Daniel: Far From HomeSample

The text of Daniel chapters 2 to 7 is written in Aramaic, the language of Babylon. These chapters form a unit within the whole book, and were perhaps to be read by Babylonians as well as God’s people. The application of the main ideas is certainly pertinent to those who are not the people of God as well as those who are.

In verses 1 to 3 we read of Nebuchadnezzar troubled and unable to sleep because of a dream. The mention of it being his second year as king (when we know from chapter 1 that he has been king throughout the exiles’ three-year training) could either mean the second year since the events of chapter 1, or mean a dream that has troubled the king for many years. He calls in his government department and tells them his problem.

In verses 4 to 6 the astrologers ask for the content of the dream. But Nebuchadnezzar is either crafty or paranoid. How can he be sure that their interpretation isn’t just made up? So he asks them to tell him both the content of the dream and its interpretation.

The king offers them both carrot and stick. First the stick in verse 5, with the threat of death. And then in verse 6, the rewards. But in verse 7 the astrologers again ask to know the content of the dream. And again in verses 8 and 9 the king repeats his demands.

Verses 10 and 11 are the heart of the issue. It is repeated twice, so that we don’t miss the emphasis: ‘There is not a man’ (v. 10); ‘No one can reveal’ (v. 11). To tell the king what he has dreamt is beyond human possibility. The pagan astrologers recognize that this is something only ‘the gods’ can do (v. 11). Nebuchadnezzar may be the superpower of the superpower, but there are things that are beyond him.

Humankind doesn’t know everything and can’t do everything. And that ought to humble us. But it doesn’t the king of Babylon! In verses 12 and 13 he is enraged and orders the execution of a whole government department. And it means that Daniel and his friends are going to be put to death. If they represent the people of God in exile, then it seems that this could be the end for God’s people. And if that happens then the great promises that God has made to Abraham (Gen. 12) and to David (2 Sam. 7) will be unfulfilled.

When Daniel hears of the order, in verse 14, we are told that he speaks with ‘wisdom and tact’. Living wisely in a pagan world is something that we should always demonstrate (see Matt. 10:16). It leads Daniel to ask for time to interpret the dream (v. 16).

In verses 17 to 18 Daniel explains the matter to his friends and urges them to pray. Here is Daniel acknowledging dependence on God for mercy not to die at the king’s hands. Here is acknowledgment that God can do what no person can do. This is faith.

Reflection

Can you think of times when situations have arisen that make it look like God’s promises to you won’t be fulfilled? How do you respond?