NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S DREAM DANIEL 2: 14-23

NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S DREAM  PART C  DANIEL 2: 14-23

   When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.  He asked the king's officer, "Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?"  Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.  At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.

   Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision.  Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:

   "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

         wisdom and power are His.

     He changes times and seasons;

          He sets up kings and deposes them.

     He gives wisdom to the wise

          and knowledge to the discerning.

     He reveals deep and hidden things'

           he knows what lies in darkness,

           and light dwells with Him.

     I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers;

           You have given me wisdom and power,

     You have made known to me what we asked of You,

           You have made known to us the dream of the king."

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   Daniel was at a crisis point.  Imagine going to see the powerful, temperamental king who had just angrily ordered your death!  Daniel did not shrink back in fear, however, but CONFIDENTLY BELIEVED God would tell him all the king wanted to know.  When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer,     wait for it        wait for it       DANIEL FOUND HIS THREE FRIENDS AND THEY PRAYED.  When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God's power.   Prayer is more effective than panic.  Panic confirms your hopelessness; prayer confirms your hope in God.  Daniel's trust in God saved himself, his three friends, and all the other wise men of Babylon.

   After Daniel asked God to reveal Nebuchadnezzar's dream to him, he saw a vision of the dream.  Daniel's prayer was answered.  Before rushing to Arioch with the news, Daniel took time to give God credit for all wisdom and power, thanking God for answering his request.  How do you feel when your prayers are answered?  Excited, surprised, relieved?  There are times when we seek God in prayer and, after having been answered, dash off in our excitement, forgetting to give God credit for the answer.  Match your persistence in prayer with gratitude when your requests are answered.

   If you ever think you have much to learn in life, and if you ever wish that you knew more about how to handle people, then look to God for wisdom.  While educational institutions provide diplomas at great expense, God gives wisdom freely to all who ask.

   When we see evil leaders who live long and good leaders who die young, we may wonder if God controls world events.  Daniel saw evil rulers with almost limitless power, but Daniel knew and proclaimed that God "sets up kings and deposes them," that He controls everything that happens.  God governs the world according to His purposes.  You may be dismayed when you see evil people prosper, but God is in control.  Let this knowledge give you confidence and peace NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS.

   Do you have a relationship with The Most High God?  Click here for more information:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

MY THOUGHTS

   Words are cheap.  Who are the friends you need to seek to pray with you?  Someone who has actually, physically done something for you in the past? Someone in good standing with The Most High God.  That means they have a good working relationship with Him and actively work for The Kingdom.  Not everyone who says they pray for you really does pray, much less prays for you.  They have to be active in their prayer life.  It is hard to find friends who really believe as much as you do.  Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah proclaimed their faith daily in how they actively lived their lives.  It wasn't just a lot of show, not just a lot of words, but it was a lot of substance.

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