But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
But if not ... - connected with Daniel 3:18. 'Whether our God deliver us, as He is able, or do not, we will not serve thy gods.' Their service of God is not mercenary in its motive. Though He slay them, they will still trust in Him (Job 13:15). Their deliverance from sinful compliance was as great a miracle in the kingdom of grace as that from the furnace was in the kingdom of nature. Their youth and position as captives and friendless exiles before the absolute world-potentate, and the horrid death awaiting them if they should persevere in their faith, all enhance the grace of God which carried them through such an ordeal.