Common Theme
God alone rules over all kingdoms of men and humbles the proud. Whether in dreams, fiery furnaces, or lion’s dens, He demonstrates His sovereign power and authority to deliver, judge, and reign above every earthly king.
Questions
- In what ways have you seen pride lead to a downfall in your life or others’ lives?
- What does God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from danger reveal about His character?
God Shot
God is the sovereign King who humbles the exalted and exalts the humble. He is a deliverer, not bound by earthly power, and shows Himself mighty to save—whether from fire, beasts, or the pride of kings.
Deeper✝
Chapter 4
In this passage, King Nebuchadnezzar praises God for His signs and wonders, declaring the greatness of His everlasting kingdom. He recounts a troubling dream that he had while at ease in his palace, prompting him to summon the wise men of Babylon for interpretation. However, they are unable to decipher the dream, leading to the arrival of Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, who possesses the spirit of the holy gods.
Nebuchadnezzar describes his dream of a magnificent tree that provides shelter and sustenance to all creatures. A heavenly watcher decrees that the tree should be chopped down, leaving only its stump, symbolizing a loss of power and a transformation into a beast-like existence for the king. Daniel interprets the dream, warning Nebuchadnezzar that he will be driven from men and live like a beast until he acknowledges that the Most High rules over all kingdoms.
Despite this warning, Nebuchadnezzar boasts about his achievements, leading to the fulfillment of the dream’s prophecy. He is driven from society and lives in a state of humiliation. Eventually, after a period of time, he lifts his eyes to heaven, regains his sanity, and praises God, acknowledging His sovereignty. His kingdom is restored, and he recognizes that God can humble the proud. Nebuchadnezzar concludes by extolling the King of heaven for His righteousness and justice.
Chapter 5
King Belshazzar hosted a grand feast for a thousand lords, during which he ordered the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple to be used for drinking wine. As they celebrated and praised false gods, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall, alarming the king. Despite calling for wise men to interpret the writing, they failed to do so, leaving Belshazzar terrified. The queen suggested summoning Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams.
Daniel was brought before the king, who offered him rewards for interpreting the writing. Daniel, however, declined the gifts and instead recounted the story of Belshazzar’s father, Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God for his pride. He admonished Belshazzar for not learning from this lesson and for disrespecting God by using the sacred vessels to honor idols.
Daniel then interpreted the writing: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN.” He explained that God had numbered Belshazzar’s days, found him lacking, and declared that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. Following this, Belshazzar honored Daniel, but that very night, he was killed, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.
Chapter 6
In the story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den, King Darius appoints Daniel as one of three high officials overseeing the kingdom. Daniel excels, prompting the king to consider promoting him further, which incites jealousy among the other officials. They conspire to find a way to accuse Daniel, ultimately deciding to exploit his devotion to God. They persuade Darius to issue a decree that anyone praying to any god or man other than the king for thirty days would be thrown into the lions’ den. Despite knowing the decree, Daniel continues to pray to God three times a day.
The officials catch Daniel in the act and report him to the king, who is distressed but bound by the law. Reluctantly, he orders Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den, wishing for God’s protection over him. The king spends a sleepless night worrying about Daniel. The next morning, he rushes to the den and finds Daniel unharmed, as God had sent an angel to protect him. Overjoyed, Darius orders Daniel released and punishes the conspirators by throwing them into the den, where they are killed by the lions. Darius then issues a decree honoring Daniel’s God, proclaiming His eternal dominion and power. Daniel thrives under Darius and Cyrus’s reigns.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.