Where was Daniel?
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego begin the book of “Daniel” all together. Daniel is promoted in Chapter 2 because he interprets the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. However, they all stay in Babylon. In fact, Daniel has the other 3 promoted as well.
In chapter 3, we see the famous story of the fiery furnace. At this point, Daniel disappears for a critical point in the story. The king makes everyone in the kingdom bow to the statue and worship it. If anyone chooses not to bow, they will be thrown into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choose not to bow because of their devotion and faith in the one true God, Jehovah. As a result, they are thrown into the fire. However, we never hear about Daniel at this point.
Did he bow?
Was he traveling to another part of the country? (out of the office and scenario)
If he was around, why didn’t he speak up to save his friends?
Why did he not get in trouble if he didn’t bow?
It is odd to me that it is not stated clearly at this point where Daniel was in scripture. We know that the 3 that were put in the fire were tattled on. There were people jealous of their authority and wanted them removed from power. This was a great opportunity for them to be removed. I was thinking it was more of a private matter and not many people in the kingdom knew, however, scripture says they actually went before the king himself. It seems like Daniel would have heard about this. Also, it seems that the ones who wanted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego out of office would have also wanted Daniel out and thus made him pick between bowing or the fire.
I am still researching the topic, but thought I would throw it out to the web and see what you have found or heard…
+robin
Posted on December 10, 2010, in Daily Word, theology and tagged bow, daniel, daniel sermon notes, fiery furnace, fiery furnace sermon notes, Nebuchadnezzar, where was he. Bookmark the permalink. 45 Comments.
Robin Steele 
Just at a quick glance of the chapter….
My thinking is that Daniel was there. In Daniel 3: 2,3 it is made pretty clear that all of the important people were there (satraps, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, etc). If Daniel was out of the country my guess is he would have been called back.
Did he bow? Seems to sound like it. The king commanded everyone to bow. While there could have been an exception to the higher ups it doesnt mention it. And I would think that if you are egotistical enough to have nations bow to you, you would want their rulers and higher ups to bow to you as well.
Right, Ramon. What is interesting is that Daniel is one of the only characters in the Bible that no negative words are spoken about him. (Joseph and Apostle John as well).
The whole book is very positive about him and as we know later in the story he faces lions with no problem. So, hard to believe he bowed and had courage to face lions later. hhhmmm..?
I don’t think he bowed…..extremely interesting topic, tho, of which I’ll have to think about!
We’ll never know if he bowed. It could be that God spared him from the event and he was not forced to choose as the three were. God’s plan is His alone and nothig any man (regardless of how powerful among men) can ever devise will change how he uses His children. He chose to have the three walk in the fire, but Daniel to face the lions. Because all four were focused on God above all, they faced their own destiny in confidence. The very same God allowed most of His twelve Disciples to die as martyrs, but they met their fate happy to be counted worthy to suffer for Him and knew they were going to meet him again. It’s something to think about when we think we have it rough.
I strongly believe Daniel did not bow to the statue, because if you look at Daniel chapter 6, the scripture states that Daniel went to his room and prayed immediately after learning of the Babylonian law stating that it would be punishable by death (in a den of lions) to pray. Hebrews chapter 11 makes an indirect reference to Daniel as being in the same category of men of extraordinary faith such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Moses. If Daniel would have bowed down, he would have been, in effect, an infidel, and not a man of faith to make an example of. As far as the question of where Daniel was in the fiery furnace scene, I believe the Holy Spirit purposely omitted Daniel from the narrative as a symbol of divine protection for believers from the wrath of God during the tribulation period. In order to come to this conclusion, the reader must first understand that the Holy Spirit uses symbols, metaphors and figures of speech in the scripture (Hosea 12:10). Any speculation on the question of why Daniel was missing from the fiery furnace scene is just that–pure conjecture, although an interesting Bible study.
That divine protection would be in the event of the rapture BEFORE the tribulation.
Thanks Mike
I was studying the book of daniel a couple of days ago and it struck me that if all the prominent rulers were there and only the tree bothers did not bow, then where was daniel?
i am not saying that he bowed being a man of dignity and high reputation in the bible. though i like mike’s illustration.
Interesting Bible study!
If you look closely at chapters one and two Daniel spoke up for his God and the 3 hebrew boys. Yes they all believed in there God but it was evident that daniel did in Chap 1&2. Daniel was like a mentor to them(read closely). God will allow your mentor to be away while your put in a place where you have to profess he is your GOD and that he is able. Instead of leaning on the mentor/pastor/etc you have to proclaim and prove to God yourself.
If we say where was Daniel during the trial of Mishael, Hanniah, and Azariah, we could also say where were they when Daniel had his trial in the lion’s den. I try to take away the lesson; that there faith and allegiance to GOD was unshakeable, unmoveable; that they would never defy GOD. Whether HE will or will not, they would never denounce the MOST HIGH GOD. It has probably crossed my mind (influence of the principality) to ponder this question, but the HOLY SPIRIT prevailed in taking away what GOD was illuminating in this trial. Of the 66 books, 1189 chapters, 31,103 verses counted, and 137 uncounted verses, there is much said, and much to ingest to go ye therefore…
MIkemusic77, the only problem with the logic of the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith is that many of those men had “mini-falls” much like Adam. Noah got drunk, Abraham sold out on his wife, Moses directly disobeyed God, etc. David wrote most of the Psalms and he killed a dude plus got his wife pregnant! Just because Daniel is indirectly mentioned in Hebrews 11 does not automatically mean that he didn’t bow down to the statue. I tend to believe Daniel bowed but had deep reservations about it, though Scripture doesn’t mention it so it’s not necessary to infer.
Thanks for the comment, JS Park
– I don’t think Daniel bowed. In Dan 1:8, whilst still a student, he decided firmly not to fall under peer pressure even if it is in contrast with the king’s word/command.
– In Dan 6, when Darius put the decree in writing that anyone who prays to a god other than Darius will be put to death, his first reaction was to pray.
– If Daniel bowed, then Dan 3:28 “…They (S, M & A) trusted in Him and and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives thather than serve or worship any god except their own.” would have reflected very badly on him as a statesman and a worshipper of God.
– If 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 & 1 Thess 4:16-17 say the righteous will all go to heaven together, where does the tribulation fit in? I don’t read anywhere that the Bible says some will be before others in heaven? In fact, 1 Thess 4:15 says the living (supposedly raptured, according to some) will not precede the dead in heaven.
What if God just gave Daniel an temporary ailment (i mean if one is bed ridden then you can’t be at a public ceremony) that would have made him exempt from having to choose bowing or fiery furnace. And while the fiery furnace incident is going on, Daniel is praying for the deliverance of his friends.
I do believe Daniel did bow because the King insisted that everyone come and he being as vain as he is described makes me believe that it didn’t matter to him if a person was blind, cripple, or crazy….they had to be there and they had to bow. However, in that incident I believe that the teacher (Daniel) became the student. When Daniel saw the faith of (S, M, A), I believe it gave him unwavering faith. This new faith boost allowed him to face his upcoming situation of being in the lions den with the confidence of knowing the Lord will deliver him just like he delivered (S, M, A).
Hezekiah 4:32 seems to indicate that Daniel was well known for his manicured nails so it seems highly probable that this was the case. Daniel just happened to be clipping his toenails at the time and they all thought he was bowing. Doesn’t it annoy you when people clip their nails in worship service?
Daniel was exempted from bowing to the image because the image was erected as an honor to Daniel.The king viewed Daniel as a god after he told him his dream and interpretation, and gave him the name Beltheshazzar,who was a Babylonian god.So Daniel was to the king,”another god” and was more or less untouchable by laws and decrees.
I personally believe he did not bow, why would he bow here and not fear the lions den later. My conclusion…..he was on the toilet.
I believe that Daniel did not bow. The decree of King Nebuchadnezzar was that all the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and the rulers of the provinces who were invited to the dedication of the image have to bow at the sound of the musical instruments. Daniel’s position in the kingdom was far above all these officials. When he had revealed the dream and the interpretation King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and worshipped Daniel and commanded that they should worship Daniel with sweet incense. (Dan. 2:46-48) Then King made Daniel a ruler over whole province of Babylon and chief of governors. Now the King himself is not bowing to the image. He did not order Daniel to bow. I believe he is exempt from bowing. King worshipped Daniel and did not worship the image. So Daniel is not expected to bow.
Thanks for the comment! That sounds convincing!
Interesting study … I also find it interesting that Nebe had the idol built (“of gold”) after Daniel interpreted his dream and told him that he was the head of the statue (in his dreams) “made of gold”…sounds like megalomaniacism
I think another thing to take note of is that, during the lion’s den episode, Daniel’s enemies had to trap Darius by his words before revealing that Daniel had disobeyed, and then Darius still set out to try to rescue him. Neb might’ve had the same mindset regarding Daniel and found some way to protect him here (if this was the case, maybe they did try to rat him out and failed, leading to their more thorough planning with Darius -assuming these are the same guys). But as Mike said, it’s just fun conjecture 🙂
Daniel was not mentioned here. Very interesting because you would think the Bible would mention his name. I believe he was sitting right next to Nebu because he was the second most powerful man in the kingdom. Isn’t it strange though that Daniel did not speak up and denounce the worship of his (Daniel’s) statue? If Daniel had protested regarding the decree, the Bible would have mentioned it. WE must speak up as children of God!
It cant be known where Daniel was, but we do know WHO Daniel was. Daniel was ruler of the province of Babylon, he ruled over everyone else. The only higher person was the king himself, Daniel was in effect the number two ruler. Daniel represented the king. The king had the image made so everyone would show their loyalty to him. Since Daniel represented the king, if he had been required to bow, it would have been if the king was bowing to himself. When Nebuchadnezzar spoke, many times it was Daniel doing the actual speaking since he was the person second in command. Daniel proved his loyalty to God when he refused to eat the king’s food, he proved his loyalty again when he chose to pray and was thrown in the lions den. Did Daniel protest the worship of the idol? Why does it not say anything about him trying to save his friends? The one to save his friends was God, I’m sure both Daniel and his friends knew that. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew who to trust and who would save them, they knew it was their God, they did not need Daniel for that. Of course it doesn’t say that, but we know for a fact that Daniel and his friends trusted in their God not in themselves. Did Daniel protest the worship of the idol?, of course it doesn’t say that either. But we do know that Daniel did plenty of protesting in other parts of the book. Daniel was not a flimsy believer that would bend at the whim of the king or whoever else may be in power at any certain point in time. We don’t need a reference of Daniel not Bowing, or to be told that Daniel spoke against the idol’s worship. Even with these omissions, we know that Daniel was a faithful servant of the most high God.
Thanks for those thoughts, Benjamin!
One explanation I’ve read, that has already been somewhat covered, is that since “Daniel sat in the gate of the king” per Daniel 2:49, he would not have been required to bow down.
A second, more interesting thought (and I preface this by saying that I am cautious about reading too much into a passage of Scripture, but it is interesting nonetheless) is that chapter 3 is a picture of the church age, with Daniel, perhaps away on business, representing Christ absent in the body on earth during that time. His three friends in the fiery furnace could represent God protecting a remnant of Jews despite tremendous persecution, and Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion showing that anyone can be saved. btw I find it fascinating that the king is actually the author of chapter 4, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of course.
Blessings!
Thanks, Richard. Interesting thoughts!
Am amazed that many preachers do not understand this.
This is one clear event which was written in ancient and plain languages and needs interpretation with the eyes of an ancient tradition. Basically, the answer is embedded in Daniel Chapter 2, Verse 46-48! As far as Nebuchadnezzar was concerned, Daniel was a ‘god’, king prostrated to Daniel and an OBLATION was offered to him. In ancient paganism practice, anyone with a status of a ‘god’ are not required to fall down to another god!
Daniel was among the invited guest if you read the Daniel 3:3. If he traveled or in toilet, it was a mandatory service to be present on that occasion. Daniel turned up and I believe he sat with the King the Nebuchadnezzar to watch the events!.
Since he was deemed to be a ‘god’ by the event of Daniel chapter 2, he was justifiably exempted form bowing down being a god himself .
Go through the OT and NT, you will see that gods don’t bow to gods in paganism practice. If you read bible in the light of our modern understanding, you will get many things wrong. The key is to put things in the context of the ancient periscope and understanding of people traditions.
Thanks, Rob
I think Daniel was there. What I beleive from is experience is that you cannot always save someone when God is trying to build their faith. Certain things in life you have to journey by yourself in order to know God for yourself. So did Daniel bow?? Of course not, if that was the case he would have obyed the King when he was thrown into the lions den for that sake. The bible never states where Daniel is, and we can only draw conclusions as to where he could have been but know one knows, but in my opinion I think he was there.
The King may have over looked Daniel because He interpreted his dream. But if the bible does not mention him at all, he may have not been around.
Where is Daniel? I’d like to believe that Danilel wasn’t present because of the position he held and was away on official business. But if he were present I really don’t think the accusers would’ve gotten away with putting them in the furnace. He was more of a threat than they were, so the accusers seen an opportunity while Daniel was away and it backfired. Daniel was a man of great integrity and to say that he bowed, you can throw that comment out the window, he knew of only one God, so he nor his friends weren’t going to compromise their faith for no one.
I’m so glad to see others have had the same question about this particular chapter. I tend to agree that Daniel was not there. Given what is said of his character, it would make no sense for him to bow at this time. Of course he was human and he could make a mistake but I think if that had been the case, the Word would have pointed it out. The Bible is not hesitant to show the weaknesses of God’s children. Also, if he had been there, wouldn’t he have spoken out against Neb’s ruling to put his friends in the furnace? When we reach the chapter of his trial with the lions’ den, where were Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego? Were they still around? Did they pray to God as Daniel did? Having once received God’s supernatural intervention, wouldn’t they be more likely to abstain from worshipping anyone else? These are fun questions and I’m looking forward to the time when our eyes will be opened so that we will know in full. Until then I hope to always be as fearless as these four men when my faith is called into question. And I pray the same thing for each of you.
Daniel was in a different province
While none of us will really know until we are in Heaven with Daniel, I find myself really contemplating Samantha Smith’s idea stated before. It is possible Daniel did bow. We tend to stick people in boxes. Daniel was not a superhero. He was a human being with complexities and inconsistencies just as all of us are. He could have had a moment of weakness. Does that mean He could not have been faithful to God overall? Of course not! David was known as “a man after God’s own heart” but failed to show God’s heart in taking Bathsheba and having her husband murdered. Perhaps, for Daniel, watching his friends find victory through their faith in God was a moment of deep conviction and growth for him that created a spiritual growth spurt.
This is all conjecture. However, whether or not Daniel bowed or just stood and watched or happened to be out of town – the takeaway lesson for me is God’s enduring faithful love for us. He understands we are human and mess up sometimes. He had to send Jesus to atone for the sins of all of us. He gives us the chance to get it right next time and even uses our failures/mistakes/weaknesses to strengthen us in the end. That is why we have hope. And I am so very thankful for that!
First I must observe that it is almost five years since this question was posed and answers are still coming in! Wow! Beautiful!
Also allow me to thank you all for your generous answers; very enriching and spirit provoking. Thank you I am blessed.
I Googled the question because three Sundays back at church, we embarked on studying Daniel in an effort to understand prophecy and the times set or revealed in prophecy. We are having such an awesome time.
So we noticed the gap and our pastor allowed us to contribute and the answers were as varied as those posted here and, of course, with some wondering what the fuss was all about! However, I felt the answer is in chapter 2:48-49. Now after reading your comments, it is no longer just a feeling and conjecture but more light has come and I am certain we have struck gold brethren!
Verse 48 says (NIV) “Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men” Please note his position, it was a high position possibly one that didn’t exist before then for indeed Daniel had displayed a very unique gift that not only impressed the King with deep knowledge of the future but also saved a whole school of the king’s trusted counsel and their families – what a loss it would have been to Babylon.
In verse 49 Daniel modifies his directive from the King and transfers his authority / office to the three friends. He gets the Kings’ consent and this may also indicate his high position and the privileges it carried. He even chooses what he’d rather do, and it is accepted.
“Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.”
In King James it says “…. but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.” Now here I wish to borrow thoughts from Rob Labs who commented in March 2015. And what I like about his comment is what he said that “This is one clear event which was written in ancient and plain languages and needs interpretation with the eyes of an accident tradition” and “If you read bible in the light of our modern-day understanding, you will get many things wrong. The key is to put things in the context of the ancient periscope and understanding of people traditions”. I have my reservations on some of his comments but he helps here to tilt the discussion. For example the use of the term “seat at the gate” is interesting and can mislead if handled lightly. I believe this is what exempted Daniel from all the other offices that were called to bow. He had occupied an office that was not in the administrative structure of the government answerable to none but accountable only to the King. Which office do you give someone who can tell you what you dreamt in your sleep in full colour? (similar office is noted with Job, Lot and Mordecai i.e. Seating at the gate).
So Daniel was present in a higher unique office and since the King was dealing with his administration, only they could be counted and required to prove allegiance. I mean observe how often visiting dignitaries and diplomatic staff, though present in National forums are exempted from duties / obligations.
The character of Daniel as presented is not renewed rebellious. He is not dealing with matters from a National level as for example Esther and Mordecai. Daniel and the three are handling things at personal level. This is their faith, up bring just like Peter and the curtain of unclean animals in Acts. If we read chapter 1 you will appreciate that there more Jews than just the three who feasted on the kings food and who were found suitable for service. It’s only that these four were found to be much more intelligent than the rest. Daniel and friends did not do it to spite the Babylonian system. After all when we read Jeremiah we note that God wanted the Jews to settle in the land of captivity and to pray for her peace and prosperity because they were going to stay for a good while. So Daniel and friends were not fighting the system only that their knowledge of God was deep and their love for him genuine.
It reminds me of Joseph in Egypt. He was thrust into the limelight by being himself. He was not trying to impress no, he just remained true to His God not to prove anything! He didn’t even understand why his brothers wanted him dead. He became the second to pharaoh and his Word was law!
Also remember in chapter 1 we are told they chose young men from royal and noble homes and this would include royal family, top business men, Priest families, prophets (in the book of Kings we are told of schools of prophets) etc. And with each family, a different shade of religious outlook.
Therefore in the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego there was no pact with Daniel that they would defy the King together. This is a personal fight of faith. Daniel could not stand with them as the matter was not planned prior to this event. It is evident that the three were set-up by their colleagues on the material day. The furnaces were already afire because the kings decree seems to have anticipated resistance. The goons may have helped draft it (read of Haman and later Daniel and the den of lions)..
This I am sure of, Daniel prayed for his friends as they were brought before the King heading for the fire. Only God could turn the tide and He glorious did turn the tide!
I also feel that we should note that the exile into Babylon did not rotate around Daniel but several other prophets one of the main one being Jeremiah. Daniel though is the one who was keenly seeking to know when the time appointed for the captivity to end (70 years) and he read and prayed. God sent him the answer and revealed many things. So that we may know this Daniel, the Spirit of God reveals to us his personal exploits and what kind of associations he kept – his integrity so that we may receive God’s Word through him.
I think I have probably said more than was necessary but the gist of it all is that he was present and did not bow : he was not required to. This requirement was below his pay grade!!
Pastor Rob what what have you found out in these years?
I have read this story. At chapter 2….It ends off saying Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego were “set over the affairs of the province of Babylon” and Daniel was in the “gate of the king” (Dan 2:49)…What I propose is something which might rattle a few cages…We do not know how long it took to make the Idol…some speculate in the 7th year of the king’s reign, and knowing the dream happened in the 2nd year we have at least 5yrs of Daniel and his friends living in Babylon. It’s fair to say it was not built overnight, as some seem to lump this period into one short story. Seeing as Daniel was now in the king’s palace for at least 5yrs…surrounded by idols and idolatory…..could his faith not have waivered enough to be compromised during this time…? Or will we all now be religious enough to assume we all have never faltered in any way? Now before some of you get upset, please bear with me….
Daniel 3:2 leaves little doubt as to who was at the ceremony….You would need to bring up a verse countering this one on where Daniel was.. No supposition please. Why do we assume that the “Ruler over the whole province of Babylon” and the “Chief of the Governors” (Dan 2:48) was not there? Why would everyone who reported to Daniel need to be present, but not their “Ruler/Chief”. I cannot see past this logically…Please read for yourself and consider that Daniel was, in fact, at the ceremony. I can only go with what is put in front of me, and this is what I see…
Now comes the hard part…the one many will probably have an issue with. That when the music sounded, that only 3 men did not bow…as the text says….and that Daniel had compromised enough, not to be thrown into the fire… I have heard he was exempt, I have heard he was on the king’s podium so all who were next to the King didn’t have to…but I don’t see that happening in the context of the story…The king wanted ALL to bow…….Also now, that Daniel was elsewhere…on an errand of sorts……. but as in my previous paragraph, this cannot be…
So consider that Daniel denied God…. and consider also, that God’s grace is sufficient for us ALL…as His grace was sufficient when Peter denied God The Son, THREE times…..I propose from what I read, that his faith waivered for whatever reason….I do not believe he stopped believing in God, or even stopped praying/worshipping to God. But at that very moment, I believe that he had to, maybe see the POWER OF GOD in this miracle, for his faith to be re-established/strengthened, through conviction? As all of us have needed their faith to be re-established during our walk with the Lord…? Speculation yes, but what has been given before, is no more a theory than mine…
So now I see Paul’s words coming through with regards to Spiritual gifts being irrevocable/without repentance (Rom 11:29), as I have heard it said he could not have bowed and still had the gift of interpreting the king’s dream, a while after the ceremony occurred….
I propose then Daniel bowed to the idol, yet retained his spiritual gifts after that. But needed to go through this episode in order for his faith to be strengthened/re-established for the next time his faith was to be tested, when Darius was the next ruler, after Nebuchadnezzer had gone mad…
Daniel now had the courage of his convictions, and unwavering faith, because of the clear evidence of the POWER OF GOD in the miracle that occurred at the burning furnace. So when Darius was forced to see through his own ill-conceived decree concerning worship to himself, Daniel had no hesitation, or fear, of having to go to the Lion’s den, having his faith uplifted by the episode at the burning furnace..
All right, in Daniel chapter 3, here’s
Nebuchadnezzar putting up his image
to worship himself (verse 3 ). And,
you’ll notice in chapter 3 , Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego are the only
ones who get into hot water (or a hot
furnace!), and Daniel doesn’t get
burned. So the question comes up,
where was Daniel? Did he bow
down?
And the answer is in Daniel 2:49 :
” Then Daniel requested of the king,
and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed-nego, over the affairs of the
province of Babylon.” They’re out in
the province ( 2:49 ), “…but Daniel sat
in the gate of the king.”
So Daniel is not required to bow
down.
In chapter 3, verse 4: ” Then an
herald cried aloud, To you it is
commanded, O people, nations, and
languages, That at what time ye hear
the sound of the cornet… ” So
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego
are out over the provinces, ruling
with the people, and when the
dedication comes, they come with the
people. But Daniel is right up there
with the king.
Then the question comes up, Why
didn’t Daniel say something? And the
answer to that is, Daniel had already
had his baptism by fire back in
chapter 2, when he led them and got
them off the king’s meat (chapter 1 ),
got them on pulse ( chapter 1 ),
interpreted the king’s image and
dream in Daniel 2 . And, like the old
proverb says, “Every tub shall stand
upon its own bottom,” Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego have to earn
their own spurs. So they earn them.
Great comment, Thanks!
I believe, because the King was so grateful to Daniel that the statue he made was actually of Daniel
Interesting. Never thought of that.
I strongly believe that Daniel did not bow to the image after all of the provisions and deliverance of God to them he will surely not compromise at this time. In Daniel 2:49 it says “Daniel sat in the gate of the king” or a “gatekeeper” which in Hebrew is “tara” on which the exemption might also applied “They were exempted from taxes, tribute, or any other charges.” (Ezra 7:24) Just a thought….
Daniel did not bow down because the command to bow done was specifically done in the province of Babylon in Dura where three was put in charge of, Daniel place was in the palace. Read chapter 2:46
Daniel wasn’t there. According to Daniel 2:49, he set Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego over the provinces “BUT” sat at the king’s gate. The keyword there is “BUT” which suggests that he was exempted from certain things that concerned the direct affais of the kingdom. The language is tricky, but I’ve done my research as well and this is what I found. Hope this helped.
You can’t make an argument from silence. The point of the story is not a historical retelling of the events but to make a theological point to the original readers (Jews suffering under the injustice of greek rulers like Antiochus Epiphanes IV) that the people of God must remain faithful to God, even in the face of persecution and death. S, M, and A are archetypes, representing the true and faithful remnant of Israel who will not bow down to a foreign empire or “god.”
The fact that Daniel does not appear in the story is because the story is not about Daniel. Are we to believe that S, M and A all follow the decree in Daniel 6 and that’s why they aren’t thrown into the lion’s den? No…their faithfulness was shown in Daniel 3 and now the author wants to show another example of faithfulness under pressure.
Trying to make theology or a point out of silence is interesting and fun but it’s not good hermeneutics.