Daniel 2
-In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, the king had
dreams that were puzzling and terrifying to the point of robbing his majesty of
sleep. Apparently, con artists and deception were known to have been common
place in the Babylonian realm, which necessitated an opportunity for the
genuine article to come front and center with Daniel and the true Living God.
Nebuchadnezzar enforced strict rules that his dream must be declared to him
along with its proper interpretation, or he would have the imposters “torn limb
from limb” and have their houses “be made a rubbish heap (Daniel 2:1-5).” Great
gifts, reward, and honor were promised to the one who could tell the king his
dream and interpret it though (Daniel 2:6). It got to the point where Arioch,
the captain of the king’s bodyguard, was going out to find and kill the wisemen
of Babylon before Daniel became aware and begged for more time to seek the LORD
on the matter of this mystery (Daniel 2:7-16). Immediately Daniel went to his
house and informed his friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) about the
matter that “they might request compassion from the God of Heaven” to avoid
being destroyed (Daniel 2:17-18).
-“Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision.
Then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven (Daniel 2:19).” Daniel declared His
wisdom and power forever and ever as the One who could change the times and the
epochs raising up kings and removing them. The LORD is the One who gives all
wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. He is the Revealer of
the profound and hidden things because He knows what is in the darkness and
Light dwells with Him. Daniel further praised the God of his fathers for the
wisdom, discernment, and revelation for the king’s matter (Daniel 2:20-23).
-Daniel went in haste to Arioch with the word not to destroy
the wise men of Babylon. He wanted to go straight into the king’s presence with
the boldness of his interpretation given to him by the LORD. He made it clearly
known that it was not him, but God, that had provided this wisdom for
interpretation, and then he presented the dream and its meaning unto
Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:24-30). In the dream, the king saw a single great
statue, which was large and extraordinary in splendor with an awesome
appearance. The head was of gold, which Daniel interpreted to be Nebuchadnezzar
and the Babylonian Empire [606-539 B.C.] (Daniel 2:31-32a, 36-38). The statue’s
breast and arms were of silver, which was the succeeding kingdom of the
Medo-Persian Empire [539-331 B.C.] that was somewhat inferior to the grandeur
of the Babylonian time (Daniel 2:32b, 39a). The statue’s belly and thighs were
made of bronze reflecting the Greek Empire [331-146 B.C.], which was the third
kingdom that ruled the known earth under Alexander the Great (Daniel 2:32c,
39b). The statue had legs of iron with feet partly of iron mixed with clay. This
was the Roman Empire [146 B.C.-A.D. 476] that existed during the time of the
coming of the Messiah. It was as strong as iron crushing and shattering all who
opposed them, but then it crumbled from within with some strong parts and some
very weak spots. The empire was dismantled because it did not adhere well to
its components, just as Daniel saw and interpreted (Daniel 2:33, 40-43).
-The Divine Kingdom is most worth noting from this dream and
its interpretation. The Stone that struck this statue, or these kingdoms, down
became a great mountain and filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:35, Matthew 24:14).
This Kingdom is not left for another people to conquer. It will eventually
crush and put an end to all other kingdoms and endure forever. So, “The dream
is true,” Daniel says, “and its interpretation is trustworthy (Daniel 2:44-45).”
This is none other than the first incarnation of Jesus Christ and His dominance
through this church age filling Heaven with the glory of all the nations coming
to the truth of His saving grace for eternal life (Matthew 21:33-44, Mark 12:1-11,
Luke 20:9-18).
-When Nebuchadnezzar realized that Daniel had given him the
dream as well as a brilliant interpretation that was beneficial to him, he fell
on his face and paid homage to the prophet of God and gave him offerings and fragrant
incense. He acknowledged the God of the universe as God of gods and Lord of
kings, and the Revealer of mysteries (Daniel 2:46-47). Daniel was promoted to
the king’s court and given many great gifts. He was the ruler over the whole
province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of the land. Daniel
had his faithful friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Hananiah, Mishael,
and Azariah) promoted as well over the administration of the province of
Babylon at Daniel’s request of the king (Daniel 2:48-49).
-*Application* There is much we can grab from this narrative
that applies directly to our lives in the here and now. God knows the mind,
every part of it, and can observe it and explain it to the minutest detail.
Only God can interpret dreams and give understanding to the things that puzzle
us. Beware of those trying to gain credit and a big name for themselves with so
called interpretations of wisdom based on human knowledge that has nothing to
do with the LORD. God should always get the glory in your life. Rely on Him and
His understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Further, we are privileged to be living in
the fulfillment of the Divine Kingdom expansion. This church age has a commission
to heed (Matthew 28:18-20) and a commandment to follow (Matthew 22:36-40). The
Kingdom of Jesus Christ will never be thwarted or undermined. It is established
with an Eternal King and will not be overthrown. God has the victory! Finally,
grab hold of good and faithful friends and employ them in the ministry God has
equipped you for. Kingdom work is never a one person show.
Verses to Memorize:
Daniel 2:35, 44
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