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.