Was the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel literal?

“Was the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel literal? I was teaching the story to my 5 and 6 year olds and they asked me if they would burn up in a fire if they believed in God? I did not know how to answer that question. Was it just a story?”

The furnace that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into was a literal furnace. The Bible tells us in Daniel 3 that Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon during this time, that he built a statute to himself, gave the measurements of the statue & exactly where the statue was placed in the plain of Dura in Babylon. It also goes in detail about who was called together for the dedication of the statue, “…the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces…” . The Bible also goes in to detail on the instruments that would be played, that would notify everyone to bow & worship this statue, “…the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music…”. With all of the detail alone, I believe that the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego & the furnace, is a literal happening in history.
As for the children’s question on, if they would burn up if they believe in God, remind them that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t burn up. The story shows that God delivered them from death at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar by not only saving them from the fiery furnace, but also entering into the furnace Himself. Let them know that in every situation that life throws at us Jesus is right there with us, & when the kitchens too hot, He doesn’t leave us.
But also in this story the kids need to see the strength, confidence & faith that these three young men had in God & His leadership & care for them. Listen to what they said to King Nebuchadnezzar in verses 16-18: “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
These young men were telling the king that they didn’t even have to think about there answer to him concerning the bowing down to & worshiping of this man-made god. They had already, way before this incident, made up their mind to worship, obey & follow the one & only true & living God…the great I Am. In other words they didn’t even bat an eye when they answered King Nebuchadnezzar. They also were confident that no matter what happened, whether they didn’t have to enter the furnace, whether they went into the furnace & walked out untouched or if they died there that day in the flames, that it was the will of God. That He knew what needed to happen & that either way, they would be taken care of. They knew, that even though the king was Nebuchadnezzar, they worshipped the King of kings & Lord of lords who cared & loved them.

Vern