PODCAST

Furious with Rage

September 10th, 2024

Daniel 3:8-15

Daniel 3 demonstrates how a situation can be manipulated by deviousness and anger. The astrologers resemble the playground tattletales who are unwilling to openly confront their classmates, but instead report the offenders to the teacher.

The astrologers denounced the Jews, but they also made it personal to the king by persuading him that the Jewish men “pay no attention to you” (v. 12). Is the astrologers’ complaint intended to speak to the king’s vanity?

Their strategy worked, for the king was “furious with rage” (v. 13). Nebuchadnezzar allowed his actions and decision-making to be hijacked by his emotions. He was forced to act publicly.

Reflecting on this conflict, we recognize how awareness of both motivation and emotion can influence decision-making. Seeing our own manipulative impulses or angry reactions, even in the rear-view mirror, can encourage us instead to reflect the compassionate grace of God, “slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8).

Author: Joann Shade