DANIEL SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 2.14

Gleanings from the Book of Daniel:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

DANIEL

Chapter Two

The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar

(The Rise and Fall of Empires)

 

 

Introduction

In the last study, there was gloom and doom ahead for the wise men of Babylon. Daniel and his three friends were at the precipice of Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation to have all magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans of his court to be slain. The reason for this harsh sentence was the fact that they were not able to reveal the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and its interpretation.

 

Included among this group for the death sentence were Daniel, and his three companions. They were not part of the group called before the king because they had recently finished their three-year training period. But, they were considered part of the core group of wise men. Now, the situation had become intense and heightened…

 

 

1. The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (2:1)

2. The Demands of Nebuchadnezzar (2:2-11)

3. The Decree of Nebuchadnezzar (2:12-13)

4. The Decision of Daniel (2:14-23)

(Verse 14)

 

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon.

(Verse 15)

He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

 

Daniel received news of the king's decree to slay all the wise men in Babylon from Arioch, the captain of the king's guard. He knew nothing of what transpired in the king’s court regarding the dialogue between the king and wise men. But also notice, the captain of the guards sought out Daniel, not one of his guards.

 

Arioch

Arioch was the captain or commander (literally, chief of the king’s executioners) of Nebuchadnezzar’s guard. His name is translated, as a lion-like slayer (Strong’s, H746). Recall, Potiphar also had the same title as Arioch (cf. Genesis 37:36; 39:1). Thus, Babylon and Egypt maintained similar officials.

 

Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch

It also appears Daniel had some affinity with Arioch from the tone of their conversation. Notice the diplomacy of Daniel in his approach to Arioch as he was being arrested. Scripture records, Daniel used counsel and wisdom when he questioned the decree of Nebuchadnezzar.

 

Counsel means prudence (Strong, H5843), and wisdom is defined as judgment or discretion (Strong, H2942). Both are gifts of the Holy Spirit as listed in Isaiah:

Isaiah 11:2 - And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Accordingly, God had previously endowed Daniel with wise counsel (cf. 1:17).

 

Why is the decree so hasty from the king?

Even though Daniel’s life was at stake, he questioned the validity of such a hasty (harsh or severe) decree from the king. In effect, Daniel was faithfully and courageously trusting God for a solution.

 

Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Afterward, Arioch disclosed to Daniel all that occurred amongst the king and the advisors of his court. The thing signifies the matter, i.e., the dream and its interpretation. And, he likewise detailed the two provisions of the king’s edict, retribution, or execution.

 

 

(Verse 16)

 

Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

 

Despite his anger, Nebuchadnezzar was determined to know the substance and interpretation of his dream. Undoubtedly, Arioch arranged for Daniel to have an audience with the king, and petition him directly. Then, Daniel, having no prior knowledge of the dream, entered the king’s palace.  

 

Notice Daniel’s boldness: Knowing God gave him the ability to reveal dreams and visions (1:17), and having faith that God would provide a solution, Daniel appealed to Nebuchadnezzar for more time. Ironically, time was the very thing the king denied the wise men (v. 8).

 

But Daniel assuredly told the king he would disclose not only the content of the dream but also its interpretation. Not even Joseph was able to reconstruct a dream itself.

 

Somehow, Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by Daniel’s determination, possibly remembering Daniel and his companions fared better nourished after their ten-day vegetarian diet (1:15).  Nevertheless, the king granted Daniel his request for extra time.

 

 

(Verse 17)

 

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

(Verse 18)

That they would desire mercies of the God of Heaven[s] concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

 

After receiving an allowance of time, and with the lives of him and his three friends on the line, Daniel (God is my judge) returned home and made the matter known to Hananiah (The Lord is gracious), Mishael (Who is what God is), and Azariah (The Lord has helped).

 

Prayer Meeting

Immediately after, Daniel, with his three companions, went not to reference dream books, but to the Lord in prayer. In their prayer meeting, they petitioned the Lord for two things:

1. For the Lord to have mercy on them by revealing the secret

2. For the Lord to have mercy so they do not perish with the rest 

 

Take it to the Lord in Prayer

During the Exilic Period, the Israelite captives had a more earnest approach to God regarding prayer. It was not limited to any particular time or place. They prayed for literally anything and always faced Jerusalem.

 

In the Old Testament

Daniel gives insight into his prayer life:

Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

 

The Psalms of David serve as patterns for different types of prayer. Notice the relativeness of this  instance:

Psalm 64:1 - Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

 

Solomon also once wrote:

Proverbs 15:29 - The LORD is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.

 

In the New Testament

Jesus taught:

Matthew 18: 20 - For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

Concerning prayer, Paul Taught:

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

And, James taught:

James 5:16b - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

Hence, when, where, why, and how to pray are all elements of a God-centered prayer life.

 

Advancing the narrative…

That they would desire mercies of the God of Heaven[s] concerning this secret

As Daniel and his friends prayed together, the first thing they asked for was mercy from the God of Heaven[s]. Here, three items need further clarification, (1) mercies, (2) the God of Heaven, and (3) secret.

1. Mercies

The Aramaic word for mercies is rᵉchêm (Strong’s, H7359). It is a singular noun denoting compassion. Based on Daniel’s prayer, it meant not by his might, but by the Lord’s - That God would meet all their needs.

 

2. The God of Heaven

Another title for God is The God of Heaven, a favourite expression in three major books of the Captivity i.e., Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. Interestingly, it is used by Daniel four other times in this chapter (Vv. 18, 19, 28, 37, 44). God is herein referenced as the Creator of the atmospheric and astrological heavens, and earth. The first usage of the aforementioned personal name for God was by Abraham requesting an oath from Eliezer, the eldest servant of his house:

Genesis 24:3 - And I (Abraham) will make thee (Eliezer) swear by the LORD, the God of Heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.

 

Noteworthily, the word for Heaven(s) is shâmayin (שָׁמַיִן, Strong’s H8065) in Aramaic which corresponds to the Hebrew word shâmayim (שָׁמַיִם, Strong’s H8064), found in the first verse of the Bible:

Genesis 1:2 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

 

Memorably, after His glory departed from the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, Ezekiel envisions and records God going into Heaven. From that point, He was addressed as the God of Heaven (cf. the account in Ezekiel (9:3a; 10:4, 18-19; 11:23). In particular:

Jonah 1:9 - And he (Jonah) said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of Heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

 

3. Secret

Secret is defined as a mystery [זרָ (râz), Strong’s H7328)], indicating a revelation whose meaning is hidden. Secret (râz) appears seven times, exclusively in the book of Daniel.  And, its usage indicates a revelation whose meaning is hidden until interpreted by Daniel.

 

Continuing, the prayer team prayed…

That Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon

United in prayer, Daniel and his three associates asked for mercy from the God of Heaven, that they would not perish under the death decree of Nebuchadnezzar if Daniel revealed the dream and its interpretation. Observe how important it was for Daniel to seek community prayer to God first with his involved friends before he hastily attempted to solve the mystery on his own.

 

Follow how God answers prayer exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh within (cf. Ephesians 3:20) in the next study.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Who were the actors in this study?

2. What was the punishment for Babylon’s wise men?

3. Why did Daniel receive an audience with the king?

4. What action did Daniel take after he met with the king?

5. Why was Daniel given extra time to reveal the king’s dream?

6. How was the prayer life of the captives different?

7. Why was the term the God of Heaven applied?

 

 

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DANIEL SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 2.7

Gleanings from the Book of Daniel:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

DANIEL

Chapter Two

The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar

(The Rise and Fall of Empires)

 

 

Review

The narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream continues. After calling the wisest advisors of his kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar related to them that his disturbing dream caused him much anguish. So, they ask of him to describe the dream, and they would provide its interpretation.

 

However, Nebuchadnezzar perspicaciously required them to first articulate the dream, and then stipulate its interpretation. Impetuously, the king ordered a decree stating they would be generously rewarded for their service. But, on the other hand, their lives would be at risk if they failed to do so. This would give Nebuchadnezzar assurance that not only would the substance of the dream be correct, but also its clarification. 

 

 

From this point, the dialogue continues…

(Verse 7)

 

They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.

 

Again, in the same fashion, the Chaldeans repeated their request. Most likely realizing their dilemma, they reaffirmed the need to hear the dream first to give its interpretation. By doing so, they would be able to reference their library of dream manuals.

 

Dream Books

An important aspect of divination was dream interpretation. Dream books were an essential part of the diviner’s craft. Dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, the available literature at the time contained dream manuals in their libraries. Most famous was the Akkadian Epic of Gilgamesh which contained numerous accounts of the prophetic power of dreams. 

 

Later, Egypt compiled dream books along with their interpretations. Most dreams then were sample dreams. They were simple and dependent upon their symbolism rather than detailed information. Thus, the succeeding civilizations amassed a wealth of information on the topic of dreams, historically and systematically arranged for easy reference.

 

In contemporary times, dream books continue to be popular, especially in the United States. Mostly, numerical values are associated with dreams, thus making them an anomaly for participants in various lotteries throughout the country. 

 

 

(Verse 8)

 

The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time because ye see the thing is gone from me.

 

Being wise himself, Nebuchadnezzar ascertained the situation. Rather than meet the Chaldean’s demands, he made a profound statement by saying, “I know you are just trying to bargain or stall for time.” In other words, Nebuchadnezzar assumed somehow they would fabricate the dream’s interpretation.

 

But the dream was of great importance to Nebuchadnezzar, and since it had to do with the future of his Kingdom. He was hesitant and, probably by now, he was exceedingly agitated. So he repeated his ultimatum by saying, “The thing has gone from me.” In effect, Nebuchadnezzar is voicing, “The command from me is firm and final.”

 

 

(Verse 9)

 

But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

 

As the discourse advances, now, Nebuchadnezzar openly reveals his lack of confidence in them, and, at the same time, refuses to tell the dream. He reminds them again of his decree. But adds, “If the situation changes and you can tell me the dream, then I will be satisfied with its interpretation.”

 

The predicament stays at a standstill. Ironically, the conversation that once began with a frightened king is now transferred to frightened advisors to the king.

 

 

(Verse 10)

 

The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

 

Disputatiously answering for the group, the Chaldeans remark to the king that what he demands of them is an impossibility. Unable to answer the king’s request, they now attempt to reason with him. Their line of defense is there is no precedent from any king or leader on earth, beyond the power of man, to make such an ultimatum. That is to say, their limitations were reserved for the gods.

 

The Chaldeans

As a footnote, the Chaldeans originally were an aggressive Semitic nomadic group from the city of Accad, a district in Nimrod’s kingdom who eventually migrated into Babylonia. In His ultimate plan, God had risen up these ethnic people to punish the Jewish nation.

Habakkuk 1:6 - For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.

 

Additionally, the Chaldeans were the innovators of astronomy. They kept meticulous records of their discoveries. Most notably, they are said to have estimated the 365-day calendar within less than thirty minutes of what modern instruments have established.

 

Furthermore, Nabopolassar, the father of Nebuchadnezzar, was a Chaldean, and the first king of the Chaldean dynasty – Chaldea being synonymous with Babylonia. Chaldea was also the birthplace of Abraham, his father Terah, brothers Nahor and Haran, and nephew Lot (cf. Genesis 11:27-28). However, all the Chaldeans were destroyed by the Persians in 539 B.C. Later, the term Chaldean became associated with demons, or demonic spirits (cf. Habakkuk 1:5-10).

 

 

Continuing their reasoning with Nebuchadnezzar’s imposition…

(Verse 11)

 

And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

 

For this reason, the king’s request was challenged again by the Chaldeans. Having lost their credibility with Nebuchadnezzar, they relate to him that not only do other rulers not require such a demand, but also this difficult requirement would take a revelation from the gods, i.e., the Chaldean pantheon of gods, and not man.

 

The Apostle Paul established this principle for New Testament believers by stating:

1 Corinthians 1:27 - But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

 

1 Corinthians 2:14 - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

Hence, the one true God, in the background, is judiciously setting the stage for a future divine intervention through His prophet Daniel.

 

The Sovereignty of God

Albeit not in the Bible, the word sovereignty speaks of God being the Creator and Lord of all things in the universe. He is not subject or answerable to anyone and works in conformity with His will. And, He is free and has the right to do whatever He wills. In His sovereignty, Therefore, He has graciously elected to save men from their sin, and its consequences.

 

As previously stated (see Daniel study 1.1; 1.8), as God brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs, so too (as the book continues), He rose up Daniel to be His prophet and leader of His people in captivity.

 

Consider some passages that substantiate God’s sovereignty:

Romans 9:15-16 - For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

 

Romans 13:1 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

 

Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Hence, God has total control and sovereignly rules. Continuing...

 

1. The Dream of Daniel (2:1)

2. The Demands of Nebuchadnezzar (s:2-11)

3. The Decree of Nebuchadnezzar (2:12-13)

(Verse 12)

 

For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.

 

By now, Nebuchadnezzar’s patience is exhausted. The wise men of Babylon are unable to prove their supernatural powers by revealing his dream, and its interpretation. And, for this reason, Nebuchadnezzar is impetuously enraged and infuriated. This temperament is reminiscent of Pharaoh Potiphar of Egypt (cf. Genesis 40:2; 41:10), and seems to be characteristic of the king’s nature (cf. Daniel 3:13, 19).

 

Anger

Scripture speaks wisely regarding anger’s repercussions:

Proverbs 29:22 – An angry man stirreth up strife and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

 

Proverbs 14:17 - He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

 

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

 

Next, Nebuchadnezzar, in his fit of rage, reverts to the original edict that had already been declared (cf. Daniel 2:5) and pronounces the death penalty for the Magi of Babylon. In today’s vernacular, they would be sentenced to capital punishment.

 

 

(Verse 13)

 

And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.

 

And so, the death sentence was pronounced on all the wise men of the empire. Innocent men were included in this proclamation. Even though Daniel and his companions were not present, and had just completed their three-year training at the king’s inquiry, they too were sought of simply being classified, as the wise men of Babylon.

 

In the following lesson, the decision Daniel will make, through the captain of the king’s guard, completely changes the dynamics of the account.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the premise of the king and wise men’s discussion?

2. What were the two demands of Nebuchadnezzar?

3. Why were the Chaldeans unable to foretell the king’s dream?

4. What were the two edicts the king proclaimed?

5. Who were the Chaldeans?

6. To whom do the wise men name as the king’s solution?

7. How will God’s sovereignty play an important role?

 

 

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