When my husband and I were debating where to attend grad school, I kept one prayer on repeat: “God, please make it abundantly clear where we should go.” I would have paid anything to know we were making the right decision as we logged thousands of miles on our car, traveling from state to state, and weighing pros and cons. Ultimately, God answered our prayer, just about as clearly as we could have hoped, and off to the midwest we went.
But I can count many, many more times in my life when I desperately prayed for a clear answer, and it felt like God met me with quiet and silence. Sometimes, God’s quiet feels empty and leaves me angry or desperate for answers. And sometimes God’s quiet feels like confidence, the kind of stillness that settles over a dark house at night, when you feel safe and at peace, but there is no sound.
The desire for a dream to be interpreted or for a sign to be made clear is everywhere in Scripture. Saul lost his kingship because of it (1 Samuel 13), Gideon tested God in a search for clarity (Judges 6), and even the Pharisees asked Jesus for a clear sign (Matthew 12).
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar wanted a clear interpretation of his dream, and threatened all the wise men, magicians, seers, and sorcerers with death if they couldn’t provide him with that interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar was so troubled by his disturbing dreams and so desperate for answers, which we see in his willingness to reward or punish those who could potentially unlock it for him.
But no one could—no mystical prophet of the pagan gods, no wise man, no medium. The Chaldeans even declared, “What the king is asking is so difficult that no one can make it known to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals” (Daniel 2:11).
But Daniel, a wise man who knew the true and living God who did dwell with His people, had a different response. He called on the name of the Lord, who responded by giving Daniel a vision of both the king’s dream and its interpretation. Then “Daniel praised the God of the heavens” (Daniel 2:19), reciting a true and bold prayer, with promises still true for us today (vv.20–23).
For Nebuchadnezzar, for Daniel, and for us today—only God can unlock the mysteries of wisdom and understanding, because God is the true source of them. God answered Daniel’s prayer with abundant clarity, but He doesn’t always. Whether God writes His answer in the sky or (by our limited human understanding) seems to remain maddeningly silent, we can move forward with confidence and faith. The rest of Daniel’s story will testify to this truth and call us to a deeper knowledge of the God whose answers we can always trust.
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73 thoughts on "Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream"
I did a deep dive into wisdom – wow – so many beautiful scriptures relating to wisdom from God who is the ultimate source! May I crave only his wisdom in every matter today.
I needed to hear this message today!
“Whether God writes His answer in the sky or seems maddingly silent, we can continue in faith.”
God revealed and Daniel immediately praised God!
Great reminder! I’m Constantly praying for a big bold sign but forget to listen & be still in the quiet. God speaks to us in many ways if we are willing to learn & listen.
I always want the answer written but sometimes it’s a quiet peace she gives to us
Nebuchadnezzar dream
Amen!
Lord I pray for more clarity and wisdom in my life. And the ability to trust you and your ways more.
Great message. I Iove Daniel’s prayer and I love how Melanie wrote out in black and white that this reading is on the premise that Daniel trusted a God that lives amongst us. Thank you!
Give my clarity Lord, wisdom, strength and understanding of your will for me.
Lord ill be seated at your feet to worship at your feet lord ill be right here at your feet forever! Amen!
This was completely on time. I have a decision to make and, as I read this plan, my hope is for clarity, healing, peace and authenticity.
The answers are always found in God. We have to go to him in prayer and ask for understanding and clarity.
Bring it all to God… all of it. Include the disappointment, anger, frustration, complaint & notice how it turns into thanksgiving, peace, praise and trust. He knows our every thought anyway! Fill us holy spirit, show us the way through every single thing – big, small and everything in between.
This is a new way to study a Bible book. I like the story map. I can keep track of the characters and notice what they are saying. Most importantly, how they are saying it. Daniel has a quiet faith in the God who reveals mysteries.
“You have given me wisdom and power.” Help me to rely on that power and not on my own strength today, Jesus!
God is the only one that can give true wisdom. We can know His wisdom and thoughts only if we dwell with Him and have
Faith that he is in control. Also bringing other into your prayer is really important. We need God and His people.
This study has helped me slow down and realize that I may not always like what is happening around me but as long as it is not going against Gods word I need to continue to be a light to people and not add to the loudness that is going on.
It gives me pause to look at Daniel’s default…asking his friends to pray …for mercy and wisdom. Wholesome , honest, soul searching prayer is ALWAYS a firm foundation upon which to build. Thank you for the reminder.
This craziness of 2020 has left me beaten down. The virus, our valley burning up etc. Right now I feel she’ll shocked. But God….. He has given me this study and you all to encourage me. I love the posts, many are speaking right at me
The prayer that ever fails.
Thank God for favor in our lives when all seem lost God steps in neck of time.
I am a native Californian and with the current political forecast and the changes in the state, cost of living etc , I have been asking for God to show me my next path in life and what direction it will take my family. I am restless and my heart has been crying for a change, but as other friends have been able to relocate and move on, my path is still embedded here. I pray to God that he will give me an answer even if it’s not the plan I expected. Waiting is never easy and God’s time is not always the same as ours. Thy will be done…❤️
Hello! I am new to reading scripture and am having a hard time filling out the activity sheets in The Book of Daniel subscription. Can anyone who has the book subscription help me? Thank you
Hi Kailyn! What are you having trouble with?
What are your questions, Kailyn? All the ladies here seem really open and willing to help. Just ask.
I am filling it out too, wishing I had the answers in the back of the book;) I’m doing my best. Maybe I can help.
Daniel 2:11 stood out to me also. The gods did not dwell with human flesh. How unlike our God, Emmanuel!
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. Last night we had to make the hard decision to put our Mini Schnauzer down. He was in so much pain, and it definitely felt like the right decision, but this morning I’ve been second guessing that choice. No, God led us in that decision last night, with wisdom that could only come from Him. So thankful for this word today.
Amber, I completely agree!
Another good day. Only God, as we learned in our last reading plan God is always with us and He is for us we need to trust in Him and always turn to Him in prayer.
This was so helpful as I had several dreams last night that I would love for God to show me what they mean. But if he doesn’t tell me anything, I will still praise him.
I struggle so much with patience and learning how to run to God when I need clarity on things. I am so happy we are looking at Daniel and how he is trusting God throughout this journey in his life that holds so much uncertainty. I am also reminded to rejoice in those moments that God continues to show up and show out in our lives no matter how little or small. I hope to build a faith as strong as Daniel and let my automatic response be to turn to Jesus.
King Nebuchadnezzar knew there was something different about Daniel. He accused the Chaldeans of trying to gain time, yet he gave Daniel time to go home and sleep on it. May my light shine so brightly that others see and notice a difference in me. May it intrigue them enough to grant me favor, that I may be so bold as Daniel to share that my light is from the one true God.
I am going to face the day with quiet confidence, praising the name of God, knowing that “he sets up kings and deposed them.” (v.21b)
Lynn S…praying for and with you. I mistakenly replied to “Traci,” I meant you.
Traci, I hear you. I am in the very same situation, now…but God. This is what He spoke to me this morning: Psalm 145:1-2, Jeremiah 31:16. He loves our children to a depth we can’t fathom, I know this. I trust God’s love for my child. Let’s praise God now for the victory He will bring our children to. Let’s have this faith and trust in our God together. God’s time is the right time. Praying for and with you, sister.
I always enjoy the studies on SRT and the comments, but this current one seems to really connect with me and everyone in current times! (I am missing Tina though, maybe she is posting later than usual) I have even started a page in my notes called Churchmouse thoughts, they are always so good she deserves her on page! My song today would be On Christ’s Solid Rock I Stand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rayr0MwKwo8
I often conflate the Joseph dream interpretation with this one and so have forgotten that Daniel reached out the the overseer before he had the answer: he requested an appt with the king before he even knew what he’d say, then sought the Lord with his community. What faith.
It almost like King Nebuchadnezzar is calling the wise men in his kingdoms bluff by asking them to not only interpret but tell him what it was that he actually saw in his dream. The improbability of this is astronomical. This story of faith has always amazed me. And each time I read it still leaves me in awe. Because Daniel’s knowledge of God is sure, he knows God knows all things and doesn’t seem to hesitate to ask to go before what would be definitely the end of his life in a tortuous death. But, he knew God and that nothing was impossible. It strikes me that if it had been me as in my life God has revealed things, that I question God. And I would have wanted to have that vision run as a rerun several times because my faith has not been to the standard of Daniels. And yet, I know life through Jesus. The Lamb of God, Emanuel. How Daniel speaks to my need to draw nearer and know in every fiber who God is. Help me Lord to ask for your wisdom, to trust and to know and to speak what you give me. Holy God thank you for the way you reveal to us who you are and who you call us to be. May I be a blessing this day full of your love, joy and grace. In Jesus name. Amen
Hugs to you Sisters your words bless me daily. Praying for your requests. Joining your prayers you have posted. Keep shining His love. Praying especially for the nurses, doctors, ministers and teachers out there serving others in this season may you know He is with you in whatever challenges you face and feel His merciful love multiply as you pour it out on those you serve. Thank you all.
❤️
“‘…He knows what is in the darkness…’” (Daniel 2:22) How comforting that nothing is a mystery to God. He’s not afraid of the dark!! He sees all things, even what is hidden to our eyes.
Waiting is the hardest, but it’s the best place to be because I know all of us want to be in God’s will.
Churchmouse, I love what you said here: “In the face of crazy, Daniel responded with tact and discretion.” Isn’t 2020 crazy? So why do I keep buying into all the “oh my!” and “what should we do?” and the “what is happening in our country??”, I need to respond with tact and discretion! I need to immediately go to prayer and seek God on the matters at hand. He’s the One with the full view of what is going on and sees the end from the beginning. Why keep wasting my time bemoaning what God already has the answer to? The world is still going to be crazy, but when I go directly to Him, He’s going to anchor me and show me where my next step is!! When I’m anchored in that, there will be people who see and want to know how they too can find that stability…the answer is Jesus! May my life point to Him! What the world needs now is Jesus!
Amen Angels. God knows the outcome.
Today’s reading is a perfect of testament that our God is mighty! With him all things are possible. You clearly see the favor Daniel has over his life that the Chaldeans even say, “there is not a man on earth who can meet the kings demand…except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh”. But little did they know the God that Daniel, you and I serve can do all things. But what’s most beautiful is that Daniel and his friends seek the lord first when they realize the demand of the Kings request. Even better Daniel tells the guard to take him to the King even before God reveal the dream. THAT IS FAITH. Truly believing that when you step in front of the unknown GOD will reveal its truth and provide clarity. I am not surprise but amazed by Gods goodness!!! Wow!
Love this!!! You made me see it from such a beautiful angle!!! We have to have faith even when we do not know all the answers just yet!
Yes, so good.
Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from Heaven above with wisdom power and love , our God is an awesome God. And He is to be praised! Who other than God , can make Himself known in such a desperate time as Daniel and the others were facing. To tell and interpret someone else’s dream? To see God, our God, for who He really is.
I find it really hard not to want answers – to make a plan with the answers. Rolling with life in Christ, in trust and faith isn’t always y natural go-to, but it is usually a lesson in trust and faith that I need at the right time.
Yes! I feel the same way. I’m often anxious and frustrated when I feel like God has not given me an answer. Which is why today’s devotional meant so much to me. “And sometimes God’s quiet feels like confidence…” because when I really think about it, that quiet reminds me that I can trust Him.
Sometimes I thank God
For unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’
To the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
‘Cause some of God’s greatest gifts
Are unanswered
-Garth Brooks
Searching, you have me laughing and crying at the same time, & Churchmouse, even in the crazy is so appropriate for this time. And yet faith that God is in control is all that can comfort! There is no making rational sense of things, or trying to figure out what’s next! But God…
My prayer is for God to “unlock the mysteries of wisdom and understanding” in my life. To have a faith, trust and resolve now -as Daniel did then- in the face of uncertain and turbulent times is where I desire to be. I want my life to be steadily focused on God and not being tossed to and fro in fear or fret with “the next thing” that happens.
Love this! I am in complete agreement with you sister Candy.
I was struck today, for the first time, at King Nebuchadnezzar’s magicians (etc.) and Daniel’s agreement. No one can know AND interrupt the king’s dream except the gods. Daniel was given the interpretation. Yet, he fully, and completely, gave all the glory and credit to God (not gods).
The king knew,
the magicians and counselors knew,
and Daniel knew that
ONLY GOD could,
and only GOD did.
What the king and magicians did not know was the One and Only True God.
I am also struck by the fact that Daniel could have twisted things, possibly, to “get rid of” the king’s magicians and those giving counsel to the king at this time. If he had taken credit, even a little, he could have encouraged the king to go forward with his plan to execute them, only saving Daniel and his little group of God followers. I know that is a horrible thing to think of a God follower, but…
daily I understand more my sinful, selfish nature, thinking of myself and what would benefit me. I don’t like it. Thank God for His mercy. It is a battle I face regularly. As a God follower, a Jesus-girl, it is not about me. In a world and culture that is pretty self-absorbed, it is a constant battle.
LORD, I want to trust you like Daniel, in obedience, humility, and pure devotion. You first always, whether in action or attitude. Remind my heart, work through my hands and feet, to exemplify You to a world that doesn’t know the One True God or even that You dwell with us this day. Thank you for Your continued work, consistent work, so very necessary-life giving work, in my heart. Purify and cleanse me I pray so that like Daniel I may offer God honoring praise in word and deed. Amen and amen.
CHURCHMOUSE – Thank you for your words…even in the CRAZY…especially in the CRAZY, we will trust Him, we CAN trust Him.
LIEZL – God is with you and your family. He hears your prayers and your heart before you even speak a word. He is going before you. May you have clarity of vision and hearing, as well as steady feet to walk the path He clears.
ANDI – I must have missed your request for prayer yesterday but, I will pray now, and go back into yesterday’s post to pray again, more detailed to our God who already knows all and is with you.
WELCOME to all the new ladies – I’m not sure there have ever been quite so many – what a blessing!
Yes, Churchmouse! You nailed it with “in the face of crazy.” Just when I think things can’t get any crazier, there’s another shocking event. A local business sign says “Marty, whatever you do, don’t go to 2020!
If there was ever a time (thus far in my lifetime) to trust God, pray for His intervention, control, mercy, wisdom, guidance and grace – 2020 is it.
On our knees, sisters-in-Christ – as Churchmouse says, “let us be as Daniel.”
In the face of crazy, Daniel responded with tact and discretion. King Nebuchadnezzar’s demand was unreasonable and everybody knew it. Rather than react as panicked worriers, Daniel and his friends reacted as prayer warriors (to borrow a phrase by Ann Voskamp). We have the same choice when facing the crazy in our world. When life seems like it’s spinning out of control, we have a choice. We can bemoan our situation. We can become angry and frustrated. We can cry out “Woe is me!” OR we can be as Daniel and his friends and urgently pray to God for mercy. We can ask God, who is in control of all things, to intervene. We can recall His faithfulness and goodness. We can relinquish our control and let Him take control. We can trust Him. Because that’s the bottom line issue behind every crazy thing that happens to us. Do we trust God to work good out of the crazy? Are we willing to trust in His way and His timing? We can stomp our feet or fall to our knees. The choice is ours. Let us be as Daniel.
Thank you for this Churchmouse. It’s just what I needed. Am I willing to trust His way and timing? As my adult son strays so far from The Lord, I have such a hard time trusting God to bring him back.
Falling to our knees is definitely the answer! The faster we get there the closer to being Christ like we will be. Throwing a fit and stomping our foot get us nothing but more distance from the Lord. Amen and praise God for your comments this morning Churchmouse!!
Amen! ♥️
❤️ Such Truth, thank you.
Amen Churchmouse! Reaching out to God is the only answer.
Amen! ❤️❤️
Amen! One thing I’ve always struggled with is truly “letting go and letting God.” I hate the feeling of not being control of certain situations or feeling like there is nothing I can do. Learning to live as Daniel did, with full faith and trust in God is what I strive for. I pray for God to keep working on me and make me the woman, mother, and wife he would have me to be.
Amen Churchmouse, we can always recall His faithfulness and goodness as Jeremiah in Lamentations!
Liezl I I am praying for you and you family, I know how difficult it can be to know God’s good and perfect plan for you, but no matter what he is with you, loving and caring for you and in the years to come you will look back and see how He carried you through.
To ANDI McDeviit I am praying for you, I am a 20 year survivor of ovarian cancer you will remain near and dear to me in my prayers.
Thank you Melanie for your reflection, so resonant with me. Your interpretation of Scripture touched my heart and really socked me in the gut. My husband and I are currently praying pretty much verbatim the prayer you and your husband prayed. We are swirling in ambiguity these days about God’s plan for us and our family. Frankly, we suffer much frustration, confusion, and impatience. How can we distinguish truth from noise? How can we tell who are the false prophets? We are challenged to trust in Him and choose faith over fear. Despite our desire for immediate and unequivocal clarity (now please!!), we know God answers our prayers in His perfect time and in His perfect way. Oh, to possess the inspired wisdom of Daniel to receive visions and interpret signs! Praying for God’s Spirit to descend upon my husband and me, granting us discernment, steadfastness, and grace. Likewise, praying for all of you, that you find reassurance that God hears you, shows compassion towards you, and reveals His great and merciful plans for you in due time. Blessings upon you, sisters.
I have been reading, listening, and hearing God’s Word for a while now. I just said this yesterday. When am I going to stop and believe and trust. God’s Word is true? Why do I keep fearing and being anxious? I have worried a lot of my life for things that didn’t even happen. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, s lot of things have happened that I wouldn’t have chosen, but God is still God and is unchanging and Sovereign. He wasn’t shocked or dismayed when these things happened. This just hit me. Scripture says He is a Rock and the Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower, the righteous run in to It and they are safe! He is a Rock and a Refuge. He always has been and always will be! He is with us as we read in our last study here. How amazing! No one on earth can save and help like our God! I was listening to R. C. Sproul talk about pain and suffering. He said what if we saw that as good too. I was thinking If I/we believe this, that perspective could radically change how we view events good and bad in my/our lives. I mentioned this link yesterday, but I’ll post this again. I really do think truly believing God is Holy, Sovereign, Faithful, and His Word is true could set us free! Please change me and help me God, I don’t want to be the same! Amen! https://youtu.be/g6UgMDx9rJY