signifies a sequence of events. It indicates that the following action occurred as a direct consequence of the preceding decree. It's a common narrative transition in Hebrew literature.
• immediately: Emphasizes the promptness and lack of hesitation in obedience. This swiftness highlights the power and terror Nebuchadnezzar's decree held over the populace.
• the peoples: Refers to the diverse ethnic groups and subjects within Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire. It underscores the universal scope of the command.
• nations: Synonymous with "peoples," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the obedience demanded. It stresses the inclusion of all ethnic and cultural entities under the king's dominion.
• and languages: Encompasses all linguistic groups. This emphasizes that no segment of the empire, regardless of their native tongue, was exempt from the decree. The intent was to create a homogeneous religious response across all his subjects.
• were there: Indicates their presence in the location where the ceremony was to take place, signifying their active participation in the prescribed act of worship.
• fell down: Describes the physical act of prostration, a gesture of profound submission, reverence, and worship. This was a deep bow, often touching the forehead to the ground.
• all: A strong universal quantifier. It stresses that every single person present complied without exception. This complete compliance underlines the effectiveness of the king's absolute decree.
• the peoples: Repeating "peoples" again reinforces the all-encompassing nature of the action.
• nations: And "nations," underscoring that this obedience was not limited to one group but extended to every recognized nationality within the empire.
• and languages: And "languages," reiterating that every linguistic community adhered to the command. This triplicate emphasis serves to paint a picture of total, unquestioning capitulation.
• at what time: Refers to the specific moment the music reached its crescendo or when the signal was given to perform the act of worship.
• ye heard: Links the action directly to the sound of the music, making the music the trigger for immediate obedience.
• the sound: Specifically the sound of the various instruments.
• of the horn: A powerful and commanding instrument, often used for signals and in military contexts, hence its association with kingly decrees and authority.
• the pipe: Refers to wind instruments.
• the harp: A stringed instrument, often associated with praise and celebratory music.
• the guitar: A stringed instrument.
• the psaltery: A stringed instrument, like a dulcimer or harp.
• all: Again, emphasizing universality and completeness.
• kind: Referring to all types or sorts of musical instruments.
• of instruments: Broadly covers all musical instruments employed.
• of music: Encompasses the entire musical performance.
• of the Chaldeans: Specifically names the Chaldeans as the ones providing the music, or perhaps as the instruments themselves, though more likely it indicates the type of music or the players associated with Babylonian culture.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• the peoples, nations, and languages: This triad is used in Daniel and other biblical texts to signify the entire population of the known world, or at least Nebuchadnezzar's empire, leaving no room for exclusion. It emphasizes the global scope of the idolatrous act.
• fell down…at what time ye heard the sound of the… instruments of music: This entire phrase encapsulates the cause-and-effect relationship. The music acts as a divinely (or rather, imperially) ordained cue for a predetermined, automatic response of total worship. It illustrates the programmed nature of the devotion expected.

Daniel 3 7 Bonus section

The comprehensive list of musical instruments used ("horn, pipe, harp, guitar, psaltery, and all kinds of music") paints a vivid picture of the Babylonian orchestra. These instruments were typical of ancient Near Eastern music and would have created a powerful, overwhelming soundscape intended to inspire awe and enforce the king's decree. This emphasis on music and ritual is characteristic of how ancient empires sought to legitimize their rule and unite diverse populations. The synchronized bowing demonstrates the efficacy of ritualistic performance in political control, a common theme in discussions of imperial power and cultural assimilation throughout history.

Daniel 3 7 Commentary

The instant and universal response to the music highlights the absolute power and reach of Nebuchadnezzar's authority in Babylon. His decree enforced not just civil obedience but demanded a public display of religious devotion to a pagan image. This was a calculated move to erase distinct religious identities and foster a singular imperial cult. The widespread, unthinking compliance reveals the effectiveness of coercion and propaganda, where a society can be conditioned to participate in idolatry without demurral. This scene serves as a stark contrast to the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who, despite being present, would soon refuse this compelled worship. Their stand would expose the false unity of Babylon and the true unity found in obedience to God alone. The music, meant to induce compliance, ultimately becomes the signal for divine intervention and the revealing of God's power through the defiance of His faithful servants.