Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Chapter 3
(34) Do not abandon us forever; do not reject your covenant for your name’s sake.
(35) Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your friend, of Isaac, your servant, of Israel, your holy one,
(36) to whom you promised to multiply their race as the stars of heaven and the sand on the shore of the sea.
(37) Lord, see, we have become the least among the nations in all the world, and we are humiliated because of our sins.
(38) Right now, we no longer have a king, prophet, or leader. We can’t offer you holocausts, sacrifices, offerings, or incense. We have no place to present to you the firstfruits of our crops, to find favor with you.
(39) But at least when we present ourselves with a contrite soul and humbled spirit, may we then be deemed acceptable to you,
(40) more than by offerings of rams and calves as holocausts, and of thousands of fat lambs. May this sacrifice of ours today earn us your favor, for we know that those who trust in you will never be disappointed.
(41) And now, we serve you with all our hearts; we fear you and seek your face.
(42) Do not abandon us in our shame, but treat us with your kindness and great mercy.
(43) Save us through your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.
Commentaries
Nebuchadnezzar’s Confession(3:91-100) .
Once again, the God of Israel reveals Himself in the history of His people as Savior and Liberator (cf. Ex 15:2). The pagan king witnesses His intervention through a “divine being” and admits that there is no other God with such liberating power (29).
Penitential Prayer of Azariah – Canticle of the Three Young Men.
These verses, which are not included in Protestant Bibles, are an addition in Greek to the Aramaic text of this section. In the first part (24-45), the young men recognize that their distress is caused by the people’s sins and rebellion against the Lord, and they plead for mercy and salvation. In the second part (52-90), after experiencing God’s saving power, the three young men invite all creation to join in praising the God of Israel (cf. Ps 148).