..."Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. ²¹He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;" Daniel 2:20-21
These verses comprise part of Daniel’s prayer of praise to God after He revealed King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel–not just the meaning of the dream, but the dream itself–thereby saving his life, along with all of the other wise men in Babylon. Daniel worked for the king, but he served the Lord.
Before the exile, Daniel, an educated member of the nobility, had a promising future. Then suddenly, one of “the most likely to succeed” was the most likely to be taken captive to the king's court in Babylon. Through human actions and a warring army, God changed Daniel’s season of privilege into one of captivity. He saw God give King Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand (Daniel 1:1-2). There were human factors at play, certainly–military strategies, leadership blunders, geographic opportunities and limitations–but ultimately, God delivered Jehoiakim up to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:2).
Even as a captive in a foreign court, Daniel looked to the Lord who gave him knowledge and favor (1:9). Daniel knew the source of his own wisdom and understanding, and of Nebuchadnezzar’s dominance over him. Such spiritual knowledge set Daniel apart. When the king asked his wise men and enchanters to interpret his dream, they panicked. But Daniel prayed. When the king asked for the impossible, Daniel asked God for wisdom.
Daniel was a Psalm 1 man who rejected “the counsel of the wicked,” refusing to eat the king’s delicacies and risking his neck to obtain a reprieve (Daniel 1). He walked in the way of the Lord, taking refuge in the God who is mighty to save, even as he served a Psalm 2 king who sought to “burst apart” God’s bonds, to his own harm (Psalm 2:2-3). Daniel did not fear warning the tyrannical King Nebuchadnezzar of the coming judgment because Daniel feared the Lord.
Look to God in the new year
This passage is a helpful guide for a new year. It orients us to God’s power and prerogative even as it prompts us to ask for wisdom and understanding. We should plan in light of God’s rule, knowing that He knows all things already. And He is the one who will give us what we need (Luke 12:32). The One who never changes (James 1:17, Hebrews 13:8), changes time and seasons. God inhabits eternity, we dwell in time. As we make plans or set goals and resolutions, may we do so in light of Scripture that calls us to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33), know the condition of our resources (Proverbs 27:23-24), count the cost of following Christ (Luke 14:27-28), and do everything with the humble awareness that we will do this or that–if the Lord wills. (James 4:15)
Pray for those in authority
This passage is also a fitting meditation as new office holders are sworn in at every level of the U.S. government. Those in power are there because God has placed them in authority, and He commands us to submit to them (Romans 13:1-3). Our thoughts toward them should be shaped by prayers of supplication and thanksgiving to God, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives that are godly and dignified (1 Timothy 2:2). We can learn from Daniel and pray that our leaders will turn away from sin and practice righteousness (Daniel 4:27).
Consider the Source
Daniel’s plea for help to know the king’s dream was not his first. Daniel’s life was characterized by dependence on God in prayer. He knew the source of his rescue at every turn–and there were many such turns. What Nebuchannzzer demanded in chapter 2 was impossible. One may overhear a conversation, but one can never see into or overhear another man’s dream–and Daniel knew it. It was God who revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him. Before telling the king his dream, Daniel boldly declared,
“No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days” (2:27b-28a).
May we depend utterly on this God in heaven who knows all things, controls all things, and blesses those who take refuge in Him.
For Reflection
What are you most excited about in the year ahead?
What circumstances are tempting you to have fear about the future?
Ask God to give you wisdom to know what to do, knowledge to understand His Word, and the peace of Christ to guard your heart as you live in light of His power and grace.
Candice Watters is the editor of Fighter Verses and co-author of Start Your Family: Inspiration for Having Babies with her husband Steve. The Watterses have two grown children and two who are nearly grown. They live in Louisville, KY.