¹⁷ If our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the white-hot blazing furnace and from your power, O king, let him deliver us. ¹⁸ But even if he does not do so, Your Majesty, be assured that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

¹⁹ This reply so infuriated Nebuchadnezzar against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his countenance became distorted. He ordered that the furnace was to be heated seven times more than customary,