The Biblical Passage that gave Shadrach, Meschach and Abedenego Courage to Face the Fiery Furnance

If you grew up in Sunday School, you most likely heard the story from Daniel 3 of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego (known as Rack, Shack and Benny to all you Veggie tales fans) and the Fiery Furnace.  I am teaching on this well known passage at Calvary Church this coming Sunday (May 20th) and as I have been preparing I came across this interesting idea.

As the 3 men faced persecution for courageously refusing to bow down to the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, there was a more than likely a passage from the book of Isaiah, which had been written down 150 years earlier that could have ringing in their ears, giving them courage and comfort...

It comes from Isaiah 43:2-3:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your go, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3)