16. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
17. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us!
18. But even if he will not, you should know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up.”
19. Nebuchadnezzar’s face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual
20. and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.
21. They were bound and cast into the white-hot furnace with their trousers, shirts, hats and other garments,
22. for the king’s order was urgent. So huge a fire was kindled in the furnace that the flames devoured the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into it.
23. But these three fell, bound, into the midst of the white-hot furnace.
24. They walked about in the flames, singing to God and blessing the Lord.