Today, we're diving into a story from Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Song of Songs, that tackles just that feeling. It’s a story of courage, conviction, and, believe it or not, a fiery furnace.
The verse that sets the stage is from Song of Songs 7:9: “I said: I will climb the date palm, I will grasp its branches; and may your breasts now be like clusters of the vine, and the fragrance of your face like apples.” Now, what does a date palm have to do with standing up for your beliefs?
Well, the Rabbis, in their beautiful and often unexpected way, connect this verse to the story of Ḥananya, Mishael, and Azarya – better known by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – who famously refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's idol (Daniel 3). The Midrash (rabbinic commentary) sees the phrase "I will climb the date palm" as representing God's exaltation. But here's the kicker: God wasn't exalted by the entire nation, only by these three brave souls.
The date palm is key. Even when it’s not producing fruit, it still sprouts at least three palm branches. Similarly, even though the rest of the nation caved, Ḥananya, Mishael, and Azarya stood firm in their faith, ready to sanctify God's name – to perform a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of God's name – by refusing to worship the idol.
The text even delves into the specific garments they were wearing. Daniel 3:21 says they were bound "in their cloaks" (sarbaleihon). Was this just regular clothing, or something more? Rabbi Yudan and Rabbi Huna debate this. Rabbi Yudan says simply, "in their cloaks." But Rabbi Huna believes they wore their "garments of state," special attire that would make their act of defiance even more impactful. This act was not done in a corner, but openly and boldly.
And then, the miracles begin. Rabbi Avdimi of Haifa lists a series of incredible events that occurred that day. The furnace, initially built into the ground, miraculously rose to the surface so everyone could witness what was happening. The furnace itself broke apart. Members of four kingdoms were burned. Nebuchadnezzar himself was partially burned! The idol toppled. And, as if that weren't enough, Ezekiel revived the dead in the Dura Valley! It was a day of unbelievable divine intervention.
Where does it say the furnace rose? Rabbi Yitzchak points to Daniel 3:24-25, where Nebuchadnezzar, astonished, says, "I see four unbound men walking in the fire, and no harm comes to them, and the fourth resembles a son of the gods!"
But hold on. Rabbi Pinḥas, in the name of Rabbi Reuven, adds a fascinating detail. At that moment, Mikhael, the angel, descends and strikes Nebuchadnezzar on the mouth for suggesting God has a son. The angel demands that the king retract his words. And Nebuchadnezzar does, changing his statement to "Blessed is their God… who sent His angel, and saved His servants, who trusted in Him" (Daniel 3:28).
The Midrash goes on to dissect the details of the story, drawing lessons from every phrase. The burning of members of four kingdoms is linked to the officials Nebuchadnezzar gathered to witness the spectacle: treasurers (adargezaraya), commanders (gedavraya), scholars (detavraya), and jesters (tiftaye). Even the wind that toppled the idol is connected to Ezekiel's vision of reviving the dead!
The Rabbis even weave in a story about Daniel cleverly tricking Nebuchadnezzar, retrieving the High Priest's frontplate from the idol's mouth, which the idol was using to proclaim "I am the Lord your God." After Daniel's intervention, the idol could no longer speak, and at that moment, the wind toppled it. This reminds us of the power of truth over falsehood, and the importance of not being deceived by false prophets.
The end of the Midrash returns to the original verse in Song of Songs. "And may your breasts now be like clusters of the vine" is interpreted as referring to Peretz and Zeraḥ, figures in the lineage of King David. Just as they were destined to be burned but were spared, so too were Ḥananya, Mishael, and Azarya.
Finally, "and the fragrance of your face like apples." Rabbi Elazar notes that Daniel says "the odor of fire did not cover them." So, what did they smell like? An apple orchard!
So, what’s the takeaway? This Midrash isn't just about a historical event. It's about the power of individual conviction, the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when you're standing alone. It reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, faith and courage can prevail. And maybe, just maybe, you'll come out smelling like apples.