Chapter 801 of 1163

DANIEL 2

Nebuchadnezzar could conquer empires, but he could not conquer his own anger (v. 12; 3:13, 19; Prov. 16:32). He understood how to defeat the enemy, but he could not understand the message of God. Daniel had patience and self-control and could explain the mysteries of God. A pure heart is better than a powerful throne.

Daniel and his friends knew the “God of heaven” who is merciful (v. 18), answers prayer (vv. 19–23; James 1:5), reveals secrets (v. 28), establishes rulers (v. 37), and will one day set up His kingdom (v. 44). Because the four men could come to God’s throne, they had no fear of Nebuchadnezzar’s throne.

When he explained the dream, Daniel gave the glory to God and shared the credit with his three friends. He also saved the lives of the king’s wise men (the Chaldeans) when he could have exposed them as frauds. The presence of a believer can mean deliverance for unbelievers (Job 42:7–10; Acts 27:21–25), and we must be forgiving to our enemies. After all, we want to win them to the Savior.

Progress?

From the human point of view, the kingdoms of the world look like metal; but from the divine point of view, they are like beasts (Dan. 7). Note that the value of the metal decreases as history unfolds, until the nations end up a weak mixture of iron and clay (Dan. 2:41–43). God does not see “progress” in what man does; He sees only increasing weakness.

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