September 4

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Daniel 3:1-30

As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Daniel 3:5

Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horns, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language feel down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Daniel 3:7

You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold.... Daniel 3:10

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. Daniel 3:15

So the scriptures rattle off this identical list of instruments four times within the space of a few verses. Seems excessive. Even comic. But the understanding isn't as nearly as funny: How many times does God have to repeat Himself relative to our wellbeing and salvation? Lord knows.