Saturday, June 23: Daniel 2 - From nobody to the palace.

As the chapter opens Daniel is an absolute nobody. He is so low on the totem pole that when the king’s appointee comes to kill him, along with all the magicians, Daniel has no clue what is going one. This in turn means when the king initially asked the wise men to interpret his dream, Daniel didn’t get an invitation. Daniel was a mailroom clerk, not a partner or even an associate.

By the end of the chapter Daniel is in charge of the province of Babylon, overseeing all wise men.

Daniel’s meteoric rise is clearly the hand of the Lord…

But watching Daniel, I see some wonderful man-of-God characteristics on display. When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact (14). Daniel had the ability to read a situation and react appropriately with humility, wisdom and tact.

Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come (27-28a).

Daniel is humble and God honoring. Daniel didn’t take the glory for himself, but pointed to the Lord who gave him the strength and wisdom.

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery… (17-18a). Daniel relied on godly friends and prayer as he reached out to the Lord for help.

Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come (27-28a). Daniel remains humble, gives God appropriate credit, and speaks truth with wisdom.

I have much to learn from Daniel.  What a wonderful role model Daniel is….

Lord, thank You for inspiring and raising up Daniel. As I meditate on this chapter today and read the remainder of this book, teach me what it is to be a man of God, a man who remains faithful to You as he lives through the pressures of life. And by Your grace, Lord, allow me to be an example to others, too, as Daniel is to me… For Your kingdom sake. Amen.