In Daniel chapter 2, we find an interesting story surrounding the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar. The king had a dream that greatly distressed him- so much so, that in verse two he, “Commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned…” In an effort to make sure that none of the men were lying to him, the king made an impossible request: they must tell him the dream itself. The magicians and wise men were understandably upset! Not only did their summons come with an impossible task, but Nebuchadnezzar made it clear (in rather grisly terms) that gruesome death awaited them if they could not perform this miracle of second sight. Despite their pleas for the king to see the absurdity of his request, Nebuchadnezzar was undaunted. The situation deteriorated rapidly for the men who had been summoned. Because they insisted that only the “gods” could give such an answer, the king ordered that all the wise men in Babylon be destroyed.
Unfortunately, the prophet Daniel and his friends were among those who would face the king’s deadly edict. In verses 14-16, we read Daniel’s reaction as he and his friends are being actively sought for their destruction.
‘”Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon. He declared to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel. And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king.”’ Daniel 2:14-16 (ESV).
What was Daniel’s action plan once he gained more time from the King?
‘”Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”‘ Daniel 2 17-18 (ESV).
Daniel’s response was to go into his house, with his friends (who also believed in God), and seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning the mystery. I read these verses, and I have to stop in amazement. This is such a great example of faith in the face of faith shaking circumstances. I wonder how long Daniel and his friends prayed? All we know is that in verse 19, we find that “…the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night.”
We serve the true God who can give clear, life saving wisdom, even in the darkest and most desperate of hours! In response to the revelation, Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Daniel 2:20-23 (ESV).
We know from later on in the story that the king’s dream was actually a succession of kingdoms that were to come (leading up to the kingdom of Christ). What was Daniel’s reaction to seeing the path history would take? He praised God and acknowledged that HE is the one who ordains kings and kingdoms. His response wasn’t anxiety, but awe at the purpose and plan of God. We can also take comfort that God’s plan is always unfolding! As Daniel said, “he knows what is hidden in darkness. And the light dwells with him.” Even if we find ourselves in the darkness of this world, God knows what is hidden there. We can rest knowing that the light dwells with our God!
After giving praise to God for the miracle, we find Daniel before Arioch.
‘”Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation. Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.”‘ Daniel 2:24-25 (ESV).
Arioch is an interesting figure. This is the man whom the king tasked with destroying the wise men. In verse 25, we see that he brought Daniel, “in haste” before Nebuchadnezzar. It would seem Arioch was rooting for Daniel- or at least recognized the great responsibility upon his shoulders. I wonder at the interactions these two men had in the past, and if Arioch knew about the God of Israel. It would seem a very risky prospect to go before the king with the declaration of having found someone who could announce the dream- especially when the consequence for being wrong was death to the wise men. We will never know the specific motivations that Arioch had as he brought Daniel before the king, but we can see from scripture that Daniel had favor. God took Daniel’s would-be executioner and made him his advocate before the king! It’s a reminder that God uses who he wills and works all things (even the hard things) for the good of those who love him! Romans 8:28.
In verse 26, things shift from Arioch to Daniel’s voice before Nebuchadnezzar. The king poses a simple question: “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?”
It would seem (in light of the king’s mood and the fact that his life was on the line) that a quick- “yes, king! I have your answer!” would be an understandable response. Daniel instead responds out of his devotion to his God.
“Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these…” Daniel 2:27-28 (ESV).
Daniel became a witness of the one true God in a pagan court! He made sure that the king knew it was God’s doing. How often do people go to other mortals looking for answers only God can give? May we have the awareness in those situations to point people to Christ! Let’s say in those moments that it’s not for psychologists, counselors, scientists, or academia to offer an answer… but there is a God in heaven, full of mercy, uncovering mysteries, and offering salvation!
Questions:
- What steps did Daniel take that showed his faith in action?
- What can this account teach believers today about the importance of Godly companions, specifically when it comes to prayer?
- What opportunities do we have today to point to God as the giver of wisdom?
