Daniel 3:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Nebuchadnezzar—made an image of gold— But what did this image or statue represent? Grotius insists that it was the statue of Nabopalassar, the father of Nebuchadnezzar, whom this prince chose to rank with the gods. Others think that Nebuchadnezzar erected his own statue, and intended to be adored under this form. But throughout the whole chapter, Nebuchadnezzar, in speaking to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, no where complains of injury done to his person, or statue; but only that the companions of Daniel do not worship his gods, nor the statue erected by his orders. And in chap. Daniel 4:8 he says, that the name of Belteshazzar is composed of the name of his god, and Bel was certainly the most celebrated deity of that country. It was to this god, therefore, that the statue in question was certainly consecrated. It was toward the end of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar that this event happened; for in the decree, the beginning of which we read in the end of this chapter, and to which this miracle gave occasion, the prince recounts the dreams which had been explained to him by Daniel. See chap. Daniel 4:4, &c. He there describes in what manner he was reduced to the state of beasts, driven from his palace, and afterwards re-established on his throne; all which happened in the last years of his reign. See Calmet.