8 But some Chaldean astrologers went to the king to make trouble for the Jews. 9 They reported to King Nevukadnetstsar, “Long live the king. 10 Oh king, you’ve made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the musical instruments, must bow down and worship the gold statue, 11 but anyone who doesn’t bow and worship will be thrown into a fiery furnace. 12 Now, there are certain Jews who you’ve appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon: Shadrak, Meyshak, and Avednego. These men, your majesty, don’t take any notice of you: they don’t serve your gods, or worship the gold statue that you’ve set up.”

13 Then Nevukadnetstsar in a furious rage commanded that Shadrak (Hananyah), Meyshak (Misha’el), and Avednego (Azaryah) be arrested. Then they were brought to the king 14 who questioned them, “Shadrak, Meyshak, and Avednego, is it true that you won’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue that I set up? 15 Now if you’re ready, as soon as you hear the musical instruments of music, if you all bow down and worship the statue I erected, everything will be okay. But if you don’t, you’ll immediately be thrown into a blazing hot furnace. Then what god could rescue you from my punishment?”

16 “Oh Nevukadnetstsar,” the three of them answered the king, “we don’t need to answer that last question. 17 If that’s what happens to us, the god that we serve is able to rescue us from the blazing fire and from your punishment. He will save us, your majesty. 18 But just so it’s clear your majesty, even if he doesn’t, we won’t serve your gods or worship that gold statue.”