Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: ¹⁶ Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to defend our actions in this matter. We are ready for the test. ¹⁷ If you throw us into the blazing furnace, then the God we serve is able to rescue us from a furnace of blazing fire and release us from your power, Your Majesty. ¹⁸ But even if He does not, O king, you can be sure that we still will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue you erected.