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

30 And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

44 In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.

— Daniel 2:20, 30, 44

How great are His signs, how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation.

— Daneil 4:3

Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”

— Revelation 11:15

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

God revealed King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its meaning to Daniel. There is no appropriate response to God’s provision other than outright praise and thanksgiving! Daniel praised God, declaring His sovereignty and wisdom. He thanked the “God of my ancestors,” grateful for God’s answer to prayer. Daniel steadfastly gave glory to God. When Nebuchadnezzar asked Daniel if he could explain the dream and its meaning, Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”

Daniel understood that God is the true author, sustainer, redeemer, and source of eternal life. God gave Daniel the ability to tell and interpret the king’s dream. In doing so, Daniel planted a seed of witness to the one true God that God would water over time within this Gentile king. At the same time, Daniel saved the lives of others, prefiguring Christ, who came to save us from spiritual and eternal death. The evidence of Daniel’s supernatural gift overwhelmed the king and he fell prostrate and declared, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and the revealer of mysteries.” All dominion and authority belong to the eternal majestic God, who delegates human authority, including Nebuchadnezzar whose rule was not eternal.