Addressing the Impossible
In this fallen world of sin, there is trouble. The devil’s world system is competitive. We either perform well, which tends to stimulate the sin of pride, or we perform poorly and suffer punishments. Regardless, we are living in a stressful environment. Fear and greed are primary motivators.
In Daniel, chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled him to the degree that he could not sleep (2:1). Now in those days, kings employed magicians, conjurers, sorcerers, and in the case of Nebuchadnezzar…the Chaldeans. Their task was to deal with the supernatural, giving advice to the king on how to proceed in a matter.
King Nebuchadnezzar told them he had a dream. He did not tell them what the dream was about, however. He gave them the unique test of having them tell him the dream and then interpret the dream.
In addition, the king established a reward/punishment scheme, applicable to all the wise men of Babylon. Time was of the essence as the sleep deprived king needed a solution to his problem. Both the reward and the punishment were extreme (2:5–6).
Motivating people with extreme punishment (fear of the death penalty) and extravagant reward (gifts, reward, and great honor) is a potent device requiring an autonomous potentate, who could deliver on what he promised to do to/for them. It was a no-win situation for the Chaldeans. They requested the dream contents to no avail (2:4, 7). They, then, protested to the unfairness of the impossible challenge.
King Nebuchadnezzar was less-than impressed by the wise men because at first, they tried to stall (2:7–8). Then, they suggested that no man on the planet could do what the king requested (2:10). They claimed that only the gods could perform the task of knowing the dream and also interpreting it (2:11). Babylonian and Persian despots, with a short-fuse, were notorious for quick death penalty executions.
The extent of the group being punished suggests Nebuchadnezzar was a bit crazy, along with his being desperate for relief. He decreed the punishment for absolutely all the wise men of Babylon! This included Daniel and his three roommates, who were not even included in the first opportunity to address the king’s problem.
Arioch, the captain of the king’s body guard brought the bad news to Daniel, who later conveyed it to his friends (2:13, 17). The response Daniel gave to Arioch was exemplary (2:14). He received the threat to his life with questions for further clarification. It is likely these two men were previously acquainted; and it is reasonable that God had given favor to Daniel with this man sent to execute him, just as God had done for Daniel with Ashpenaz’s underling (1:9).
Daniel’s open request of the king for time was granted (2:16). This was quite different than the stalling tactic of the Chaldeans, which the king interpreted as deceptive on the part of the “wise men” (2:8–9). Daniel then consulted with his friends, and together they consulted with Yahweh in prayer (2:17–18).
Yahweh was merciful toward Daniel in granting him the content and the interpretation of the dream. One can only imagine the joy that filled the hearts of the Hebrew boys when Daniel revealed that he received his night vision from the God of heaven (2:19).
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It is noteworthy that before King Nebuchadnezzar was addressed with the solution, Yahweh was again addressed with praise and thanksgiving (2:19–23). The wisdom of God, imparted by the supernatural power of God, delivered this remnant group of God’s chosen people from the maniacal wrath of a desperate despot.
There are some lessons in this section of Daniel 2 that we can consider. First, there is no escaping crises in our lives in this world. Jesus Himself had trouble with civil authorities, by God’s design (Acts 2:23; 4:27–28), and we follow in His steps. God’s people represent the kingdom of God in the kingdom of this world (2 Cor 5:21). The world, like it did with Daniel, has a love/hate relationship with God’s people embedded in their culture. There was hatred for Daniel’s allegiance to Yahweh; but there was love when Yahweh worked through Daniel to solve problems experienced by the Gentiles. In this case, the beneficiary was King Nebuchadnezzar.
Second, we learn not to over-react to adversity when it presents itself. Days of adversity are ordained by the Lord for His people to shine in the darkness (Eccl 7:14). The darker the adversity, the brighter the children of light appear in the eyes of those who operate entirely apart from God in the in the domain of darkness (Eph 2:12; 5:8; Phil 2:15; Col 1:13).
Third, it is prudent for us to remember that God is committed to bringing glory to Himself through His elect. Yahweh is not a tribal god like the gods of the people. Yahweh is the one, true, living, and sovereign God of heaven and earth. There is no one beside Him (Is 44:8; 45:21). Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jer 32:12). The name of God is what is before the nations (2:20). His reputation, His fame is on display.
In his prayer, Daniel listed some of Yahweh’s attributes and works (2:20–22). Wisdom and power are foremost in Daniel’s testimony of praise and thanksgiving (2:19–23). Not only does the God of heaven possess these attributes; but He gives them to whomever He wills to do so.
Knowledge, wisdom, and revelation are shared by Him with those He is pleased to impart them (2:23). For us, today, Jesus Christ is Yahweh’s final revelation. Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God, the power of God (1 Cor 1:24). We who are recipients of Him are truly blessed to know Him as God’s ultimate mystery revealed (Jn 1:12–13; Heb 1:2). It is only by God’s grace that we know what we know (Mt 11:27; 2 Pet 3:18).
Finally, we note here how Daniel took time to pray, to praise, and to give thanks to God…before he requested a meeting before the king (2:19–24). There is wisdom in praying to Yahweh, God our Father, as we begin each day. Only He knows what a day may bring. In difficult situations that may appear impossible to us, we have permanent access through the blood of Jesus, our eternal covenant Mediator, who ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25; 12:24; 13:20).
The Bible calls us “witnesses” to Christ and witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8). We see the powerful working of God; and then, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we report to others what has been revealed to us and what we have seen. To see the hand of God move in our lives is one of the greatest blessings and benefits of being in Christ (2 Cor 1:20).
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
April 1, 2025
Daniel 2:1–23
