Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 3:29

"Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god that is able to deliver after this sort." — Daniel 3:29 (ASV)

Therefore I make a decree - The margin offers an alternative translation: "A decree is made by me." In Chaldee, the phrase is, "And from me a decree is laid down," or enacted. This Chaldee word (טעם ṭe‛êm) properly means "taste" or "flavor."

It then signifies "judgment"—the power of "discerning," apparently like one who can judge wine, and similar things, by its taste. Subsequently, it refers to the sentence or decree that results from an act of judging—always retaining the idea that the determination or decree is based on an understanding of the true merits of the case. The decree in this instance was not intended to be seen as arbitrary but as founded on what was right and proper.

He had seen evidence that the God whom these three youths worshipped was a true God and was able to protect those who trusted in him. Regarding him as a real God, he made this proclamation that respect should be shown to him throughout his extended realm.

That every people, nation, and language - This decree is in accordance with the usual style of an Oriental monarch. It was, however, a fact that Nebuchadnezzar's empire extended over nearly all of the then-known world.

Which speak anything amiss - The margin notes "error" for "amiss." The Chaldee word (שׁלה shâluh) means "error" or "wrong," and it refers here to anything that would be suited to lead the minds of men astray regarding the true character of the God whom these persons worshipped. The Vulgate translates it as "blasphemy." It is also rendered this way in Greek: βλασφημίαν blasphēmian.

The intention was that their God was to be acknowledged as a God of eminent power and rank. It does not appear that Nebuchadnezzar meant that he should be regarded as the only true God, but he was willing, in accordance with the prevailing notions of idolatry, that he should take his place among the gods, and a most honored place.

Shall be cut in pieces - The margin notes "made." This form of punishment was common in many ancient nations (Gesenius).

And their houses shall be made a dunghill - (Compare to 2 Kings 10:27). The idea is that the utmost possible dishonor and contempt should be placed on their houses by devoting them to the most vile and offensive uses.

Because there is no other god that can deliver in this manner - He does not say that there was no other god at all, for his mind had not yet reached this conclusion. Rather, he meant there was no other god who had equal power with the God of the Hebrews.

He had seen a manifestation of his power in the preservation of the three Hebrews—a display such as no other god had ever exhibited—and he was willing to admit that in this respect this God surpassed all other divinities.