Bible Pathways - Sept. 15, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Daniel rejects king's food; Nebuchadnezzar's dream interpreted by Daniel; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saved out of fiery furnace
Soon after their capture, Daniel and other selected Israelite captives were assigned new names which would identify them as citizens of Babylon. This was an attempt to remove their identities as children of God. The king's intent was that these select men be taught to think and live like Babylonians. Daniel means “God is Judge,” but his Babylonian name Belteshazzar means “Prince of Baal.” As Daniel heard his new name called day after day, it was intended to remind him that the comfort, self-esteem, and high position he enjoyed in his new society were all the result of his being the “Prince of Baal.”
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled. . . . The king commanded to call . . . the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. . . . The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter (Daniel 2:1-2,10). But, after Daniel and his friends prayed, the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision and he proclaimed to the king that there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days (2:18-19,28).
Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that the giant image in his dream represented successive kingdoms that would rule the world. The head was of fine gold and represented Nebuchadnezzar. His breast and his arms of silver symbolized the Medo-Persian Empire, which would become the next dominating world power. The Grecian Empire, represented by his belly and his thighs of brass came next. The fourth empire, with his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay (2:32-33), depicted the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire will be revived as a one-world government in the end times. But it will be destroyed at the return of Christ, whose kingdom shall never be destroyed (2:44). The exact details may not be clear, but it is vitally important to be prepared for the soon coming of our King. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (I Corinthians 13:12; compare Acts 1:7).
Christ Revealed:
As the Stone that smote the image (Daniel 2:35). The Stone is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; I Peter 2:4-8).
Word Studies:
1:4 Children =b> Young men; 2:1 sleep brake from him =b> he was unable to sleep; 2:31 terrible =b> dreadful, awesome; 3:19 the form of his visage was changed =b> his facial expression was changed; 3:21 hosen =b> tunic or undergarments.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Barton (TX) and Rep. Mark Kirk (IL) • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national leaders and their families (Ezra 6:10).
Optional Reading: Revelation 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6
