How would you respond if the answer you gave to a demand is a matter of life or death? Not just for you but your entire family? I would be terrified, certainly the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and chaldeans felt this way. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had not one but multiple terrifying dreams. These dreams overwhelmed him to the point that He could not sleep. Nebuchadnezzar request was not only to give an interpretation of the dreams. He also requested that someone tell Him what He dreamt. This is impossible to solve. Impossible for man that is.
Missing Wise Men
What is most surprising about this situation is that not all wise men were present during the King’s request. In fact, four wise men were missing from this scene. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were not invited among the others. These four men were not invited for the fact that they lived by a different standard: they worshipped and served the LORD. When Daniel was made aware of the decree the king sent out. He did not shy away in fear. Daniel did the opposite. He presented himself before the king without the king’s consent. Doing something like this can instantly cause you to be sentenced to death. Daniel knew this, Yet He also knew that He served someone greater who was on His side, the LORD.
These four men were not invited for the fact that they lived by a different standard: they worshipped and served the LORD.
The Answer
The King approves Daniel request for time. Daniel made the situation known to His companions and they all went before the LORD. They understood what no one else understood. That with man all things are not possible but with God all things are possible. We must be humbled enough to know and understand that we do not have all the answers. We will always need God and during those times when we need Him the most, we should never shy away from Him. Even if that answer is not what we had hoped for. The LORD always gives/allows what is best.
“We will always need God and during those times when we need Him the most, we should never shy away from Him.”
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah faithfulness to God not only made them favorable before king Nebuchadnezzar. It also gave glory and honor to the LORD among a heathen nation.
Reference: Daniel 2 (NKJV)
Joshua Fletcher
Eternal Imprint 