Verses 1-13
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Though the king acted in rage, what he said has some truth: “Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation” (verse 9). Even what the king's wisemen replied with is insightful: “...there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh” (verse 11).
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The point is that when a prophecy or interpretation is real, it is unmistakably supernatural, and it cannot be faked. When a prophecy or the interpretation of a tongue or dream, is fake, it's ambiguous, vague, and easily contrived in the imagination. Do not be fooled!
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Verses 14-19
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Even though Arioch, the captain of the guard, came to kill Daniel and his friends, Daniel wisely and calmly spoke to him, and he was allowed the time needed to seek God.
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Tense situations are always escalated by tense and fretful minds. Because Daniel was calm and still, he was able to calm the situation enough to receive a solution.
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Practice taking moments to calm yourself and be still in tense situations, with prayer, and you will grow in the ability to be calm and hear the Spirit in the most tumultuous of circumstances.
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Just as Daniel and his friends sought God earnestly in this time of trouble, we should do the same. If you need answers for a problem, look in the Word and seek out counsel with godly friends who will pray with you.
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Ask for wisdom, and even take time to sit still, in total quiet, and just listen for the voice of the Spirit. You may receive an answer. If you do not, the wisdom of the Word and the prayers and counsel of godly friends will also help greatly!
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Verses 20-23
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Daniel's prayer of thankfulness to God, here, teaches us that God is in control of time, governs the events of history, reveals and withholds knowledge and wisdom, and He determines the placement and removal of authorities.
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There is no need for us to fear when we face troubles involving urgent emergencies, confusion, or oppressive rulers because God transcends these problems. We can have peace in all situations, and not be anxious. Ask, and it shall be given (verse 23). Solutions will come!
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Verse 23. There is no knowledge too deep for God. He knows every hidden thing, even to the secrets of people's innermost thoughts (Psalm 139:1-6, Psalm 94:11). God reveals truth; the truth is light that is with Him.
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Verses 24-30
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Notice that Daniel did not glorify himself for knowing the king's dream and its interpretation. Daniel knew and declared to the king that he was no one special, and that the knowledge of the dream and its interpretation came directly from God (also see Acts 3:11-12). Daniel also revealed that God revealed the knowledge for His own purposes to save life and bring glory to Himself.
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Take no credit for the gifts and abilities you have, nor boast within yourself because of them. God does not give you gifts for your own fame, but to save life and accomplish His will! Keep your thoughts and words glorifying to God, and use your abilities simply to be helpful!
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Verses 31-45
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Nebuchadnezzar's dream spoke of how history would unfold. Babylon would be the world power (head of gold), which it was in this time, to replaced by the kingdom of Persia (the chest and arms of silver), then Greece (the waist and thighs of bronze), and then Rome (the legs of iron, and the feet of mixed iron and clay). The ways of this ancient Rome continue to this day, and it's commonly thought that the antichrist will be a modern resurgence of this Roman kingdom before the final end.
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In any case, at the end of all things, Jesus Christ will return to earth to set up His own rule—a rule not of human origin (the stone cut without hands), and it will supplant all other kingdoms and endure forever.
Verses 46-49
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Wisdom from God will bring you greater influence for the kingdom. Just as Daniel was promoted for communicating the Word of God, using what you're given to help others will widen expand your influence so you can help even more come into the kingdom of God!
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Use what you have! Share the Word, serve others...this will glory God!
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