8 Therefore at that time certain Kasdim (Chaldeans) came near, and brought accusation against the Yehudim (Jews). 9 They answered Nevukadnetsar the king, “Oh king, live forever! 10 You, Oh king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden image; 11 and anyone who doesn’t fall down and worship will be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Yehudim whom you’ve appointed over the affairs of the province of Bavel (Babylon): Shadrak, Meyshak, and Aved-Nego. These men, Oh king, haven’t respected you. They don’t serve your gods, and don’t worship the golden image which you’ve set up.”

13 Then Nevukadnetsar in rage and fury commanded that Shadrak, Meyshak, and Aved-Nego be brought. Then these men were brought before the king. 14 Nevukadnetsar answered them, “Is it on purpose, Shadrak, Meyshak, and Aved-Nego, that you don’t serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I’ve set up? 15 Now if you’re ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I’ve made, good; but if you don’t worship, you’ll be thrown the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who’s that god who’ll deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrak, Meyshak, and Aved-Nego answered the king, “Nevukadnetsar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If it happens, our god whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he’ll deliver us out of your hand, Oh king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, Oh king, that we won’t serve your gods or worship the golden image which you’ve set up.”