Monday, September 28, 2015

THE BOOK OF DANIEL (2)

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM

 

Daniel Chapters 2:1-23

King James Version (NIV)



 

2 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. 2 So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers [a] to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, 3 he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means. [b]”

4 Then the astrologers answered the king,[c] “May the king live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

5 The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. 6 But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.”

7 Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

8 Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: 9 If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.”

10 The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. 11 What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.”

12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.

God Reveals the Dream

14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.

17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:


“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
    wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
    he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what lies in darkness,
    and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
    You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
    you have made known to us the dream of the king.”





Author: Daniel

Date: Late Sixth Century B.C.

Theme: God Controls the Destiny of All Nations

Key Words: Kings, Kingdoms, Visions, Dreams


Content Daniel has two more main sections: Daniel’s key test of character and the development of his prophetic interpretation skills (chs. 2-7), and his series of visions about future kingdoms and events (chs. 8-12). In this final section, Daniel emerges as a key prophetic book for understanding much of the Bible. Many insights into end-times prophecies are dependent upon an understanding of this book.  Jesus’ comments in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:25) and many of the revelations given to the apostle Paul find harmony and cohesion in Daniel (see Romans 11; 2 Thess. 2). Likewise, it becomes a necessary study companion to the Book of Revelation.

Although the interpretation of Daniel, like Revelation, is subject to great diversity, for many the dispensational approach has become quite popular.  It is an interpretive approach that sees in Daniel keys to help unlock the mysteries of such subjects as the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ, and the Times of the Gentiles, future resurrections, and judgments.  This approach also sees most unfulfilled prophecy as revolving around two major focal points:

1.      The future destiny of the city of Jerusalem

2.      The future destiny of Daniel’s people, national Jews (9:24).

Daniel’s writings covers the reign of two kingdoms, Babylon and Medo-Persia, and four kings: Nebuchadnezzar (2:11-4:37; Belshazzar (5:1-31); Darius (6:1-28); and Cyrus (10:1-11:1).



MORE BIBLICAL HISTORY OF DANIEL TO COME…

Trust God to give you wise and tactful words.  When speaking to antagonists, seek to speak words that are entreating and not full of threats.
2.17,18 When facing threatening circumstances, turn quickly to the Lord for help.




2:20-23 Recognize and speak open praise to God for His sovereignty over all circumstances, even those strongly adverse to you. Believe that He will equip you to prevail in adversity.


  



Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/President/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
info@biblestoriestheatre.org
www.biblestoriestheatre.org


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