God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
January 18, 2021
Commentary
Daniel and his three friends were among the number that came under Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to be executed because they were considered part of Babylon’s wise men (v. 14). Daniel was included in this fatal order and yet he was not summoned with the others to interpret the dream. Upon hearing the king’s decree Daniel tactfully asked the commander of the king’s guard for the reason and he explained what had taken place (v. 15). Imagine going to see the powerful and temperamental king who had ordered your death. Daniel did not shrink back in fear but he confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. A meeting was arranged between Daniel and the King in which Daniel asked the king for additional time to discover the interpretation (v. 16). This request was granted to him by the king.
Daniel immediately called his friends together for a prayer meeting (vv. 17-18). Daniel recognized his own inability in the circumstances and turned to God expecting Him to meet his need. The two principal parts of his prayer were petition and praise. Many modern day leaders would have called a committee together or consulted the textbooks on dreams. The answer to their prayers was not long in coming. God gave the answer and Daniel gave thanks (vv. 19-20). God’s children often forget to praise Him when he graciously answers their prayers. God, not Daniel’s insight, gave him the dream and its interpretation. God controls the rise and fall of this earth’s leaders (v. 21). He reveals His wonderful plans and purposes to His children who seek Him (v. 22). Daniel acknowledged that all his own power and wisdom were gifts of God (v. 23).
Application
I may be right in what I say but I am not always the most tactful in the way I say things. If I am going to reach others for Christ and have an effective and lasting influence on others I need to learn how to be more tactful in what I say and do.
Daniel 2:14– 23 (NET)
14 Then Daniel spoke with prudent counsel to Arioch, who was in charge of the king’s executioners and who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He inquired of Arioch the king’s deputy, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter. 16 So Daniel went in and requested the king to grant him time, that he might disclose the interpretation to the king. 17 Then Daniel went to his home and informed his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the matter. 18 He asked them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends would not be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then in a night vision the mystery was revealed to Daniel. So Daniel praised the God of heaven, 20 saying: “Let the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him.
21 He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others. He gives wisdom to the wise; he imparts knowledge to those with understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what is in the darkness, and light resides with him.
23 O God of my fathers, I acknowledge and glorify you, for you have bestowed wisdom and power on me. Now you have enabled me to understand what we requested from you. For you have enabled us to understand the king’s dilemma.”
Illustration: Oswald Sanders Definition of Tact
Tact has been defined as the right touch rather than the wrong touch. We are instructed in Scripture to let our lights shine, but remember, not like a blow torch! J. Oswald Sanders defines tact as “an intuitive perception of what is proper or fitting; the mental ability of saying and doing the right thing at the right time, so as not to unnecessarily offend or anger. This qualification is sadly often conspicuous by it absence and the worker spoils the very work about which he is so concerned. (Who Said That? by George Sweeting, p. 417).