The question raised by the Midrash ha-Gadol in the name of R. Natan concerning the disagreement between Yehezkel and Hananya, Misha’el, and Azarya is an existential question for all generations. Yehezkel argued that refusing to bow before the idol, Hananya, Misha’el, and Azarya were endangering the existence of Am Yisrael in exile. While it may be permissible for them to endanger themselves and even to give up their lives for Kiddush Hashem, what license did they have to endanger the existence of the entire nation? Is it conceivable that the prohibition of idolatry in the case of three individuals could be more important than the existence of Klal Yisrael?

Dying to Sanctify God's name
Self-Sacrifice
Kiddush Hashem
Yehezkel
Preservation of the Jewish Nation
Hananya Mishael and Azarya
Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion