THE DEPORTMENT OF DANIEL.
Daniel 1:8-21 2:1-23
What did Daniel have to guide him at this crucial time in life? What determined the stand he would take at the time of his temptation? Personally I can see only one thing. That is the knowledge he had of the Holy Scriptures. That is why it is important to know something of the Word of God. when temptations come, and they will, we can follow the example of our Lord, say man cannot live by bread alone but the Word of God.
Something else worth noting and that is there was no rudeness in his speech in taking his stand. Along with other lessons this is a good one we find in this great book. We can guard our position and our stand while watching our manners.
Due to his disposition, the way Daniel handled himself, the prince of the eunuchs was convinced of Daniel’s honesty. But I wonder if the prince would have been as kind if Daniel had demanded his way?
Yet still another lesson that is valuable in this study. If we live a separated life in obedience to God’s word, God can and often does control men’s hearts for our good.
Even though the eunuch was sympathetic to Daniel’s request, he feared for his own life. After all, he had his orders from the king. Yet Daniel said try for ten days and then decide for yourself. The display of Daniel’s faith is great. Daniel was so certain that God would honor his stand for what is right. So right was Daniel, the food requested by the king was sent to them no more.
Next in our lesson in verses 17-21, we see THE DEVELOPMENT OF DANIEL. The remaining verses in this chapter speak of the progress and growth of Daniel. Daniel was soon to demonstrate the calling and gifts of a prophet. He had already past the first test, that of staying pure and separated from sin. The second qualification he met by giving himself to his studies. God was giving the gifts, an important lesson.
The progress was so great that the king noticed that Daniel and friends was 10 times better than all the rest. Ten days of testing made them ten times better.
Folks, as God’s people, we are in the midst of a world strongly against God and His people. The world isn’t our friend but wants to crush us until we conform to the world. Many are becoming drunk with the wine and committing many sin acts. The world prays on the unlearned, those who don’t know or reject the Word of God.
The Word of God is plain. We have to take a stand on what is right even when it isn’t the popular thing to do. If Daniel had failed in his first test, how great would have been the fall. He would not have made the book. But he did, and he lived to see the downfall of the same empire that took him captive.
The second chapter of Daniel is possibly one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It contains a prophecy that is most amazing. In this prophecy we see the development and decline of world power in the rise and the fall of kingdoms and empires. It would be well if the leaders of our nations would study this chapter.
I guess I ought to say something about dreams here. A dream, as we know it, is something that disturbs a night sleep. There is a difference in a dream and a vision. When God says where there is no vision people perish; He isn’t talking of a dream. But the dream spoken in Daniel is different than ones we have today. In ancient times God said, “If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” God no longer speaks to man in a dream, because we have His full and final revelation given in the Scriptures and through His Son Jesus.
Now lets get into THE DREAM OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR 1. Even though the king had the position of the world’s greatest ruler, it didn’t bring with it peace of mind. Instead he was troubled about the future of his empire. No doubt wondering just how long he would maintain his grip on the then known world. The dream just didn’t arouse his curiosity but rather frightened him. So we are reminded that wealth and power do not produce peace of mind. What really troubled Nebuchadnezzar was the fact of the hereafter. He also felt in his dream was the answer to his problems.
Now next we notice THE DEMANDS OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR 2-11. Because of the nature of the dream he was both nervous and angry. So he called up the scholars that made up his kingdom. The reason I have called you here is that I have had a dream. Now what I want you to do is to tell me not only the meaning of this dream but the dream itself.
A matter of interest here is whether the king really remembered the dream or not. The commentators are divided here in this matter. Some say yes he did remember and others saying no. I sort believe he did remember because of verse 9. How could he know they would be right if he himself did not remember the dream? It seems as though his unreasonable request was to test his scholars. He had made up his mind and didn’t intend to change it.
The scholars appealed for leniency from the king on the ground that he was demanding the impossible. They said there is not a man on earth that can do what you have ask. They confessed their own limitations and knowledge.
Now that brings us to the next point, THE DECREE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR 12,13. I admit the penalty was great, however these advisors to the king were a fraud. They could not interpret God’s message to the man, even though they were skilled in the sciences of their day. They were like some of our modern day ministers who study philosophy, psychiatry ect. Everything but the true Word of God.
But I wonder if the decree of Nebuchadnezzar was not Satan’s plot to destroy Daniel. There was to be a mass execution, but the main goal of Satan was to have Daniel and friends executed. Yet Daniel was not called before the king to interpret the dream along when the others was.
Now notice THE DECISION OF DANIEL 14-23. After hearing the king’s intentions, Daniel was faced with an important decision. He had to act and act quick. His decision showed the marks of a man of God.
First of all there was the exercise of prudence or foresight 14-16. So Arioch arranged a meeting between the king and Daniel. Daniel would plead his case. The king wanted to know the meaning of his dream so he postponed the execution.
Secondly, there was the exercise of prayer 17-19. Daniel went to his friends and told them the story and the king’s intentions. What did they do? We don’t find them running around saying what in the world are we going to do now. We find they went to their knees to God. The secrets of God are not known unless there is time spent with God in prayer.
Thirdly, there was the exercise of praise 19-23. As soon as God answered the prayer, Daniel gave praise to God. How often we fail to give God praise for answered prayer. It could be that most of our prayers are selfish. But here we find Daniel wanting to know the spiritual things of God.
Now we move to THE DISAVOWAL OF DANIEL 24-30. Daniel disavowed any ability of his own and pointed the king to God. But did you notice Arioch went hastily to the king and said “I have found one who can interpret your dream. Arioch wanted the glory from the king for finding one who could interpret the dream. Daniel on the other hand, meekly gave God the glory. Arioch did not find Daniel at all, it was Daniel who found Arioch.
Often preachers and teachers discover some truth in the Bible and bring it to the attention of others as though they had written it themselves. When are we to learn if there is any wisdom that comes from the Word of God, it comes from Him. There is no wisdom that is found outside the truths of God. Daniel said, “But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have.”
Now we will notice something you will find interesting. In verses 31-35 is THE DISCLOSURE OF THE DREAM. These five verses bring to light exactly what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed. One can only imagine what excitement there was in the king’s palace when the news went out Daniel had disclosed the dream. In detail, he reviewed the essentials of the dream. He recalled to the king how he lay gazing upon the huge statue. I take the word “Great” to mean the image was huge. The second was the brightness of the shining metal. With the size and the brightness, it must have been frightening to the king. Well even the king after the dream said he was troubled.
The statue was that of a man, and all the particulars of the man was passed by the king. The head of the statue was of pure gold, the chest and arms was silver, the belly and thighs of brass, the legs were of iron and the feet a mixture of iron and clay. There was no action coming from the statue at all. You might notice the cost of the metals decreased from the head to the feet.
Then a stone appeared cut without hands, meaning the stone was formed by God. As the stone moved toward the earth, it was noticed the statue was direct in its path. The stone struck the feet of the statue with so much force that the entire statue became to crumble. So much so that we are told the entire statue was nothing but dust. Not even a trace of the powder could be found. Then the stone grew so large that it became a mountain which filled the whole earth. These are the exact details of the dream told by Daniel. There was no contradiction at all from the king. Little did Nebuchadnezzar that he was listening to the Words of God. This is the dream declared Daniel.
Now notice THE DETAILS OF THE DREAM 37-45. Daniel commenced by acknowledging that until that present time, Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest among kings. But he also made the reference that the king’s greatness was from God. They did not come from the Babylonian gods.
The first important item in the interpreting was that the statue represented a succession of kingdoms. God has given you a kingdom and after you shall arise another kingdom. Not as great as yours because it is of silver. Then the third kingdom shall be inferior to that one, because it is of brass. The forth kingdom shall be as strong as iron. But in the last days there shall be yet another kingdom which shall never be destroyed.
The second major item in the interpretation of the dream is the absolute authority of God in all of this. It was God who was giving the kingdoms to men. They will conclude with God taking the kingdoms from man and finally setting up His own kingdom on earth. The stone which was cut out of the mountain, not by hands, is the Lord Jesus Christ. The stone kingdom hasn’t happened yet. This part of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar is future. It speaks of the time when Jesus will come to the earth and set up His kingdom for a thousand years.
America might serve as an example of what one might call a democratic form of government. Our democratic form of government is doomed to crumble, along with all other forms of rule. It is going to give way to a theocracy, which is the ruler ship of God. The stone will appear!. The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Next in our study we see THE DECLARATION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR 46-49. Here, we find the king impressed with Daniel and his God. That might have been the purpose of Nebuchadnezzar having the dream. To reveal to the powerful king that there is one more powerful than himself and one who has authority over earthly matters than he.
We wonder why the king worshipped Daniel, or paid honor to him. Actually, the king was doing honor to God the best he knew how. Daniel must have recognized this, because, knowing Daniel as we do to this point, we know he wouldn’t have allowed himself placed above God. But there was much yet the king was to learn about God.
Daniel received gifts and honor and power he shared with his three friends. Haven’t you wondered what the gifts are that he received? The Holy Spirit didn’t feel it necessary that we know. But we can assume that Daniel became a wealthy young man. Daniel never sought nor asked anything for himself. Because he honored and exalted God, he was exalted and honored himself in due time.
Now we look at THE DETERIORATION OF CIVILIZATION. Let me emphasize an important lesson the image teaches us. Each of the metals that make up the image is inferior to the one preceding it. It starts out with the head of gold and concludes with feet of iron and clay. Gold is the most precious metal of course, and remember Daniel mentions this to be or symbolize Babylonian rule. When we come to the feet and toes, they symbolize the ten kingdom empire of the latter days. we know that clay and iron are not compatible or will mix together. One of the metals does nothing to strengthen the other. The United Nations cannot solve the problems of the world even though they might think they can. We know from our study of the Scriptures, the United Nations will never grow strong in their peace making efforts. The end of the age is marked with wars and rumors of wars. I will agree at times there seems to be progress in their peace making efforts, but not so. I will also agree that progress has been made in many areas. Things such as medicine and mode of travels. I can pick up the phone and call places in minutes that would take hours to get there. I know our Lord said, “And the Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Our missionaries have penetrated islands and jungles to take the gospel where white man have never gone before. Most of this has taken place since World War II. In these ways and some others the world has become better.
But the issue doesn’t stop there. The image talked of Daniel, seen by Nebuchadnezzar, does not teach that everything will deteriorate. But there are certain aspects in which deterioration has shown itself. Lets note some deterioration that the image testifies of. 1- There has been a deterioration in mans worship. Nebuchadnezzar made an image and gave orders that men everywhere should worship it. Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself. Of course that was not the start of pagan worship. But as we look down through the ages we find men wanting to exalt themselves over God. Mohammed, and the like. There are untold people and things that are being worshipped over God.
2- There has been a deterioration in man’s word. The truth becomes harder to find as we approach the end of the age. One of the signs of the end of the times is man telling and believing lies. Even today treaties that are signed aren’t worth the paper they are written on. There was a time when a man’s word was his bond.
3- More could be said about man’s worth. Men and women have learned how to overcome temptation; simply yield to it. Because of that yielding to temptation, there are breakdown in marriages and family life. Today there are more divorces than marriages. After a broken marriage today, people with just live together outside the marriage. The bad part is that this type of living is not only accepted but even recommended by some councilors.
Homosexuality claiming if there is a fault found any where it is with God, because He created them that way. I can understand one who practices homosexuality becoming a Christian. What I don’t understand and I also do not believe they will remain in that state.
The way that abortion is running, it might come to a time when parents decide to destroy their small children under the topic planed parenthood.
As we go back to the image, we find the feet and toes, I call mud,. The person that says things are getting better has the image upside down. But the foundation is going to crumble. The political and economical foundation is doomed to fall. We know that from the study of the last book in the Bible.
But the Christian’s foundation isn’t laid on the image found in Daniel. Our foundation is found in Jesus Christ. With Him alone our foundation is secure and will not crumble. His kingdom is the only hope for mankind. He has not labored in vain, neither have we. As we labor for Him, we will be crowned with perfect success.
