4. Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command!
5. When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue.
6. Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
7. So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8. But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews.
9. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king!
10. You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments.
11. That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace.
12. But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”