Daniel 2
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Daniel 2:1-23
MacArthur observes that in ancient times "It was not abnormal at all for God to speak in dreams. Now I would say it's abnormal today if God has finished his revelation. So don't go to sleep at night hoping you'll get a revelation from God in your dream. I don't think God is in a business of revelations anymore since Hebrews 1:2-note says He's spoken unto us finally in these last days through His Son. I don't think there is any more revelation but in those days God chose to speak through dreams." (Ed: Some would argue this point as there are a number of reports of dreams of Jesus in men and women in the Middle East and from some reports, the dreams are instrumental in these people coming to faith in Jesus. I suppose we will have to wait to heaven for the full and final answer for now we see in a mirror dimly!) (The Forgotten Dream and the Unforgettable Daniel) ETHER DREAMS - An Illustration - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., was a doctor. As such he was very interested in the use of ether. In order to know how his patients felt under its influence, he once had a dose administered to himself. As he was going under, in a dreamy state, a profound thought came to him. He believed that he had suddenly grasped the key to all the mysteries of the universe. When he regained consciousness, however, he was unable to remember what the insight was. Because of the great importance this thought would be to mankind, Holmes arranged to have himself given either again. This time he had a stenographer present to take down the great thought. The either was administered, and sure enough, just before passing out the insight reappeared. He mumbled the words, the stenographer took them down, and he went to sleep confident in the knowledge that he had succeeded. Upon awakening, he turned eagerly to the stenographer and asked her to read what he had uttered. This is what she read: “The entire universe is permeated with a strong odor of turpentine.” (Bits & Pieces, November 12, 1992, pp. 20-22) "DIVINELY INDUCED INSOMNIA"
Daniel 2:24-49
MacArthur writes… We learn from the book of Daniel that the magi were among the highest-ranking officials in Babylon. Because the Lord gave Daniel the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream-which none of the other court seers was able to do-Daniel was appointed as “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Da 2:48). Because of his great wisdom and because he had successfully pleaded for the lives of the wise men who had failed to interpret the king’s dream (Da 2:24), Daniel came to be highly regarded among the magi. The plot against Daniel that caused him to be thrown into the lions’ den was fomented by the jealous satraps and the other commissioners, not the magi (Da 6:4-9). Because of Daniel’s high position and great respect among them, it seems certain that the magi learned much from that prophet about the one true God, the God of Israel, and about His will and plans for His people through the coming glorious King. Because many Jews remained in Babylon after the Exile and intermarried with the people of the east, it is likely that Jewish messianic influence remained strong in that region even until New Testament times… The magi from the east (Mt 2:1 - the word literally means “from the rising” of the sun, and refers to the orient) who came to see Jesus were of a completely different sort. Not only were they true magi, but they surely had been strongly influenced by Judaism, quite possibly even by some of the prophetic writings, especially those of Daniel. They appear to be among the many God-fearing Gentiles who lived at the time of Christ, a number of whom (e.g., Cornelius and Lydia - Acts 10:1, 2; 16:14) are mentioned in the New Testament… Though having had limited spiritual light, they (the magi from the East) immediately recognized God’s light when it shone on them. They had genuinely seeking hearts, hearts that the Lord promises will never fail to find Him (Je 29:13). (MacArthur, J: Matthew 1-7 Chicago: Moody Press) (Bolding added) The fact that Daniel says do not destroy the wise men supports the fact that the executions had not yet begun as suggested by some commentators. It also demonstrates God's prophet shares God's heart for all who are lost in spiritual darkness (even those ensnared by magic, witchcraft, sorcery, etc)… The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (Note the good news that brings salvation includes teaching on repentance!). (2Pe 3:9-note, cp 1Ti 2:4) I will declare - The confident assurance expressed by Daniel was founded on the sure revelation he had received from God. He knew his God and so he recognized His revelation as from Him (cp Jn 10:14, 27). Although in our day divine revelation has been completed in the Scriptures, as we go in faith to God's finished revelation and abide in it and it in us, we too can live with a "Daniel-like" confidence (cp Da 11:32b-note). Daniel 2:25 Then Arioch hurriedly brought Daniel into the king's presence and spoke to him as follows: "I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can make the interpretation known to the king!" brought: Pr 24:11 Ec 9:10) exiles of Judah: literally children of the captivity of Judah. Da 1:6 6:13 Neh 7:6 1Co 1:27,28 Then Arioch - He astutely recognized the significance of what Daniel was saying, but let us not forget that the underlying reason for all of the favor shown to Daniel was the fact that the good hand of His God was upon him (cp Daniel 1:9, 17). I have found - Arioch "the opportunist" presents Daniel as his personal "find", a move surely calculated to curry favor with the king. NET Bible note - Arioch's claim is self-serving and exaggerated. It is Daniel who came to him, and not the other way around. By claiming to have found one capable of solving the king's dilemma, Arioch probably hoped to ingratiate himself to the king. Daniel 2:26 The king said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen and its interpretation?" Daniel: Da 1:7 4:8,19 5:12) Are you able: Da 2:3, 4, 5, 6, 7 4:18 5:16 Ge 41:15 1Sa 17:33 Notice that Daniel does not speak until the king first addressed him, which was in accord with the accepted practice. Our King has spoken to us, so that we can now (daily) address Him in confidence and with no fear of condemnation! Hallelujah! Are you able to make known to me the dream and its interpretation (Da 2:3, 5, 6) - No and yes. "No I cannot in my own resources, but yes I can in God's wisdom and revelation (Da 2:21, 22) and as His mouthpiece." He recognized and made clear that there was nothing supernatural about him, except the good hand of His Supernatural God upon him, and so too should we in all our spiritual endeavors (and "successes" He allows) for His glory! This would have been the perfect opportunity for Daniel to take personal credit and receive all the glory. Although Daniel never heard Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he clearly understood the tenor of Mt 5:16-note. He knew that he was to perform good works so men could see the works, but he also understood that those visible good works were to bring glory (doxazo) to the invisible God in heaven. Daniel 2:27 Daniel answered before the king and said, "As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king Da 2:2,10,11 5:7, 5:8 Job 5:12,13 Isa 19:3 44:25 47:12, 13, 14 GIVING CREDIT TO WHOM IT IS DUE The mystery - The mystery which the wise men could not declare was the dream. The word mystery appears in the OT only in the Aramaic section of Daniel (mystery in fact is clearly a key word in Daniel 2 = Da 2:18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 47; Da 4:9), where raz (Aramaic) is given the translation of musterion [word study] ("mystery") by the Septuagint (LXX). Neither wise men - Daniel agrees with the proclamation of the not so "wise" wise men in Da 2:10, 11. Isa 44:7-8 ‘And who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, From the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming And the events that are going to take place. 8 ‘Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any [other] Rock? I know of none.’” Daniel 2:28 "However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed ( a God: Ps 115:3 Mt 6:9 reveals: Da 2:18,47 Ge 40:8 41:16 Isa 41:22,23 Am 4:13 in the: Da 10:14 Ge 49:1 Nu 24:14 Dt 4:30 31:19 Isa 2:2 Jer 30:24 48:47 Ezek 38:8,16 Ho 3:5 Mic 4:1,2 2Ti 3:1 Heb 1:1 2Pe 3:3 THE GOD WHO REVEALS MYSTERIES However - This serves as a term of contrast. What is the striking contrast? Ray Pritchard - In many ways Da 2:27,28 might be taken as the theme of the whole chapter: “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” Human inability is fully met by God’s almighty power. For nothing is impossible with God. (The World According to God) THE DREAM DESCRIPTION! A God in heaven who reveals mysteries - Notice the wonderful paradox - a God in heaven (far away) and yet at the same time so near that He hears His children! And so here Daniel picks up where the "wise men" left off in Da 2:11 when they stated no one except the gods could declare the dream and its interpretation. In so doing Daniel in essence issues a direct challenge to the impotent false religious system of Babylon with its plethora of dead "gods". And given that Babylon is the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth (Rev 17:5) or the "birthplace" of all the earth's false religions and idols, Daniel's declaration regarding a God in heaven sounds the death knell to these systems which sinful men have devised in their attempt to fill the void created by rejection of and rebellion against the One True, Living God! Reveals (01541) (gelah related to the Hebrew galah = to uncover, remove - like take the lid off so one can see what was previously invisible) means to bring over, to take away (as into exile = deport - Ezra 4:10, 5:12), to reveal (mysteries), to disclose hidden things. The Lxx (TH) translates all the uses of reveal in Daniel 2 (Da 2:19, 22, 28, 29, 30, 47) with the verb apokalupto [note] (cp the noun which is the "title" of John's Revelation = apokalupsis [word study]) which means literally to "take the cover away from" and so to uncover, lay open that which had been veiled or covered up and so to disclose it. Gelah - 9x in 8v - Ezra 4:10; 5:12; Da 2:19, 22, 28, 29, 30, 47. Translated - deported (2), reveal (1), revealed (2), revealer (1), reveals (3). Mysteries (07328)(raz) secrets so baffling that only revelation from God can make it understandable. Eventually Nebuchadnezzar recognized that it was the God of heaven Who alone could reveal mysteries (Da 2:47). Over 1000 years earlier Joseph another man with supernatural chose to give God the glory "Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Ge 41:16) Jon Courson commenting on Daniel's humility (cp importance of humility = Pr 15:33, 18:12, 22:4) comments "Daniel didn’t say, “I can tell you your dream.” He said, “Only the Lord can give you the information and understanding you seek.” I believe this was why Daniel was used from the time he was a young man all the way until he was eighty-five. He didn’t take credit. The fastest way to see the work of God through your life stopped is to begin to think it’s because you’re special. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary: Thomas Nelson) THE TIME FRAME: THE LATTER DAYS Latter days (also in the ESV, KJV) - Whenever you encounter a specific expression of time pause and ponder using the 5W/H'S questions. This time phrase clearly has eschatological (eschatos = last things) overtones and is synonymous with (and actually sometimes translated) last days (in the Lxx the phrase is "eschaton ton hemeron" = literally "last the days"). Last days is found in the NT and identifies a time period that from Hebrews 1:2 and Acts 2:17 begins with the first coming of Messiah. Isaiah 2:2 (and parallel passage in Micah 4:1-note) identifies events that will be consummated at the second coming of Messiah (Second Coming) coinciding with establishment of Messiah's Millennial Kingdom. Keep in mind as you study the OT, that there are 3 expressions of time which are virtually synonymous (always check context though because Job 42:12 is clearly not eschatological)… Latter days = Dt 4:30 Dt 31:29 Je 30:24 48:47 Da 2:28 Dt 10:14-note Last days = Isa 2:2 Jer 23:20 Jer 49:39 Ho 3:5 Mic 4:1 Days to come = Ge 49:1 Isa 27:6 Nu 24:14 Latter days- This Hebrew (acariyth yowm) (translated "days to come," = NIV, NET; "in the future" = NLT; "last days,") phrase occurs 13x in OT = Ge 49:1, Nu 24:14, Dt 4:30 [ESV = "tribulation" Dt 4:30ESV]; Dt 31:29; Isa 2:2; Jer 23:20, 30:24; 48:47; 49:39, Da 2:28 (actually the Aramaic Equivalent because Da 2:4-7:28 is written in Aramaic); Da 10:14 (Written in Hebrew again). Gen 49:1 Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what shall befall you in the days to come. NET Bible note - The expression “in the future” (אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים, ’akharit hayyamim, “in the end of days”) is found most frequently in prophetic passages; it may refer to the end of the age, the eschaton, or to the distant future. The contents of some of the sayings in this chapter stretch from the immediate circumstances to the time of the settlement in the land to the coming of Messiah. Carl Armerding - Keil says that this “in prophetic language denotes not the future generally but the last future, the Messianic age of consummation.” According to Delitzsch the expression refers to “the future which forms the close of the course of history. The notion is eschatological, but limited by the horizon of the speaker.” Gesenius refers to it as a “prophetic formula” which means “in the future time, in the last days.”8 It occurs also in Numbers 24:14, Deuteronomy 4:30 and 31:29, and about a dozen times in the Prophets. In each case the definitions given above would suit the context well. If, as Leupold remarks, “Jacob can see in one picture the occupation of Canaan and the Messiah’s kingdom but hardly anything that lies between,” we need not be surprised to find in the passage an intermingling of the near future with that which is more remote." (Bib Sac 112:448 - Oct 55) Num 24:14 “And now behold, I am going to my people; come, [and] I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come… 17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. Now, take a moment and Meditate on each of these passages on the latter/last days (or "days to come") also examining the context remembering that context is the "king" in interpretation. See if you do not agree that this time phrase almost always speaks of a time just preceding to or terminating with the Lord's return. After you have made your own observations you might read the notes on Discussion of Last Days in the prophecy in Isa 2:2. And so we can see that in this passage Daniel uses the term latter days to define the scope of the prophecy is about to unfold. From the following context the latter days begins with the time of the Babylonian Empire and ends with the return of Christ (the Stone), a time period that perfectly parallels the "times of the Gentiles" (Lk 21:24). The angelic messenger sent to interpret Daniel's vision (Da 10:7) declared "Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people (Israel, the Jews) in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future." (Da 10:14) Gleason Archer on latter days - [The phrase] first appears in Ge 49:1, where Jacob foretold the lot of the Twelve Tribes after their conquest of Canaan some four centuries later. In Dt 4:30 it refers to the period of Israel’s return to God after adversity, in Dt 31:29 of the period of Israel’s future rebellion. In Isa. 2:2 it points forward to the establishment of the millennial kingdom, in Ezek 38:16 to the eschatological war of Gog against restored Israel. Here (Da 2:28) it seems to refer to all the coming events subsequent to the lifetime of Nebuchadnezzar and including the final establishment of the fifth kingdom (the Millennial Age). The other occurrence in Da 10:14 seems to include both the “Proto-Tribulation” under Antiochus Epiphanes in the second century B.C. and the antitypical Great Tribulation under the Beast in the last days. Donald Campbell - Because the Bible is a supernatural book, it can, and does, have a great deal to say about the future. And this should give comfort and security to the believer in contrast to the unbeliever who "bites his nails" and wonders how things will turn out. Two men were listening to a delayed broadcast of their school's crucial basketball game against a rival university. Suddenly one of them said, "Why am I so nervous? I know how it comes out." To which his friend replied, "Now you know how God must feel when we fret and get so depressed." After all, He knows how it comes out! (Borrow Daniel Decoder of Dreams - aka God's Man in a Secular Society page 22) I will not seek to know the future years, Nor cloud today with dark tomorrow’s fears; I will but ask clear light from heaven to show How step by step my pilgrimage should go. —Anon. You don’t need to know where you’re going if you know God is leading. Daniel 2:29 "As for you, O king, while on your bed your thoughts turned to what would take place in the future; and He who reveals mysteries has made known to you what will take place. Da 2:22,28,47 Am 4:13 Related Passages: Daniel 2:47+ The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Amos 4:13 For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind And declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness And treads on the high places of the earth, The LORD God of hosts is His name. HISTORY WRITTEN IN ADVANCE! What would take place in the future (cp "the latter days") - Naturally any king would want to know what happens to his kingdom in the future. THOUGHT - Do you desire to know the future? Then be diligent to study Daniel and the Revelation and you will know the future because our Great God has chosen to reveal to His children His Plan for the Ages. And when you learn it, be sure to teach it to others who are searching and/or skeptical. I have found that teaching the Scriptures on the end times stirs people deeply as they realize this is not a fairy tale but is irrefutable truth and some of them will receive the Gospel (that has been my experience). He who reveals mysteries (mystery = "key word" = Da 2:18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 47; 4:9) - What a great (descriptive) Name for our God. Mysteries are sacred secrets hitherto unknown, humanly unknowable, and now divinely revealed. The mysteries are not unintelligible nor mysterious (like a Sherlock Holmes "mystery"), but are merely God’s secret until in this case He has chosen to reveal them through a pagan king and to be interpreted by a divine prophet. The classic NT example of a mystery hidden but then revealed is the church, not revealed at all in the OT (see Ep 3:3-note). Notice that Daniel did not impugn the names or reputations of Nebuchadnezzar’s gods, which is a great lesson for all of us that we need to be very careful when we witness for the only true and living God. Our tact should be to introduce them to the one and only true God and allow the convicting, illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit to show them the difference. Give them truth which will allow them to discern that which is false. Or as Peter says to believers who were in various fiery trials (1Pe 3:14-note) "but sanctify (aorist imperative = Command to do this now and do it effectively. It is urgent!) Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, (How are we to present our defense of the God of heaven?) yet with gentleness and reverence (with our words) and (with our words that "back up" the veracity of our testimony of hope!) keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile y-our good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1Pe 3:15, 16-note) Daniel's dream description and decryption are clear examples of the God Who "reveals the profound and hidden things" (Da 2:22). Donald Campbell - Two men were listening to a delayed broadcast of their school's crucial basketball game against a rival university. Suddenly one of them said, "Why am I so nervous? I know how it comes out." To which his friend replied, "Now you know how God must feel when we fret and get so depressed." After all, He knows how it comes out! (Borrow Daniel Decoder of Dreams - aka God's Man in a Secular Society page 22) Daniel 2:30 "But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. this mystery: Ge 41:16 Ac 3:12 1Co 15:8, 9, 10, 11, 12 but: Da 2:17,18,49 Isa 43:3,4 45:4 Mt 24:22 Mk 13:20 Ro 8:28 1Co 3:21, 22, 23 2Co 4:15) (Da 2:47 DANIEL'S HUMILITY But - a term of contrast. What is being contrasted? But as for me - Incredible humility in view of the fact that he has just received one of the greatest revelations ever given, a revelation that lays out the history of the entire world until Messiah returns. Paul made a parallel selfless statement… Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Cor 3:5,6-note, cp Jas 4:6-note, 1Pe 5:5-note, cp importance of humility = Pr 15:33, Pr 18:12, Pr 22:4) Joseph exhibited a similar humility when he passed on to God the glory (Ps 115:1-note) declaring to Pharaoh "It is not in me. God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." (Ge 41:16). Joseph and Daniel are great OT illustrations which emphasize that the man who chooses for God and refuses to compromise with the world (Da 1:8, Ge 39:9), will be a vessel of honor, set apart and useful to Him as their Master (2Ti 2:21-note, cp He 6:12-note). Donald Campbell records the following story - Dr. H. A. Ironside, famed pastor and Bible teacher, was once convicted about his lack of humility. A friend recommended, as a remedy, that he march through the streets of Chicago wearing a sandwich board, shouting the Scripture verses inscribed on the board for all to hear. Dr. Ironside agreed to this challenging venture and when he returned to study and removed the board, he said "I'll bet there's not another man in town who would do that!" (Borrow Daniel Decoder of Dreams - aka God's Man in a Secular Society page 22) Thoughts of your mind - Mind is more literally heart (Aramaic = lebab. See discussion of the related Hebrew word for heart =Heart (leb and lebad) David Jeremiah makes an interesting comment noting that the dream "was not given to some pious preacher, but to the vilest world ruler at that time. It was like God revealing to Hitler what was going to happen with the Berlin Wall, the demise of the USSR, and the Second Coming." (Borrow The Handwriting On The Wall- Secrets From The Prophecies Of Daniel - see page 46) Ultimately of course the full revelation was revealed to God's prophet in Babylon in accord with the word of another prophet Amos who wrote that "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals (Lxx = apokalupto = "removes the cover which conceals") His secret counsel (Hebrew = sod = speaks of intimacy, friendship, fellowship as used in Ps 25:14 = "secret" - Daniel was privy to these eschatological secrets) to His servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) Daniel 2:31 "You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. and the: Da 7:3-17 Mt 4:8 Lk 4:5 Isa 13:11 25:3, 4, 5 Eze 28:7 Hab 1:7 THE IMAGE OF A MAN Clarence Larkin draws our attention to significance of the fact that the statute is of a man - "This is the day of the “DEIFICATION OF MAN.” (Ed: See Tony Garland's topic "The Deification of Man") From the day when Nebuchadnezzar set up in the Plain of Dura that “Golden Image,” typical of himself, and commanded all the people of his realm to worship it (Da 3:1-7), until the False Prophet shall command that the people shall make an “Image to the Beast” (The Antichrist) and worship the same (Rev 13:13-17), the only suitable symbol to describe the character of the “Times of the Gentiles” (Lk 21:24) is the “Image of a Man.” " (The Book of Daniel) (See Larkin's depiction of the Statute) Behold - This interjection is given to heighten the observer's attention - "Pay attention to what follows" is the idea. There are some 1058 "beholds" in the OT and they are all deserving of our careful attention. Every encounter to cause us to pause and ponder "What is being described or declared? Why now? What significance?, etc" Every use of "behold" by the Spirit is profitable for teachings! (cp 2Ti 3:16). Single great statue - Emphasizes the continuity and integral relationship of the kingdoms represented. In other words the dominion would change, but elements of one kingdom would continue into the next. This one statue in a sense represented all of the Gentile kingdoms that would exist until the end of this age (when the Stone returns to end Gentile dominion forever). Tony