“So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation.”(v.17)
Chapter 2 concerns itself with king Nebuchadnezzar's reoccuring dream which troubled his spirit so much that he could not sleep. So he calls on his magicians, his astrologers, his sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (renown astronomers) to test their abilities saying, "I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream" (v.3). "If you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive gifts, rewards, and great honor, but if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap" (vv.5-6).
Scripture goes on to tell us that the Chaldeans answered the king, "There is no man on earth who can tell the king's matter except the gods, whose dwelling is not with man" (vv.10-11). This response so angered the king that he commanded the execution of all the "wise men" of Babylon (vv.12-13). Before this order could be carried out, Daniel hears of the impending executions (which included him) and seeks an audience with the king.
Wow! What great courage and confidence Daniel displays here under these circumstances – seeking an audience with the very king who wanted to kill him. Daniel was young, probably in his early twenties, and different than most of the king’s advisers. He lived a separated life (Daniel 1:8). Not a part of the king’s court and all the partying, but a life devoted to seeking the Lord, which probably did not go over well with those around him, but found favor with the kings guard for his convictions.
So Daniel, showing great wisdom (along with his faith of an expectant answer), asks the king for time to hear from his God - to wait on the Lord – to receive the expected outcome – both the dream and the interpretation. Daniel knew God would speak to him, of that he had no doubts. So he separated himself form them, went to his house, and sought the LORD with his companions. (vv.17-19) Then, the king's secret was revealed to him in a night vision which he was able to both describe and interpret for the king (vv.24-45).
Separation and Expectation are the two key components in hearing from God, along with devotion to His living Word. I employ you, in these uncertain times, to find time for all three, that you too may hear from Him as well.
The Truth: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5,6)
Chapter 2 concerns itself with king Nebuchadnezzar's reoccuring dream which troubled his spirit so much that he could not sleep. So he calls on his magicians, his astrologers, his sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (renown astronomers) to test their abilities saying, "I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream" (v.3). "If you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive gifts, rewards, and great honor, but if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap" (vv.5-6).
Scripture goes on to tell us that the Chaldeans answered the king, "There is no man on earth who can tell the king's matter except the gods, whose dwelling is not with man" (vv.10-11). This response so angered the king that he commanded the execution of all the "wise men" of Babylon (vv.12-13). Before this order could be carried out, Daniel hears of the impending executions (which included him) and seeks an audience with the king.
Wow! What great courage and confidence Daniel displays here under these circumstances – seeking an audience with the very king who wanted to kill him. Daniel was young, probably in his early twenties, and different than most of the king’s advisers. He lived a separated life (Daniel 1:8). Not a part of the king’s court and all the partying, but a life devoted to seeking the Lord, which probably did not go over well with those around him, but found favor with the kings guard for his convictions.
So Daniel, showing great wisdom (along with his faith of an expectant answer), asks the king for time to hear from his God - to wait on the Lord – to receive the expected outcome – both the dream and the interpretation. Daniel knew God would speak to him, of that he had no doubts. So he separated himself form them, went to his house, and sought the LORD with his companions. (vv.17-19) Then, the king's secret was revealed to him in a night vision which he was able to both describe and interpret for the king (vv.24-45).
Separation and Expectation are the two key components in hearing from God, along with devotion to His living Word. I employ you, in these uncertain times, to find time for all three, that you too may hear from Him as well.
The Truth: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5,6)
