March 2, 2023
Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel 2:19
Daniel and his companions took their concern to God seeking His direction. That night their prayer was answered. Daniel was given knowledge of the dream and the interpretation of it.
This must have been exciting for Daniel. It was an urgent matter. If Daniel could not meet the king’s demands, all of the wise men in Babylon would be executed.
Before hurrying over to see King Nebuchadnezzar with the answer, Daniel took time to honor the LORD. He prayed. He thanked God for blessing him.
There is much to be learned from Daniel’s immediate praise of God.
Daniel’s Relationship to God
In his praise we find Daniel referring to the LORD as the God of his fathers. Daniel knew that the God who blessed Israel through the years was the same God he served. The LORD was faithful and Daniel was grateful.
Although Daniel resided in a foreign land, his love for the God of Israel remained the same. If the LORD is your God, praise Him. God is good and deserves the praise of His people.
Daniel’s Respect for God
It would have been easy for Daniel to thank the LORD after seeing the king. The urgency and seriousness of the situation could have been used as an excuse. Most would have agreed with him or, at the least, been understanding. Daniel’s life was at stake. It was important that King Nebuchadnezzar hear the interpretation of the dream.
In offering praise to God first, Daniel displayed his priorities. It became clear that Daniel held the LORD in high regard. He would not make the LORD wait for His praise; instead, the King of Babylon would have to wait for the answer.
What do you think of God? Do you praise Him to start your day? Are your prayers filled with thanksgiving following His blessings? Praise the LORD. Glorify Him in all that you do.
Daniel’s Recognition of God’s Greatness
Daniel was not content with thanking God, but also glorified the LORD with his praise. Why? Daniel agreed with the other wise men of Babylon. There was no man on earth that could provide knowledge of the king’s dream and the interpretation of it. It was an impossible request. Only the LORD had power to impart this knowledge. Knowing this, Daniel offered up a prayer of honor and praise.
Wisdom and Might belong to God – the LORD knows all and is able to do whatever He chooses.
He changeth the “Times and the Seasons” – the LORD has authority over this world.
He removeth kings, and setteth up kings – contrary to popular opinion, it is the LORD that oversees the affairs of mankind.
He giveth wisdom unto the wise – the LORD provides ability to discern right and wrong.
He giveth knowledge to them that know understanding – the LORD is able to provide information for all occasions.
He revealeth the deep and “secret things” – the LORD has power to reveal the unknown to mankind. He has done so in His Word.
He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him – nothing escapes the LORD’S knowledge.
It’s good to remember that God is great. He is able to produce blessings in your life when all seems impossible.
Daniel’s excitement did not keep him from offering thanks unto God, and his urgency to deliver the message to the king did not prevent him from praising the LORD.
In his immediate praise, Daniel made his love for God known.