1 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.

16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.

17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

18 urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven

20 and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.

21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

23 To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have made known to me what we have requested, for You have made known to us the dream of the king.”

— Daniel 2:1, 16-23

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and peace to you from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Nebuchadnezzar had a terrible dream. God sent Daniel to tell and interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel did not rely on his own intelligence, insight, or God-given talents to interpret king’s dream; instead he called upon his friends to pray urgently for God’s mercy. Daniel knew prayer was essential, for only God had the answer. God revealed to Daniel the king’s dream and its meaning. Then Daniel honestly and humbly told Nebuchadnezzar no human being could interpret the dream but that “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed future worldly kingdoms, all of which opposed God’s kingdom, and through that dream Daniel recognized God’s power and authority over the kings and kingdoms of this world. God’s kingdom is eternal, enduring forever—never to be overthrown. The world’s succession of empires and governments will end, as will the power of Satan and all who follow his evil way. The triumph of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man as King, remains unwaveringly certain. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him.