¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego^(A) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

⁷ The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar;^(A) to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.^(B)

¹² But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego^(A)—who pay no attention^(B) to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”^(C)