A Comparative Study in Biblical Interpretation

In this enlightening episode, we delve into a stirring biblical narrative that often stirs varied interpretations - the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Taking the cue from an intriguing post on Facebook, our focus is on the mysterious fourth figure seen with the faithful trio in the furnace.

The King James Version translates Nebuchadnezzar's utterance as "the form of the fourth is like the Son of God". This translation leads many to believe that it was Jesus who was in the furnace with them. However, alternative versions offer diverse interpretations - describing the fourth figure as "a son of the gods" or simply "like a god."

We highlight the significant differences between versions and encourage listeners to ponder the critical importance of understanding the authenticity of the Bible's translation. An incorrect interpretation or translation can predispose us to deviate from the true word of God, and may inadvertently alter the messages intended for our spiritual edification.

In conclusion, we emphasize the perfect nature of God's word and warn against the perils of attempting to conform it to our perceptions and preferences. Our interpretation of God's word must be led by divine guidance, lest we arrogate God's position and end up distorting His messages. Tune in and make sure you're reading the 'right' Holy Scripture!

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey y'all, I was just doing some reading, scrolling through Facebook and saw
something about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and it being Jesus who was in the furnace with them.
So there's a story about that. They put their faith in God, the one true God,
and this is what King Nebuchadnezzar said when he saw that there were four men

(00:22):
in the fire instead of the three that were thrown in.
If you don't see the problem with this, then I don't know what to say anymore.
More. One true word of God.
KJV, look at what the rest of them say. So KJV, Daniel 3.25,
he answered and said, lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the
fire, and they have no hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

(00:43):
Is like the Son of God. Daniel 3.25, NIV says, he said, look,
I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed,
and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.
ESV says, he answered and said, but I see four men unbound walking in the midst
of the fire and they are not hurt.

(01:03):
And the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.
The NLT says, look, Nebuchadnezzar shouted, I see four men unbound walking around
in the fire unharmed and the fourth looks like a god.
That is a huge difference between the different versions. versions.
Make sure you're reading the right one.

(01:24):
If you don't see this as a slap in the face to God and his perfect word,
God is perfect and the word of God is of God.
So the word of God, the Bible is perfect.
If you're reading the wrong one, you're not reading the perfect word of God.
You're reading something that has been added to or taken away,

(01:45):
which makes it not the word of God. as hard as you think you can push for it to be.
If you're reading out of the other versions, you are saying you are as good
as God because you are perversing his word and saying that that is God's word.
You are saying, look, I can determine what is right for me.

(02:09):
You're not saying God tells me what's right. You're saying I tell God what's right.
Kind of satanic if you ask me. See you Sunday.