The struggle between the king and his wise men not only increased the king’s anxiety at every turn, but it was helping him to understand that the ones in whom he had trusted to reveal mysteries by virtue of their close connections with the Babylonian gods were frauds. As their mask came ever closer to being pulled off, they attempted—in desperation—to shame the king.
Read MoreBear in mind that the faith of this pagan culture was built entirely upon a belief that “the gods” sent messages to men through the various occultic channels represented by the Chaldean “specialists” . . .
Read MoreNebuchadnezzar was convinced that this dream—in all of its particulars—would provide him what he must know in order to pursue the proper course of action.
Read MoreIn the Babylonian culture, a tremendous emphasis was placed on the importance of dreams. In this case, God was utilizing that aspect of their culture to reach the heart of Nebuchadnezzar, for He Himself had given him a particular dream.
Read MoreEach of us would be wise to learn that even a lengthy list of positive traits under the heading of intelligence and knowledge is drained of influence in the absence of humility.
Read MoreThrough the very humiliations that Israel’s apostasy had invited, God provided Babylon with strong evidence of His supremacy and the positive results of obedience to His holy requirements. But this powerful testimony could be imparted only through those who were wholeheartedly loyal to the God of Heaven.
Read MoreHow eager our God is to bless us, yet how often we forfeit privileges and blessings due to our doubting and paltry preferences for worldly approval, godless entertainment, and material possessions.
Read MoreBut let us consider that our Maker has given us the power of reason, which, when submitted to His will, becomes sanctified by divine grace, that we may bear up under the pressure of temptation.
Read MoreOnly the Lord Himself can sanctify us, but our God-given will to cooperate with Him in that process must be exercised. To leave Him out is a deadly mistake!
Read MoreThe number ten is often associated with testing in the Bible. The Ten Commandments are the perfect law, covering every possible sin that could be committed. They are the standard of judgment and those who gaze into them readily recognize their need . . . .
Read MoreWhy would a book about prophecy begin by leading its readers to the subject of diet? Daniel’s life and ministry bridge the entire seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity, a lifetime as it were, of Babylonian influence. This is actually a miniature picture of what is happening today.
Read MoreAt times it may appear that Satan has the upper hand, but God’s people need never forget that the Sovereign of the Universe holds a glorious eternal future for His faithful ones safely in His mighty hand. If in this world I submit my all to God, both my character and my future will be beyond the reach of Satan, even if God allows him to kill me.
Read MoreDaniel’s resolve to keep his body pure was more than just about the physical, but also the mental and spiritual aspects of life, and the inextricable connectedness of all three.
Read MoreSatan’s idea of “gender confusion” is nothing new; he pushes against every foundational aspect of God’s word.
Read MoreBiblical history reveals that names given to babies were infused with meaning.
Read MoreAt this point, the mix of strained emotions and physical exhaustion among the captives was unimaginable. The excuse to toss aside the Lord’s divine guidelines regarding eating and drinking surely seemed legitimate.
Read MoreThe Babylonians placed a heavy emphasis on beauty as a sign of good health and strength. Also, they venerated good looks as a mark of superior mental capabilities.
Read MoreMaking eunuchs of the male captives was a cruel practice indeed, but the Babylonians thought little of robbing their conquered people of the joy of having families.
Read MoreConsistently, God demonstrates His love. He continually presents us with choices, clearly laying out the potential consequences, whether for good or for bad.
Read MoreEarth’s history is fraught with the tumult of fallen man. Yet, God’s eternal purpose remains perfectly intact, regardless of the chaos caused by the behaviors of fallen man. God’s will for the present – in every era – is indelibly marked with His eternal purpose: to save souls!
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