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CONTEXT: Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a statue with silver arms and chest is fulfilled.

In Daniel 2, we learned that God predicted that other empires would take over Babylon. This prediction was made through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a statue made of different materials. Decades later, we see this prediction, or prophecy, finally happen.

After being reminded of Daniel’s ability to interpret dreams, King Belshazzar brought him to his banquet to translate the mysterious writing on the wall. Daniel explained that the message said the king’s days as ruler were ending, and his kingdom would be divided between the Medes and the Persians.

That very same night, King Darius the Mede invaded Babylon, killing King Belshazzar and taking over the kingdom.

Prophecy or predictions are found throughout the Bible, not just in the book of Daniel. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation have details that point to future events, some of which have already happened. For example, Isaiah foretold Jesus’ birth 700 years before it occurred. Other prophecies, like those in the book of Revelations, give an insight into things to come.

The idea of predicting the future can both intrigue and frighten us. It can tempt us to search for answers to Biblical questions. God uses prophecy to speak, guide, and warn us. However, God doesn’t give us vague details in the hopes that we will put the pieces of a divine puzzle together. Rather, we can have hope in the knowledge that while we don’t understand the how, when, where, and why, God does. He is in control, and we can trust Him with the unknown.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. When you read through the Biblical prophecy, do you find yourself more intrigued or fearful?

2. Do you struggle to trust God with the unknown? Are you ever tempted to search for answers to God’s mysteries instead of trusting He’s in control?

3. Write a prayer asking God to help you trust Him when you don’t understand or become fearful of what you don’t understand.