Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Holy Children facts for kids
The Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Holy Children is a special part of the Bible. You can find it after Daniel 3:23 in some older versions, like the ancient Greek Septuagint translation.
This passage is accepted as part of the Bible by some Christian groups.
It tells an amazing story in three parts:
- First, there's a prayer from Daniel's friend Azariah. He was also called Abednego. He prayed while he and his friends were in a very hot fiery furnace.
- Next, a bright, shining figure appears in the furnace with them. This figure protected them, and they were not burned!
- Finally, the three young men sing a song of praise. They were so happy and thankful to be saved. This song repeats a line many times: "Praise and exalt Him above all forever..."
Where Did This Story Come From?
This prayer and song are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic versions of the Book of Daniel. Also, old Jewish writings don't mention them.
We don't know exactly where these writings came from. Scholars are not sure if they were first written in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Many experts think they were probably first written in a Semitic language (like Hebrew or Aramaic).
We also don't know the exact date they were written. Most scholars believe it was sometime in the second or first century BC.
Is It Part of the Bible?
This passage is considered a true part of the Bible by Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. However, most Protestant Christians do not accept it as part of their main Bible.
Even so, it is often included in a section called the Apocrypha in some Protestant Bibles. The Apocrypha contains books that are not seen as fully canonical but are still useful for reading. For example, the Church of England says these texts are good for learning about life and good manners.
See also
In Spanish: La Oración de Azarías y el Cántico de los Tres Jóvenes para niños
