Daniel 2:16-30,46-49, The Lord Exalted through Daniel

 By the end of this story the God of Israel was highly exalted (v47).  But so were Daniel (v48) and his friends (v49).  Here are some things to note about Daniel, and how he honored God, that made all this possible.

·       2:14-16: Daniel honored God by his submission to authority.  Daniel did not panic or become rebellious when the edict was handed down.  God was in control and Daniel knew it.  Thus, with counsel and wisdom, he answered his executioner.

·       2:17-18: Daniel honored God by involving others in the matter.  Daniel was not the strong individualist.  It was not “me and God are a majority” approach that he took.  Daniel knew the value of fellowship and the prayers of others.  This was, in fact, a rather significant situation.  Their lives were at stake.  When we face hard times alone, and God brings us through, the temptation is to exalt ourselves when we give our testimony, that we were alone in standing for God.  If we are alone, it is because we have forfeited His provision of brothers and sisters in Christ, people God has given us to strengthen us.    

·       2:19-23: Daniel honored God by blessing God.  The answer came in a night vision, indicating Daniel was awake when the answer came (i.e. it was not a dream).  The first thing Daniel did was not to get up and go to the king; it was to bow in honor and praise to the King, the Sovereign LORD.  The theme of his praise is “the wisdom and power of God.”  He has the power to exalt and humble men, even the greatest of kings.  And God gives wisdom and understanding to those who call upon Him.  Daniel experienced what the Psalmist had experienced.  He was wiser than his enemies, had more understanding than his teachers, and knew more than the ancients, all because he sought God (Ps. 119:98-100).  Daniel did not rise boastfully before his friends; rather in humility they blessed God.

·       2:24-30: Daniel honored God by crediting God before others.  What a great line in v24: do not destroy the wise men of Babylon.  These men were being left alive, and would see the glory of the God of Israel.  Nebuchadnezzar would also see God’s glory, because Daniel made it clear that he was not the star of this story.  The king asks Daniel, are you able (v26).  Daniel answers, there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets (v28). 

The result of all this was that the king himself got the point.  Yes, he bowed before Daniel; that’s all he knew to do.  What he could see is that your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets (v47).  This is the first step in a journey of King Nebuchadnezzar that we see in Daniel’s prophecy.  In a religion where there are countless gods, and where none of them particularly stand out, Nebuchadnezzar has been brought face to face with the true God.  It could only happen because the person God used was himself humbled before his God.