Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Daniel, for the Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars Dream

◄ Prayer: Answered: Daniel, for the Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars Dream ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Daniel's answered prayer for the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in responding to the prayers of His faithful servants. This event is recorded in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 2.

Context and Background

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a troubling dream that none of his wise men, enchanters, or magicians could interpret. In his frustration, the king decreed that all the wise men of Babylon be executed if they could not reveal and interpret the dream. Daniel, a young Hebrew captive and one of the wise men, sought to understand the dream to save himself and his companions from the king's wrath.

Daniel's Prayer

Upon hearing the king's decree, Daniel approached Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, and requested time to interpret the dream. Daniel then returned to his house and urged his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery. Daniel 2:18 states, "He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon."

God's Response

In response to their earnest prayers, God revealed the mystery of the dream to Daniel in a vision during the night. Daniel 2:19 records, "During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven." Daniel's immediate response was one of praise and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His wisdom and power.

Daniel's Praise

Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving is a beautiful expression of his faith and recognition of God's sovereignty. In Daniel 2:20-23 , Daniel declares, "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have made known to me what we requested; You have made known to us the dream of the king."

Interpretation of the Dream

Armed with the divine revelation, Daniel approached King Nebuchadnezzar and accurately recounted and interpreted the dream. He made it clear that the interpretation was not due to his own wisdom but was a revelation from God. Daniel 2:28 states, "But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days."

Impact and Recognition

The king was astounded by Daniel's ability to reveal and interpret the dream, leading him to acknowledge the greatness of Daniel's God. Daniel 2:47 records Nebuchadnezzar's response: "The king said to Daniel, 'Truly your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.'"

This event not only saved Daniel and his companions but also elevated Daniel to a position of high honor in the Babylonian court. It served as a powerful testimony to the power of prayer and the supremacy of the God of Israel over the gods of Babylon.