¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, ^(A)we have no need to answer you in this matter. ¹⁷ If that is the case, our ^(B)God whom we serve is able to ^(C)deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we ^(D)worship the gold image which you have set up.”

¹⁹ Joseph said to them, ^(A)“Do not be afraid, ^(B)for am I in the place of God? ^20 (C)But as for you, you meant evil against me; but ^(D)God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ²¹ Now therefore, do not be afraid; ^(E)I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke ^[a]kindly to them.