Daniel 2. 1-23 The King’s Dream

Daniel 2.1-23 - The King's Dream

Ice breaker: Take turns to describe the things that make for 'home' in your understanding.

Setting the scene….

Deportation was a fate worse than death to most of God's people in Jerusalem.

“What has happened to God's promises to us about this land, and for his city of Jerusalem and for the Temple, now in ruins?”

 Confusion, horror, an undermining of their faith in Yahweh.

Their Northern counterpart, Israel, has been overcome, killed or dispersed, by the Assyrians. And now, the Southern Kingdom of Judah, is overpowered by the Babylonians, and taken, in large part, into exile in that foreign land, in 586BCE.

What will become of the four young men we are following? Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah all renamed by the Babylonians as: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Mishach, Abednego. Strangely, we remember the three latter ones by their Babylonian names, [makes for a 'catchier' popular song!]; but Daniel, stays as Daniel in our accounts.

In the short 21 verses of chapter 1, we have followed these three from their enforced journey, through to their diplomacy in negotiating their particular diet; and on to their being recognised for their gifts and abilities. And so to where we begin today.

Please read: Daniel 2.1-23

V.1 'In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign'. This is not an experienced king. Let's bare that in mind as we notice his reactions in the ensuing story. Nebuchadnezzar begins to have troublesome dreams and his sleep left him.

Q: How might you put this into modern terms?

Q. Do you have any experience that is near to this? 

Q. How did they make you feel?

V.2 Look at the list of those he turned to for advice/help, but specified they should 'tell him his dream' [Note, it has changed to a singular dream]. The list of advisers is rather grand, and seems rather pretentious in the light of their lack of success. Note: 'Chaldeons' suggests just 'courtiers', as they were all Chaldeans by nationality/racial identity. V.3 The King's spirit 'is troubled with a desire to understand' his dream.

Q: Do your repeated worries often become one specific concern?

V.4 [2v4-7.28 are written in Aramaic, not the Hebrew of the rest of the book] The advisers are only too willing to have their wisdom demonstrated, and ask the King to describe the dream. They obviously aren't aware [from v2] that they have to tell him his dream, not tell him what it means, as such!  V.5 'Let me spell it out for you! Dire consequences for failure. V.6 But great reward for success.  This time it's for the dream itself, as well as the interpretation. This demand of the king is apparently unprecedented in the records of the time, [according to the notes in the Hebrew Bible.] The scene is being narrated so as to set up an impossible task.

 Q: Does it ever feel as if God is asking the impossible of you?

But that's part of the strategy of the narrator, and wait for it, Daniel is in the wings. The Scriptures are not 'neutral' in their opinions. They declare and describe God's provision, against all odds. V.7-9 The King's advisers are playing for time, but to no avail. V. 10-11. Their conclusion is: there is no-one on earth who can do this! No- king has ever made such a demand. They are telling the King he has gone too far! No-one but 'the gods ' can do it, and they do not dwell with people. In their desperation they are speaking truth, yet, there is a God, whose Presence stays with his people. V.12 King Nebuchadnezzar flies into a rage and demands the deaths of all the 'wise men' in Babylon.

Q: What does this say about King Nebuchadnezzar?

V.13 The usual advisers are rounded up and ready for execution. Daniel and his companions are regarded as part of the 'wise cohort' and are searched for. This whole episode seems to be news to Daniel himself.

Q: Compare Daniel's response v14, with the King's responses to his own demands.

V.16 Once Daniel has the situation explained to him, he offers to give the required answer to the king, but needs a little time.

 Q: Sometimes Christians cannot respond to an urgent need because we are not aware of it. Discuss!

 Q: What did Daniel do with the time he was given?

[V. 17 Got together with his fellow believers and prayed for help and guidance]. V.20 Take time to look at Daniel's response to having been given the interpretation.

 Q. What elements of God's nature are emphasised?

To Conclude:

Take a few moments to reflect on our own reactions to difficult situations. Do we need to ask God for greater patience; wisdom and compassion?