But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:12
When astrologers, possibly fortune tellers, (verse 8) wanted to discredit Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego they referred to their past life as Jews. Later when the king’s officials wanted to discredit Daniel they referred to him as “one of the exiles from Judah” (6:13) even though at the time Daniel held a high position in the palace. The opponents of Daniel and his friend’s sought to present them in a derogatory way even though Nebuchadnezzar found none to be their equal. “In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom” (1:20).
Possibly the astrologers and other officials were jealous of Daniel and his companions and this may have been their motivation for drawing Nebuchadnezzar’s attention to their lack of compliance regarding the worship of the idol. But their plan backfired and instead of being rid of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar promoted them to even more prominent positions (verse 30). Initially, Daniel had arranged for these men to be in positions of authority (2:49) and probably these positions were strategic in God’s economy with more Jewish exiles soon to arrive.
Those who opposed God’s plans wanted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the way but God turned it into a blessing for his faithful followers. God’s plans cannot be thwarted. What the enemy plans for evil, God turns around for good and the blessing of others (see also Genesis 50:20).
