Introduction:
The Statler Brothers and “The Fourth Man”: A Story of Faith
The Statler Brothers, a country gospel quartet known for their rich harmonies and uplifting messages, didn’t write “The Fourth Man” themselves. The song draws inspiration from the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found in the Book of Daniel (Chapter 3).
These three young Hebrew men, living in exile under Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II, refused to bow down to a golden idol the king had erected. As punishment, they were sentenced to be thrown into a fiery furnace. However, the story recounts that when King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the flames, he saw not three, but four men walking unharmed alongside his captives. He declared this fourth figure to be “like a son of God,” demonstrating God’s miraculous intervention to protect those faithful to Him.
While the exact origin of “The Fourth Man” as a song is unclear, it falls within a long tradition of American gospel music that draws heavily on biblical narratives. These songs served to share stories of faith, perseverance, and God’s power with audiences.
The Statler Brothers’ version of “The Fourth Man” stays true to this tradition. The lyrics directly reference the story from the Book of Daniel, using phrases like “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” and “fiery furnace.” The song emphasizes the importance of faith and trusting in God, even in the face of hardship. Lines like “So we are told they would not bow, they would not kneel” and “There’s somebody watching you who’s strong when you meet temptation” offer encouragement to listeners facing their own challenges.
“The Fourth Man” became a popular selection for the Statler Brothers, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music. It serves as a reminder of the group’s commitment to their faith and their desire to uplift their audience through song.