Книга пророка Даниила, Глава 3, стих 12. Толкования стиха

TESTIMONY TO THEIR COURAGE AND PIETY. CHRYSOSTOM: Consider along with me the wickedness of those who were their accusers, and how maliciously and bitterly they brought the accusation! . . . They did not merely mention the nation, but they also bring to mind their the Jews’ honorable positions, that they may inflame the wrath of the king. It is almost as if they had said, “These slaves, these captives, who are without a city, you have made rulers over us. But they show contempt for such an honor and treat insolently the one who has given them this honor!” They go on then to say, “The Jews whom you have set over the province of Babylon do not obey or serve your gods.” The accusation becomes their greatest praise; and the crimes imputed, their encomium; a testimony that is unassailable as it is brought forward by their enemies. HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 4.8.

Спрашиваешь: почему с тремя преподобными отроками не осужден царем вавилонским на сожжение и великий Даниил, который был их единомышленником, соплеменником, сотрапезником, лучше же сказать, — учителем благочестия? Ответствую: сие устроено Божественным Промыслом, чтобы нечестивые это остужение пламени не приписали имени вавилонского бога. Ибо Даниила, в память изъяснения им тайн, наименовали они Валтасаром, а у них в силе было такое учение, что бог их творит чудеса и при одном его наименовании. Посему-то, чтобы не дать места такому мнению, Господь устранил Даниила от сего суда, и оказалось, что терпение юношей и Божия помощь, остудившая извергавшую молнии печь, действовали сами собою.

Седрах, Мисах и Авденаго. См. ком. к Дан. 1:7. Даниил в это время либо отсутствовал в столице, либо его высокое положение избавило его от необходимости подтверждать свою лояльность (Дан. 2:48, 49).

REFUSAL TO WORSHIP THE LIFELESS IMAGE. ROMANUS MELODUS:

When in Babylon an image had been made,

And everyone against his will worshiped

the lifeless things as though it were alive,

Then, as Scripture tells, three youths,

Having received in their hearts divine

guidance, did not leave the straight path,

For they considered the madness of many as

a path that leads astray.

And so the steadfast young men did not follow it.

But, advancing on the straight road, always

toward the truth,

They mocked the trickery of the Persians,

Or rather, the sainted boys mourned and lamented,

For a righteous person does not rejoice over

the destruction of another but with groans prays:

“Hasten, Merciful One; and in compassion come quickly

To our aid, since you are able to do what you will.”

KONTAKION ON THE THREE CHILDREN 2.