Daniel Interprets a Dream
I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given
me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we
desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.
Daniel 2:23
Read Daniel 2:19-28
King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream made him very restless, so he was intent
to find out its meaning. In fact, this mighty monarch was experiencing
sleepless nights because of it. The wise men of Babylon were unable to
help the king; they were at a loss to come up with an explanation. In this
account, we see that the wisdom of this world is really unable to help man
in extreme situations.
Daniel also heard that the king had had a dream which his wise men were
unable to interpret. The king had even threatened them with death if they
could not come up with an answer. These developments show us how egocentric
and irrational the king really was. But the meaning of the dream was
made known to Daniel, giving him a deep impression of the greatness and
wisdom of God. He was brought before the king and was able to give the
meaning of the dream through the wisdom he received from God.
Daniel did not refuse to go to the Babylonian court; rather, he used his position
so the wisdom of Israel’s God might be made known. In this way, Daniel
elevated the wisdom of the God of heaven and earth. However, the actual
message he was commissioned to give Nebuchadnezzar was not a very attractive
one. The various powers of the world were going to perish, including
that of Nebuchadnezzar himself, while God’s kingdom would remain.
Daniel was faithful in relaying the message God gave to him. Just consider
for a moment how the Lord also blessed His own Word. The mystery was
solved, and Daniel was able to praise God. In this development, we see how
a Christian ought to behave in the public square; he must not draw attention
to himself, but direct his peers to God. Do you also do this? If you serve God,
do those in your surroundings know this from the way you act?
Thought: Have you ever noticed that the Kingdom of God is victorious in
this world?
Psalter 420: 6 (based on Psalm 68)
Ye kings and kingdoms of the earth, Extol Jehovah’s matchless worth
With psalms of adoration. Praise Him whose glory rides on high,
Whose thunders roll through clouded sky, With mighty intonation.
Ascribe ye strength to God alone, Whose worth in Israel is known,
For whom the heavens tremble. O Lord, our strength, to Thee we bow,
For great and terrible art Thou Out of Thy holy temple.
