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    Exile & Return
    c. 594 BC

    When were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego cast into the furnace?

    Three Hebrew youths refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image and walk unharmed in the fire.

    Quick Answer

    Fiery Furnace took place c. 594 BC at Babylon, during the Exile & Return period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Daniel 3:17 (KJV). Three Hebrew youths refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image and walk unharmed in the fire.

    "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." Daniel 3:17 (KJV)
    The Fiery Furnace

    Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and commanded all to bow. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. Cast into a furnace heated seven times hotter, they walked unhurt, and the king saw a fourth, 'like the Son of God,' with them.

    When

    c. 594 BC

    Where

    Babylon

    Key KJV Scriptures

    "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king."
    "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

    Why It Matters

    Their answer — 'but if not' — is the model of unconditional faithfulness, and the fourth figure is widely seen as a Christophany.

    Key People

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who was the fourth man in the fire?

    Many Christians have understood Him as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ; at minimum the angel of the LORD sent to deliver them (Daniel 3:28).

    When did fiery furnace happen?

    Fiery Furnace is dated c. 594 BC, placing it in the Exile & Return era of biblical history. See Daniel 3:17 (KJV).

    Where did fiery furnace take place?

    Scripture places fiery furnace at Babylon.

    Who was involved in fiery furnace?

    The key figures are Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar.

    Where is fiery furnace in the Bible?

    You can read about it in Daniel 3:17, Daniel 3:25 (King James Version).

    Why does fiery furnace matter?

    Their answer — 'but if not' — is the model of unconditional faithfulness, and the fourth figure is widely seen as a Christophany.

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