In Dan. 1:8ff., we read about Daniel and his three friends deciding not to do anything contrary to the Law of God that would defile them. And in Dan. 3:12, we read that his three friends did not bow down or worship the gold image. Does it mean that Daniel bowed down to the gold image?

– Milan, UK

DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

There is no mentioning in the Biblical text that Daniel was present there at that time. Due to his official responsibilities (Dan. 1:19; 2:48), he may have been out of station at the time this event happened. If he had been there, he would have refused to bow down to the gold image. This is clear from the fact that in Dan. 6, he stood firm in his commitment to Yahweh God even when he was thrown into the lions’ den. This confirms that if he was present in the capital at the time of the event in Dan. 3, he would have refused to commit this idolatrous act.