Daniel 2:14-49
I had been in the king’s service for quite some time when it was heard that the king had a dream. He called for all of the magicians and sorcerers to interpret the dream for him, but no one could manage to provide the king with a satisfactory response. As a result, the king ordered that all of the wise men in the kingdom should be put to death.
Instantly, I knew that my life and the lives of my three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were in danger. I felt an unexplainable urgency to intervene in the situation, but I knew that I must proceed with caution. Humbly, I approached the commander of the king’s guard and asked about the harshness of this decree. Without hesitation, the commander explained everything to me. I then asked permission to go in to the king and request extra time, that I might interpret his dream before he could carry out this death sentence.
Instead of reacting in anger as I assumed he might, the king granted my request and sent me away from his presence. Without delay, I went to the house to gather my three friends around me. All night long, the four of us prayed and begged the Lord for mercy. We asked that we might be saved from the threat of execution and that He might enlighten us as to the meaning of the king’s dream.
Late in the night, I awakened suddenly with the knowledge that everything was clear and the mystery of the king’s dream was explained. I fell to my knees beside my sleeping mat and cried out in thankfulness to the God who had been so faithful.
The next morning, I arose early and sought out the commander once more. I asked that I be granted permission to go before the king and interpret the mysterious dream. Moments later, I stood before the king as he held court. I had thought I would tremble in his presence, but I was surprised to find myself confident in the protection of the Lord.
“Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” the king asked, his eyes intent on my face. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in days; no doubt, the dream had troubled him a great deal.
I bowed before the king and offered this reply: “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these…” I then proceeded to tell the king exactly what he had seen in his dreams.
My explanation lasted several moments, and when I finally paused for breath, I knew my time with the king had come to an end. I concluded: “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy.”
Suddenly, the king fell to his knees before me and offered me gratitude for the service I had provided. “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries,” he said. “For you were able to reveal this mystery.”
From that moment forward, my life was forever changed. The king honored me over everyone in Babylon and made me ruler over the entire province. I was also placed in authority over all of the wise men in the kingdom, but I could not forget about my three friends. I spoke to the king about them, and they were soon appointed administrators over the province of Babylon.
So you see, God was faithful to protect His servants and bring His people to a prominent place in the kingdom so that we might share His mysteries with everyone— even the king. To God be the glory!
cassiecontemplates 