After making clear that no human could have learned the secret of the king’s dream and its meaning, Daniel credits his heavenly Father and moves directly to the fact of His care – personally! – for the king.
Read MoreGod’s giving of the dream, along with His placement of Daniel in the king’s court was the beginning of a vast and magnificent revelation of the workings of man overshadowed by the workings of God for man’s ultimate benefit and blessing. His divine principles undergird all true prosperity, of both nations and individuals.
Read MoreDaniel’s example here is given to benefit each of us personally. Why not make a list of answered prayers and kneel before Him in gratitude today? The history of God’s faithfulness strengthens our hope for the future.
Read MoreBehind Daniel’s respectful plea before Nebuchadnezzar was a humble plea before the Mighty God of the Universe for time with Him, to present this case in the heavenly court. Daniel’s confidence in God radiated a demeanor of assurance that had a calming effect on the king, and the king consented.
Read MoreThe 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.
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