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Historical event dossier · Royal, Religious, Construction

Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7)

Researched — not human reviewedRevision 1Last reviewed: not reviewed

Human review pending. 1 item from this dossier is awaiting the project owner's review: “Disputed: identification of the plain of Dura” (queued 2026-10-12, status open). All classifications on this page are machine-proposed unless marked otherwise. Review happens offline. This site has no review controls.

Biblical references

Text: World English Bible (public domain). The ESV and NKJV are the preferred study translations and are referenced, not reproduced.

Daniel 3:1–7Narration
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then the herald cried aloud, “To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. 6 Whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace the same hour.” 7 Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Biblical account

Layer: Biblical text

Nebuchadnezzar made a gold image sixty cubits high and six cubits wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He summoned satraps, prefects, governors and other provincial officials to its dedication, and a herald commanded all peoples, nations and languages to fall down and worship it when the instruments sounded; whoever refused would be thrown into a burning furnace.

Historical overview

Layer: Historical reconstruction · Period: Reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (date not given in the Aramaic text)

The Babylonian Chronicle records a rebellion in Akkad in Nebuchadnezzar's tenth year (Kislimu–Tebetu, c. Nov 595 – Jan 594), which he crushed, killing many of his own soldiers and capturing the leader, before receiving the submission and tribute of the kings and officials of Hatti. Herodotus mentions a golden image of Bel at Babylon.[1, 2]

Kingdoms: Neo-Babylonian Empire

Date and chronology derivation

Ranges are computed by the project's deterministic chronology engine from the biblical statements and each model's reign anchors. They are reconstructions, not independent dates.

604 BC – ?

Model-independent (applies under every chronology model) · precision: regnal year · range across 2 consistent reckoning combinations

How this range was derived

Earliest bound (first consistent combination)

  1. “In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar” — Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 2:1–45) in regnal year reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (year 2) [reckoned accession, nisan new year] (Daniel 2:1)Assumption: Babylonian years begin in Nisan.
  2. “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face … Then the king made Daniel great” — Daniel appointed over the province of Babylon (Dan 2:46–49) immediately follows Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 2:1–45) (Daniel 2:46)
  3. “certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon” — Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7) after Daniel appointed over the province of Babylon (Dan 2:46–49) (Daniel 3:12)Assumption: The appointment of Dan 2:49 precedes the dedication.

Latest bound (first consistent combination)

    All 2 reckoning combinations
    CombinationWindow for this event
    daniel babylonian years: Nebuchadnezzar's years with an accession year (Babylonian practice)603 BC – ?
    daniel babylonian years: Nebuchadnezzar's accession year counted as year 1604 BC – ?

    587 BC – 586 BC

    Septuagint (Greek) dates in Daniel · precision: regnal year

    How this range was derived

    Earliest bound

    1. “In his eighteenth year (Greek Daniel 3:1, Brenton)” — Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7) in regnal year reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (year 18) [reckoned accession, nisan new year] (Daniel 3:1)[3]Assumption: Reading attested in Brenton's Septuagint; absent from the Aramaic text and from the WEB Greek Daniel. Babylonian accession-year reckoning.

    Latest bound

    1. “In his eighteenth year (Greek Daniel 3:1, Brenton)” — Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura (Dan 3:1–7) in regnal year reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (year 18) [reckoned accession, nisan new year] (Daniel 3:1)[3]Assumption: Reading attested in Brenton's Septuagint; absent from the Aramaic text and from the WEB Greek Daniel. Babylonian accession-year reckoning.

    View on the timeline →

    What else was happening? (model-independent)

    • Jehoiakim (reign): 609 BC – 597 BC
    • Training of Judean youths at the Babylonian court (Dan 1:3–7, 17–20): 606 BC – 602 BC
    • Daniel's refusal of the king's food and the ten-day test (Dan 1:8–16): 606 BC – ?
    • Nebuchadnezzar II (reign): 605 BC – 562 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 2:1–45): 603 BC – 602 BC
    • Daniel appointed over the province of Babylon (Dan 2:46–49): 603 BC – 602 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar's decree honouring the God of the three Judeans (Dan 3:28–30): 603 BC – ?
    • The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27): 603 BC – ?
    • Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 4:4–27): 605 BC – 563 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar's boast, madness and restoration (Dan 4:28–37): 604 BC – 562 BC
    • Belshazzar slain; Darius the Mede receives the kingdom (Dan 5:30–31): 539 BC
    • Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall (Dan 5:1–29): 539 BC
    • Fall of Babylon to Cyrus (October 539 BC): 539 BC
    • Daniel continues until the first year of King Cyrus (Dan 1:21): 538 BC – 537 BC
    • Cyrus II (the Great) (reign): 539 BC – 530 BC
    • Nabonidus (reign): 556 BC – 539 BC
    • The thirty-day decree and Daniel in the lions' den (Dan 6:4–23): 539 BC – ?
    • Darius appoints 120 satraps and three chief officials (Dan 6:1–3, 28): 539 BC – ?
    • The accusers punished; Darius's decree honouring the God of Daniel (Dan 6:24–27): 539 BC – ?
    • Daniel's night vision of the four beasts and its interpretation (Dan 7): ? – 539 BC
    • Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat at Susa (Dan 8): ? – 539 BC
    • Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, Nisan of his twentieth year (Neh 2:1–8): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) (reign): 465 BC – 423 BC
    • Hanani's report at Susa and Nehemiah's prayer (Chislev, Artaxerxes's 20th year): 447 BC – 445 BC
    • Cyrus's proclamation permitting the return and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1; 6:3–5): 538 BC – 537 BC
    • The rebuilt Temple completed on 3 Adar of Darius's sixth year (Ezra 6:15): 516 BC – 515 BC
    • Darius I (the Great) (reign): 522 BC – 486 BC
    • Darius I confirms Cyrus's decree and orders the Temple completed (Ezra 6:1–12): 520 BC – 515 BC
    • Gabriel comes at the evening offering with the word of the seventy weeks (Dan 9:20–27): 539 BC – 536 BC
    • Daniel reads Jeremiah's seventy years and prays (Dan 9:1–19): 539 BC – 536 BC
    • Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra in his seventh year (Ezra 7): 459 BC – 457 BC
    • Daniel's vision by the Tigris in the third year of Cyrus (Dan 10:1–11:1): 536 BC – 535 BC
    • Desecration of the Temple: the "abomination of desolation" (15 Chislev 145 SE, 168/167 BC): 168 BC – 166 BC
    • Popillius Laenas orders Antiochus IV out of Egypt at Eleusis (168 BC): 168 BC
    • Rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabaeus (25 Chislev 148 SE, 165/164 BC): 165 BC – 163 BC
    • The closing dialogue by the river: the oath, the numbers and Daniel's dismissal (Dan 12:5–13): 536 BC – 535 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar installs Mattaniah as King Zedekiah (2 Kgs 24:17–20): 597 BC
    • Capture of Jerusalem and deportation of Jehoiachin (March 597 BC): 597 BC
    • Evil-merodach (Amēl-Marduk) releases Jehoiachin (561 BC): 562 BC – 561 BC
    • Amēl-Marduk (Evil-merodach) (reign): 562 BC – 560 BC
    • Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26): 589 BC – ?
    • Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year): 589 BC – 584 BC
    • Jehoiakim submits to Nebuchadnezzar for three years, then rebels (2 Kgs 24:1–4): 605 BC – 597 BC
    • The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year): 589 BC – 585 BC
    • The final siege of Jerusalem begins (10/X of Zedekiah's ninth year): 590 BC – 587 BC
    • Zedekiah (reign): 597 BC – 586 BC
    • Death of Jehoiakim and the three-month reign of Jehoiachin (2 Kgs 24:5–9): 598 BC
    • The deportation of Nebuchadnezzar's twenty-third year (Jer 52:30): 582 BC – 581 BC
    • Cyrus returns the Temple vessels to Sheshbazzar; the first return (Ezra 1:5–11): 538 BC – 530 BC
    • The altar rebuilt in Jerusalem and the Feast of Booths kept (Ezra 3:1–7): 538 BC – 530 BC
    • The return of the exiles with Zerubbabel and Jeshua; the list of returnees (Ezra 2): 538 BC – 531 BC
    • The foundation of the Second Temple laid (Ezra 3:8–13): 537 BC – 530 BC
    • Tattenai governor of Beyond the River inquires and writes to Darius (Ezra 5:3–17): 520 BC – 515 BC
    • Haggai and Zechariah stir the people; the Temple work resumes (Darius's second year, 520 BC): 520 BC – 519 BC
    • Opposition from the people of the land; the Temple work ceases until Darius's second year (Ezra 4:1–5, 24): 537 BC – 519 BC
    • Accusations to Ahasuerus and the Rehum–Shimshai letter to Artaxerxes; the city's rebuilding stopped (Ezra 4:6–23): 537 BC – ?
    • The returned exiles keep the Passover after the Temple's dedication (Ezra 6:19–22): 516 BC – 515 BC
    • Haggai's oracles of 24/IX, Darius year 2: "from this day I will bless you"; Zerubbabel the signet: 520 BC – 519 BC
    • Haggai's oracle on the latter glory of the house (21/VII, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
    • Zechariah's first oracle: the call to return (8th month, Darius year 2): 520 BC – 519 BC
    • Zechariah's night visions (24 Shebat, Darius year 2; Zech 1:7–6:8): 520 BC – 519 BC
    • Crowns made from the exiles' gifts and set on Joshua; the oracle of the Branch (Zech 6:9–15): 520 BC – 515 BC
    • The Bethel delegation and the question of fasting; Zechariah's answer (4/IX, Darius year 4): 518 BC – 517 BC
    • Ezra's caravan from the Ahava to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7–10; 8): 459 BC – 457 BC
    • The mixed-marriages crisis: Ezra's confession, the assembly in the rain (20/IX) and the commission (Ezra 9–10): 459 BC – 457 BC
    • Nehemiah arrives, inspects the walls by night and calls for rebuilding (Neh 2:9–20): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall and gates, section by section (Neh 3): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • Mockery, threats and the armed builders (Neh 4): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The debt crisis and the remission of pledges (Neh 5:1–13): 446 BC – 423 BC
    • Plots against Nehemiah: Ono, the open letter, Shemaiah (Neh 6:1–14): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The wall completed on 25 Elul after fifty-two days (Neh 6:15–19): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • Nehemiah's first governorship: twelve years, 20th–32nd year of Artaxerxes (445–433 BC): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • Jerusalem guarded under Hanani and Hananiah; the registry of the first returnees found (Neh 7:1–5): 446 BC – ?
    • Ezra reads the Law on the first day of the seventh month (Neh 7:73b–8:12): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The Feast of Booths kept "as it is written" (Neh 8:13–18): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The sealed covenant to keep the law and support the temple (Neh 9:38–10:39): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • The fast of the twenty-fourth day and the Levites' confession (Neh 9): 446 BC – 444 BC
    • Nehemiah's return and second-term reforms (Neh 13:4–31): 434 BC – 423 BC
    • Jerusalem repopulated: one in ten by lot (Neh 11): 446 BC – ?
    • The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 12:27–13:3): 446 BC – 423 BC
    • The priestly and Levitical registers to the days of Jaddua (Neh 12:1–26): 446 BC – ?
    • The first "burden" of Zechariah 9–11 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
    • The second "burden" of Zechariah 12–14 (undated oracle collection): 518 BC – ?
    • Malachi's disputations with priests and people (Mal 1–4; undated, mid-fifth century BC): 465 BC – 423 BC
    • Mordecai uncovers the plot of Bigthan and Teresh (Esth 2:19–23): 479 BC – 464 BC
    • Esther made queen in Tebeth of Xerxes's seventh year (Esth 2:1–18; winter 479/478 BC): 479 BC – 478 BC
    • Xerxes I (reign): 486 BC – 464 BC
    • Ahasuerus's third-year feast at Susa and the deposing of Vashti (Esth 1; 483/482 BC): 483 BC – 482 BC
    • Mordecai mourns; Esther resolves to go to the king (Esth 4): 474 BC
    • Haman casts pur and the decree against the Jews (Esth 3; Nisan 474 BC): 474 BC
    • Esther before the king; the first banquet; Haman's gallows (Esth 5): 474 BC
    • The sleepless king; Mordecai honoured by Haman (Esth 6): 474 BC
    • The institution of Purim; Mordecai second to the king (Esth 9:20–10:3): 474 BC – ?
    • The Jews defend themselves on 13–14 Adar (Esth 9:1–19; 473 BC): 474 BC – 473 BC
    • Mordecai's counter-decree of 23 Sivan (Esth 8; June 474 BC): 474 BC
    • The second banquet; Haman hanged (Esth 7): 474 BC
    • Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reign): 175 BC – 164 BC
    • Jehoiachin (reign): 598 BC – 597 BC
    • Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV defeats Antiochus III (217 BC): 217 BC
    • Battle of Panium: Antiochus III defeats Scopas (c. 200–198 BC): 200 BC – 198 BC
    • Battle of Magnesia: Rome defeats Antiochus III (190 BC): 190 BC
    • Assassination of Seleucus IV and accession of Antiochus IV (175 BC): 175 BC
    • Death of Antiochus IV at Tabae in Persia (164 BC): 164 BC

    What else was happening? (Septuagint (Greek) dates in Daniel)

    • Daniel's refusal of the king's food and the ten-day test (Dan 1:8–16): 606 BC – ?
    • Nebuchadnezzar II (reign): 605 BC – 562 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar's decree honouring the God of the three Judeans (Dan 3:28–30): 587 BC – ?
    • The refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27): 587 BC – ?
    • Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great tree and Daniel's interpretation (Dan 4:4–27): 605 BC – 563 BC
    • Nebuchadnezzar's boast, madness and restoration (Dan 4:28–37): 604 BC – 562 BC
    • Daniel's night vision of the four beasts and its interpretation (Dan 7): ? – 539 BC
    • Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat at Susa (Dan 8): ? – 539 BC
    • Gedaliah governs from Mizpah and is assassinated (2 Kgs 25:22–26): 589 BC – ?
    • Nebuzaradan burns the Temple and Jerusalem (5th month of Nebuchadnezzar's 19th year): 589 BC – 584 BC
    • The breach of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture at Riblah (9/IV of Zedekiah's 11th year): 589 BC – 585 BC
    • The final siege of Jerusalem begins (10/X of Zedekiah's ninth year): 590 BC – 587 BC
    • Zedekiah (reign): 597 BC – 586 BC

    Ancient and modern geography

    Location confidence assumes the event as described. Whether it occurred is assessed in the claims below.

    PlaceConnection to this eventLocation identification
    Plain of DuraSite of the image (location unknown)Location confidence: proposed — disputedNear the mound of Dowair/Duair, south-east of Babylon (Oppert, 19th c.): possibleA tract a little south of Tekrit on the Tigris ("Dur"): possible

    View on the map →

    Claims, evidence and classifications

    Each claim is classified on its own. A classification describes the evidence for that specific claim, not for the event as a whole.

    Nebuchadnezzar faced an internal revolt in 595/594 BC and then received renewed submission from western vassals.

    Independently corroboratedMachine-proposedExternal evidence

    ABC 5 (year 10) directly records the rebellion in Akkad, its suppression, and the tribute of the kings and officials of Hatti.

    Supporting

    • In Kislimu–Tebetu of year 10 there was a rebellion in Akkad; Nebuchadnezzar killed many of his own army and captured the rebel leader, then marched to Hatti where kings and officials submitted and paid tribute.[1]Strength: direct·Reverse 21′–24′ (year 10)·Claim checked

    Limitations of this classification: Connection to Daniel 3 is not stated in the chronicle; any link is interpretive.

    Research date 2026-10-12

    Nebuchadnezzar set up a gold image of 60 by 6 cubits on the plain of Dura and required officials to worship it.

    No independent corroboration foundMachine-proposedBiblical text

    No Babylonian source mentions such an image or ceremony. Nebuchadnezzar's known inscriptions concern building and the cults of Babylonian gods. This is not a disproof.

    Context

    • In Kislimu–Tebetu of year 10 there was a rebellion in Akkad; Nebuchadnezzar killed many of his own army and captured the rebel leader, then marched to Hatti where kings and officials submitted and paid tribute.[1]Strength: direct·Reverse 21′–24′ (year 10)·Claim checked
    • Herodotus mentions a golden image of Bel at Babylon; the story's hyperbole and folklore plot are noted by Collins (1984).[2]Strength: contextual·Analysis·Claim checked

    Research date 2026-10-12

    The plain of Dura can be identified with a specific site near Babylon.

    DisputedOwner review pendingHistorical reconstructionIn owner review queue

    Oppert (19th c.) proposed the Duair mound south-east of Babylon, with a reported statue pedestal; a Tigris site near Tekrit was also suggested; modern scholarship notes "Dura" may simply mean a plain or fortress. No modern excavation report confirming any identification was found.

    Supporting

    • Oppert located the plain south-east of Babylon near the mound of Dowair/Duair, where a pedestal of a huge statue was found.[4]Strength: indirect·Entry "Dura"·Claim checkedLimitations: 19th-century report; not verified by modern publication.
    • Oppert reported a stream and mounds called Tolul Dura about 12 miles SSE of Hillah, one a brick structure he thought could have been a colossus's pedestal.[5]Strength: indirect·p. 36 (on 3:1)·Claim checked

    Challenging

    • An inscription cited by Delitzsch mentions three places in Babylonia called Dūru — the name is not unique.[5]Strength: indirect·p. 36 (on 3:1, Delitzsch)·Claim checked

    Context

    • "Dura" may mean "plain" or "fortress" rather than naming a specific place.[2]Strength: indirect·Plot/analysis·Claim checked

    Limitations of this classification: Only 19th-century reports.

    Research date 2026-10-12

    Some instrument names in Daniel 3:5 are Greek loanwords.

    Independently corroboratedMachine-proposedExternal evidence

    BDB derives sumpōnyāh from late Greek symphōnia; this linguistic fact is used on both sides of the debate over the book's date (see the composition record).

    Supporting

    • sumpōnyāh (Dan 3:5, 10, 15) is a loanword from late Greek symphōnia.[6]Strength: direct·BDB entry·Claim checked

    Limitations of this classification: Lexicon-level evidence; Mitchell & Joyce (1965) not read.

    Research date 2026-10-12

    Evidence by type

    The same evidence regrouped by kind of source. Each item names the claims it bears on.

    Archaeological evidence

    None recorded for this event.

    Scientific findings

    None recorded for this event.

    Ancient documents

    Modern news and announcements

    None recorded for this event.

    Reference works and summaries

    Historical disputes and competing reconstructions

    Disputed claims: The plain of Dura can be identified with a specific site near Babylon.

    • A loyalty assembly after the 595/594 revolt

      Proposed in conservative scholarship (e.g. W. H. Shea, AUSS 1982 — not read)

      The convocation of officials is read against the chronicle's record of an internal revolt and renewed submissions. Shea's article treats extra-biblical texts in relation to the convocation; its specific argument was not accessed and is not characterised here.[1, 7]

    • Folkloric court legend

      J. J. Collins (1984), A.-J. Levine (2010), via Wikipedia

      Hyperbole (the image's size, every kind of music), the folklore plot of a minister's disgrace and rehabilitation, and Daniel's absence suggest an originally independent legendary tale; the 60×6 dimensions may contrast with the 60×60 post-exilic temple (Wesselius 2002).[2]

    • Septuagint date: Nebuchadnezzar's 18th year

      Greek Daniel as rendered by Brenton

      Brenton's Septuagint dates the image to Nebuchadnezzar's eighteenth year (587/586 BC on Babylonian accession reckoning, the year of Jerusalem's fall in Jer 52:29). The date is absent from the Aramaic text and from the WEB Greek Daniel; it is modelled only under a separate Septuagint chronology model.[3, 8]

    Related passages and events

    FromRelationshipToBasis
    this eventThematic parallelmedium · InterpretationDaniel 2:31–45An all-gold image after the dream's head of gold; interpreters (e.g. Guzik) read it as a response to chapter 2. Thematic link only.[9]
    this eventThematic parallelmedium · InterpretationDaniel 6:7–9Daniel 6 pairs with Daniel 3 in the chiastic structure of chapters 2–7 (a royal decree enforcing worship and a deliverance).[2]
    this eventSame periodlow · Historical reconstructionJeremiah 52:29Only under the Septuagint date (Nebuchadnezzar's 18th year), the year of a deportation from Jerusalem in Jer 52:29.[3]
    this eventChild eventhigh · Biblical textThe refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace (Dan 3:8–27)The refusal and furnace narrative belongs to the dedication.

    Prophetic relationships

    No prophecy or proposed-fulfillment relationships have been recorded for this event.

    Commentary references

    Layer: Interpretation. This is commentary, not historical evidence.

    Guzik ties the all-gold image to the dream of chapter 2 as a defiant claim that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom would not pass. He thinks the image was a gold-overlaid pillar and mentions a mound with a pedestal as a possible site. He answers critics who date the book late from the Greek instrument names by pointing to earlier Greek contacts.[9]

    Unanswered questions and research gaps

    • Shea (1982) and Mitchell & Joyce (1965) not read.
    • No modern survey of the Duair mound located.
    • Herodotus 1.183 (golden image of Bel) not read directly.
    • Read Shea (1982) once an accessible copy is found.
    • Verify which Greek witnesses carry the "eighteenth year" reading.

    Research process

    8 logged searches
    DateQueryWhereUseful
    2026-10-12Wikipedia Daniel 3 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego)web fetch1
    2026-10-12Enduring Word Daniel 3web fetch1
    2026-10-12Shea Daniel 3 Extra-Biblical Texts Convocation on the Plain of Dura AUSS 1982 pdfPDF blocked (403); metadata only.web + digitalcommons1
    2026-10-12Livius ABC 5 years 8–11 (revolt in Akkad)web fetch1
    2026-10-12plain of Dura location Oppert Tulul Dura pedestalOnly 19th-century dictionary entries; no modern excavation report found.web2
    2026-10-12Bible Hub H5481 sumponyah (BDB)web fetch1
    2026-10-12Code of Hammurabi burning penalties (Avalon, King translation)web1
    2026-10-12Brenton LXX Daniel 3; WEB Greek Daniel 3 (eBible)Brenton has "eighteenth year"; WEB Greek lacks it.web2

    Sources

    1. 1.
      Lendering, Jona (ed.). ABC 5 (Jerusalem Chronicle / Chronicle of the early years of Nebuchadnezzar) — English translation on Livius.org. Livius.org. www.livius.orgClaim checkedAncient primary textFull translation page read (obverse 1–27, reverse 1′–13′). Cuneiform and the printed editions (Wiseman 1956; Grayson 1975; Glassner 2004) were not consulted directly. Julian equivalents on the page follow Parker & Dubberstein.Verification log
    2. 2.
      Wikipedia contributors. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. en.wikipedia.orgClaim checkedPopular summaryThe URL "Daniel_3" resolves to this article.Verification log
    3. 3.
      Brenton, Lancelot C. L. (translator). Daniel 3 — Brenton's English Septuagint (1851), eBible.org. eBible.org. ebible.orgClaim checkedAncient primary textWhich Greek textual tradition (Old Greek or Theodotion) carries the date was not verified.Verification log
    4. 4.
      Smith, William (ed.). Dura — Smith's Bible Names Dictionary (Bible Gateway). Bible Gateway (public-domain 19th-century dictionary). classic.biblegateway.comClaim checkedHistorical reference19th-century reference; reports Oppert's proposal without modern verification.Verification log
    5. 5.
      Driver, S. R.. The Book of Daniel (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges). Cambridge University Press. archive.orgClaim checkedScholarly commentaryRead through the Internet Archive OCR text (Google scan).Verification log
    6. 6.
      Brown, F., Driver, S. R., Briggs, C. A.. Strong's H5481 sumponeyah — Brown-Driver-Briggs and Strong's entries (Bible Hub). Bible Hub (online lexicon). biblehub.comClaim checkedHistorical referenceVerification log
    7. 7.
      Shea, William H.. Daniel 3: Extra-Biblical Texts and the Convocation on the Plain of Dura. Andrews University Seminary Studies 20.1 (1982): 29–52. Andrews University Press. 1982. digitalcommons.andrews.eduMetadata verifiedScientific paperLanding page and issue table of contents confirmed (pp. 29–52); the PDF endpoint returned HTTP 403 to automated download and has no abstract. Content NOT read; its argument is not characterised here.Verification log
    8. 8.
      World English Bible translators. Daniel (Greek) 3 — World English Bible (eBible.org eng-web). eBible.org. ebible.orgClaim checkedAncient primary textContains the Greek additions (vv. 24–90). Its 3:1 lacks the "eighteenth year" date found in Brenton.Verification log
    9. 9.
      Guzik, David. Daniel 3 — Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Enduring Word. enduringword.comClaim checkedTheological commentaryInterpretive resource — not historical corroboration.Verification log