³ Make every effort to keep the unity^(A) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.^(B)

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego^(A) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver^(B) us from it, and he will deliver^(C) us^[a] from Your Majesty’s hand.

⁹ Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai^(A) the Ahohite.^(B) As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim^[a] for battle. Then the Israelites retreated,

²³ He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

¹⁸ Abishai^(A) the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three.^[a] He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. ¹⁹ Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.

¹⁶ So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured^(A) it out before the Lord.