JULY 4, 2025 – MERCY

READ: Dan. 2:1–23: … for wisdom and power are His …

The dreams Nebuchadnezzar receives align with his desire to be the greatest ruler in the world. Babel had already been the center of the godless world once (Gen. 11:1–9), after the flood, and now it will be so again, with him as the great king to whom everyone must bow. But the dreams tell a different story: his kingdom will not last, nor will the kingdoms that follow.

These dreams deeply unsettle him regarding his position. He panics and cannot sleep, wanting to hear the correct interpretation. To be certain of it, his advisors—wise men and magicians—must be able to tell him the dream itself (v.5). Only then will he know that the gods are truly speaking through them, and he can verify if they are telling the truth. If the wise men fail, they will be gruesomely executed; but if they succeed, they will be richly rewarded.

Nebuchadnezzar thus tries to force the truth out of them. The wise men panic: this is impossible—no human can do this. The king becomes enraged and issues his verdict (v.13).

Daniel and his friends hear about this. Daniel takes responsibility, bravely goes to the king, and asks for time. He and his friends fall on their knees and plead with the Lord for mercy and deliverance (v.17–18). They know: God is with us, what can man do to us (Ps. 118:5–9)? They’re not interested in the reward but in living in service to the LORD.

Then God reveals the content and meaning of the dream. It was a divine mystery, but God Himself has now made it known to Daniel—a miracle of grace. In contrast to the wise men who seek help in vain from powerless idols, there is a young man who looks to the God of heaven (v.19).

Before going to the king, Daniel first offers a prayer of praise to the LORD, glorifying God’s omnipotence and wisdom. God rules over all—kings and wise men. He is the light in a dark world (v.22). He brings salvation!

How can we be sure that God is almighty?

Sing: Ps. 118:2