Daniel 2 – Judy in the Sky

Read Daniel 2:29-49 – But because God wants you to understand… That’s from :30 “And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.” This was a unique situation of course, but God is always reaching out in unique and personal ways to reach those who don’t know him, and he often uses simple folks like you and me – all glory to God!

God gives Daniel perfect knowledge of the king’s dream, as well as its interpretation. He dreamt of a statue that was a frightening sight, with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet a combination of iron and clay. Picture it. And as the king watched a rock was cut from a mountain, but not by human hands…. reread :31-35 and try to imagine what this could be.

Daniel explained that the different metals and clay represented different kingdoms. Commentators explain this to be Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, with each kingdom progressively inferior to King Nebuchadnezzar’s in terms of the centralized power he held, yet each is progressively larger and longer lasting. (I used the David Guzik commentary from the Blueletterbible app)

But the dream included details not yet fulfilled, namely the ten kingdoms of clay and iron, represented by the toes, and the rock that causes the entire statue to crumble and becomes a great mountain that covers the whole earth… pointing to Jesus, our cornerstone, and the new heaven and new earth spoken of in Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, Matthew 13:52, Revelations 3:12, 21:1-2… Who’s ready for extra credit???

The king’s reaction indicates he was overwhelmed by the reality of Daniel’s God. He changed his entire kingdom and appointed Daniel to a high position, his friends too.

Beloved, here you have history and future. Could we be the generation that sees this ultimate fulfillment? I pray you take comfort as the world seems more and more out of control that there is a God in Heaven who loves you and has every detail worked out. He knows the beginning to the end; He is the Alpha and Omega. The best (for believers in Jesus Christ) is yet to come!

Read Daniel 2:1-28 – God is in control. We find suspense, certain death, a vision and rescue all in Chapter 2. So, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream he wants interpreted by his panel of experts, yet he refuses to tell them what the dream was. When no one can do it he orders the death of all wise men, which includes Daniel, Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego.

“When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.” :14 When everyone else is focused on the problem, Daniel remains focused on the LORD, and the truth that nothing is impossible for God.

Arioch told him and Daniel went directly to the king to ask for an opportunity to interpret the dream. It was granted. Daniel did not handle the situation alone, but solicited the prayers of his friends… “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them.” Matthew 18:20

Beloved, this was an impossible situation, but for God. You will face impossible things in life too. I pray you also handle them with wisdom and discretion, get the facts, and summon a few friends to pray with you.

In verses :19-23, we see the LORD does give Daniel the vision and Daniel gives God all the glory! Then he returns to Arioch who quickly takes Daniel to the king (:24-25). The fact that he did it quickly indicates he knew the king’s order was wrong. If Daniel would have failed, it most likely would have meant his life as well, yet he risked it for the hope of a solution. Hope can make you brave.

Daniel is clear with the king, telling him he asked for something no man could reveal, but there is a God in heaven who could and did. Daniel tells the king what he dreamt and what it means, again giving all glory to God.

This dream was so huge, we will talk about it tomorrow. God bless you.

Tag: Daniel 2

Daniel 2 – Part 2

Daniel 2, part 1