^16 (A)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter. ¹⁷ If it be so, our ^(B)God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; ^[a]and ^(C)He will rescue us from your hand, O king. ^18 (D)But even if He does not, ^(E)let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”