GOD ANSWERS PRAYER Daniel 2:1-23 It was almost time for the Old-fashioned Revival Hour to go on the air. The broadcast was originating in a tin-roofed tabernacle in Waterloo, Iowa. As Dr. Charles Fuller stood on the platform before the microphone, a heavy rain began to fall and pound upon the tin roof, making it impossible for the broadcast to go forth. Dr. Fuller prayed, Lord, if You dont stop the rain, the Old-fashioned Revival Hour will not be able to go out over the air. For Jesus sake, please stop the rain! Within three minutes, the rain stopped suddenly, and the program went out without the slightest interference. But five minutes after the close of the service, a torrential downpour occurred.
D.L. Moody told the story of when he was preaching to an immense audience in the Agricultural Hall in London. In that service was a father and a mother who were in great distress about their absent son, who had given up Gods ways, and had wandered from his fathers home to the wild bush of Australia. These poor parents asked the united prayers of that vast congregation for their son, and Moody said that he supposed some 20,000 prayers rose to the mercy seat.
At the very hour those prayers ascended from the audience in London that young man was riding through the Australian bush to town a days ride from his camp. Something caused him to think of his home and his parents, and as he sat in the saddle, the Spirit of the Lord convicted him of his sin. Dismounting, he knelt down by his horses side, and prayed to God and was saved. When he reached the town, he wrote his mother to tell her the good news and asked if he could come home.
Both of these examples remind us that God answers prayer. As we continue our study of Daniel we see God answering Daniels prayer. As we shall see as we go further in the book, Daniel was a man of prayer. Prayer was a daily and habitual practice in his life. In my opinion, he is one of the great models of prayer in the Bible.
I want us to look at the example of answered prayer that we see in Daniels life. Lets set the background by first noticing:
1. THE DREAM OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR
We read in verse 1, And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. The Babylonians placed great significance on dreams. They studied dreams and even had books on how to induce and interpret them. In the case before us, it was Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who had a dream.
As we look closer at his dream we that it was:
A) A Distressing Dream
If you will notice, dreams is plural, indicating that he had this one particular dream on more than one occasion. Possibly for several nights, he dreamed the dream that he had.
I read about a place in Stanford, California called Hotel Insomnia. Patrons are paid for sleeplessness at Hotel Insomnia where researchers tiptoe through the hallways trying to discover why some people just cant get to sleep. People are paid from 15 dollars for one night to 500 dollars for two months to have electrodes taped to and implanted in their bodies to measure brain waves and body action during restless sleep.
Nebuchadnezzar could have been a candidate for Hotel Insomnia. The Bible says his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. The word troubled indicates that the dream deeply disturbed and distressed him, creating great apprehension in his heart. This dream was so real and had such an impact on Nebuchadnezzar that he rolled and tossed through the night. As verse one says: his sleep brake from him.
I heard about one fellow that dreamed that he ate a five pound marshmallow and when he woke up, his pillow was gone.
It is obvious that Nebuchadnezzar recognized that this was no ordinary dream. No doubt, that is what bothered him so much about the dream. As you look further at this dream you see the reason why this was not an ordinary dream. Not only was it a distressing dream, it was also:
B) Divine Dream
Donald Campbell in his book Daniel: Decoder of Dreams, states that in chapter two we have the most comprehensive picture of world history found anywhere in the Bible, a panorama that stretches from Daniels time, 600 years before Christ, across the centuries to His second coming and the rise of the millennial kingdom.
This comprehensive picture is found in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. In our next study we will look at the dream in particular and we will see that it was in actuality a divine revelation of the things that were to come to pass. For the time being notice verses Daniel 2:28-29, But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; [29] As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. Nebuchadnezzars dream was what shall be in the latter days, the things that shall come to pass.
In the Old Testament it was not unusual for God to speak in dreams. For example, we read in Genesis 20:3, But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him
In Genesis 31:11 Jacob said, And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying
In 1 Kings 3:5 we read, In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. On many occasions we find God revealing things and speaking in dreams. In this case, it was in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar that God gave us a comprehensive picture of history.
I stated in our first study that the book of Daniel is the Revelation of the Old Testament. Just as Revelation gives us a portrait of future events, the book of Daniel allows us to understand the future. In our next study we look closer at Nebuchadnezzars dream and see how comprehensive its portrayal is of history, past, present, and future.
Secondly, notice not only the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, but also:
2. THE DISTRESS OF THE CHALDEANS
Nebuchadnezzar troubled by the dream called for his counselors. They are called wise men in verse 27. These are identified in verse two as magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans.
The magicians were not what we think of when we think of magicians. They were not David Copperfields or men pulling rabbits out of a hat. The word Magicians is a translation of a Hebrew word with a root meaning of stylus or pen. These were the sacred writers or textual scribes of Babylonian religion.
The astrologers were the enchanters or sacred priests of Babylonian religion, not necessarily those who studied the stars as we often associate the word.
The sorcerers were those who practiced sorcery or incantations. These were those who used herbs, charms, and potions. We would call this practice witchcraft.
Then there were the Chaldeans. These were a special class of wise men and were the religious or spiritual advisors of the king. These men held a very special and important in the kings court.
I can imagine that early one morning after another sleepless night, Nebuchadnezzar called all his wise men together. He had lost enough sleep. He had to get an answer concerning the dream he had had. We read in verses 2-3, Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. [3] And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.
Let me give you a Trivette translation of what Nebuchadnezzar said. Boys I havent slept for nights now. Ive taken Ambien and I still cant sleep. I have had a dream and I need to know the meaning of the dream. Now, look closer and notice:
A) The Conditions for a True Interpretation of the Dream
We read of the response of the Chaldeans in verse 4: Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation. Responding in Syriac, the language of the king, the wise men said, No problem, tell us the dream and we will interpret it for you. Whether they knew the real meaning of the dream or not, they would at least be able to come up with something.
Nebuchadnezzar had not been born the day before and he knew this, therefore he said in verses 5-6, The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. 6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.
Nebuchadnezzar knew that this dream was not an ordinary dream. It was not a case of eating too much pizza or Mexican food before he went to bed. There was someone unusual about this dream, and he wanted to make sure he got a true interpretation. Therefore, he stated that he had forgotten the dream. Now, whether or not he had actually forgotten the dream or not, or just told his wise men that, is not certain. In either case, he placed conditions on a true interpretation of the dream, conditions that had severe consequences if they failed to give him a proper interpretation.
It is my opinion that he just told them he had forgotten the dream. I think that he knew that if the wise men could tell what they dream was, he would know they could properly interpret it. If they could not tell him what the dream was, it was doubtful they would know what it actually meant.
Secondly, we see:
b) The Consequences for a False Interpretation of the Dream
Nebuchadnezzar makes it clear that if they try to pull a fast one on him, there will be a price to pay. The wise men again responded in verse 7, They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.
Nebuchadnezzar answered in verses 8-9, The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. 9 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.
The wise men knew that the king had put them in a very difficult position. Nebuchadnezzar knew they were only trying to buy time. He wouldnt budge. He said, I am not about to let you come in with some off the wall interpretation. Tell me the dream and I will know that you can give me the interpretation.
The wise men responded in verses 10-11, The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
They were saying, What you are asking us is beyond any mans ability. No king has ever asked such a thing. Only the gods can tell you what the dream is. Nebuchadnezzar knew that they were admitting they couldnt tell him what the dream was. It did not set very well with him for we read in verse 12, For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. Let me give you another Trivette translation. He said, Take them all out and hang them.
It is at this point that we bring Daniel into the picture. We not only see the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and the distress of the Chaldeans, but we also see:
3. THE DELIGHT OF DANIEL
We read in verse 13, And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. Daniel and his companions were included in those that were to be slain. They had been brought from Jerusalem for the purpose of becoming wise men of the king, were in training for such purposes, and are already considered to be among the wise men.
We read in verses 14-15, Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: 15 He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
I can imagine that Arioch, the captain of the kings guard, came for Daniel and his friends. He has blood in his eye and ready to kill them. Daniel asks why it is they are be slain and Arioch explains what has happen. Now as we follow the rest of the story lets we see:
a) The Trustful Heart of Daniel
We read in verse 16, Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Even though verse 16 doesnt say so, there is no doubt Daniel had also told him that he would tell him what the dream was. I dont think Nebuchadnezzar would have allowed him to return to his house if this had not been part of what he said to him.
I love Daniels actions in verse 17-18, Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: 18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel was trusting God to show him the dream and the meaning of the dream. He went back to his three friends and they started praying. They began seeking God in prayer that He would make the dream and its meaning known to them.
Daniels actions remind me of the words of Philippians 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Paul was saying, Dont worry about anything but pray about everything. That is what Daniel was doing. He was taking his situation to God in prayer, trusting God with the situation, and desiring mercies from God.
Whatever the situation or need in our life, the first step is prayer. Prayer should never be the last resort, but the first step. We must trust God with the situations of our life and allow Him to demonstrate His power in our life.
We not only see the trustful heart of Daniel, but we also see:
b) The Thankful Heart of Daniel
As I said in the very beginning, this story reminds us that God answers prayer. Daniel and his three friends began to seek God in prayer and we read in verse 19, Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. God answered their prayer. God showed Daniel what the dream was and what it meant. Verse 19 tells us, Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel began to praise God for answering prayer.
In verses 20-23 we read of Daniels praise and exaltation of God: Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who ast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.
Daniel praised the person of God. He is the God who reigns for ever and forever; a God of wisdom.
Daniel praised the power of God. He is a God of might.
Daniel praised the providence of God. He is a God that changes the seasons, as well as removes and establishes kings.
Daniel praised the purposes of God. He is the God who is in charge of all things, and gives men knowledge of His purposes and plans, revealing those plans to whom He will and as He will.
Their prayer room was turned into a campmeeting. Daniel thanked God and praised Him for answering prayer.
I remind you once again that GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYER!
Shortly after the Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924, it almost had to close. The creditors were about to foreclose at noon on a certain day. Pres. Lewis S. Chafer met with his faculty at the office, praying fervently that God would provide. Present was Dr. Harry Ironside who prayed in his characteristic style: "Lord, we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are Thine. Please sell some of them and send us the money."
Meanwhile, a tall Texas businessman stepped into the seminary business office, saying: "I just sold two carloads of cattle in Fort Worth, but could not make the deal go through. I feel compelled to give the money to the seminary. I don't care if you need it or not, but here's the check!"
The surprised secretary took the check, and timidly knocked on the door of the prayer meeting. When Dr. Chafer took the check out of her hand, it was for the exact amount of the debt. Turning to Dr. Ironside, Chafer said: "Harry, God sold the cattle!"
Let me say it one more time
GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!
Ken Trivette!
_________________ R.Chandrasekaran
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