In this fascinating chapter King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has a dream and requires it to be revealed interpreted. None of the wise men / magicians / enchanters / sorcerers of his people could help him, but God grants Daniel and friends the prophetic knowledge and understanding.
“Daniel answered the king and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days…’ Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel… The king… said to Daniel, ‘Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” (v27-28, 46-48 abr)
This account is reminiscent of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dream(s) and becoming Pharaoh’s second in command (see Gen 41). What jumps out to me is the proclamation both before and after Daniel’s interpretation: God is the greatest power, most sovereign, a revealer of mysteries, and infinitely wiser than any human.
How often have I thought to myself “I can figure this out on my own” when I’m wrestling with something far beyond my ability. This is true also of spiritual matters – the sinful flesh (pride) tells us we don’t need God’s help, even when dealing with temptation / sin itself. Our adversary can easily fool us in such ways.
Daniel shows that it’s good and right to rely on God as “revealer of mysteries” and our guide. God made us finite on purpose, so we would have to rely on Him, or fail miserably. If we could be truly self-sufficient, as the sinful nature desires, what need would we have of a relationship with God? He made us dependent on purpose, so let’s surrender to our Creator’s design and partner with Him and Joseph and Daniel model.
Father God, to whom belongs all wisdom and power, blessed be Your name forever and ever. You change the times and seasons, set up and remove those in authority, give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who seek You. You reveal deep and hidden things, and bring light into the darkness. To You, O Lord of our ancestors, we give thanks and praise, for You empower us with wisdom, strength, and guidance. In the name of our Savior we praise You, amen. [paraphrased from Daniel’s prayer, v20-23]
~ Conqueror in Training