Nebukadnezar werpt de drie jongelingen in de vurige oven 1554 - 1589

Adriaen Thomasz. Key created this print, Nebuchadnezzar Casting the Three Youths into the Fiery Furnace, depicting a story from the Book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, orders three men thrown into a blazing furnace for refusing to worship his golden idol. Notice how the furnace, intended as an instrument of death, becomes a source of divine revelation. Fire, often a symbol of destruction, paradoxically signifies protection and faith. The image of fire as purification can be traced back to ancient rituals and myths, reappearing across cultures, from the trials by fire in ancient Greece to the alchemical quest for spiritual transformation. Consider the emotional resonance: the terror of the flames juxtaposed with the serenity of divine intervention. This interplay mirrors our own internal conflicts, where moments of crisis can become opportunities for profound insight. The story resonates because it reflects a deep-seated human experience: facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and finding unexpected salvation. The symbol persists, echoing through time and reminding us of the enduring power of faith.