Thursday, March 13 – Daniel 2, 3

1. To whom did Daniel attribute the power of revelation? (Daniel 2:27, 28)

2. What does the stone cut out of the mountain and later destroyed the statue, filling the whole earth, represent? (Daniel 2:44)

3. What was the royal decree regarding the worship of the statue? (Daniel 3:5-7)

4. Whom did Nebuchadnezzar see alongside the three young men in the furnace? (Daniel 3:24, 25)

All the pre-exilic prophets are now behind us. In studying the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, we encounter the prophets who lived through exile or part of it. Now we turn to one of the most significant books, which extends from historical time into prophetic eschatology (relating to the end times)—the book of Daniel.

Daniel is closely related to the Adventist message. The primary prophecies concerning the Adventist movement come from Daniel and Revelation. In the coming days, we will embark on a fascinating study that will deepen our understanding of the present truth.

Perhaps Daniel 2 is the most widely used passage by evangelists, teachers, and preachers to demonstrate the accuracy of biblical prophecy. This chapter recounts the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who had a strange dream that he forgot upon waking. The king was convinced that the dream was a direct revelation from his gods, as he had gone to bed worried about the future of his kingdom. He was greatly disappointed when none of his wise men, astrologers, or magicians could reveal the dream. They were sentenced to death and would have been executed if not for the intervention of a young Hebrew captive—Daniel.

Daniel, studying in the Chaldean academy, was considered among the wise men. He requested a delay, and God revealed the dream to him after fervent prayer. Daniel boldly declared to the king that only the true God could reveal mysteries. He never took credit for himself but gave glory to the Creator. Not only did Daniel recount the forgotten dream, but he also provided its interpretation.

The statue in the dream symbolized a prophetic timeline of world history. Each metal represented a different kingdom. Interestingly, while the metals became harder, their value decreased.

The feet were a mixture of iron and clay, symbolizing a divided world—nations that appear strong but are incapable of unity. When these “toes” became fully established as modern nations, the God of heaven would establish His eternal kingdom.

The stone that struck the statue represents Christ and His Second Coming, which will bring the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth.

Daniel 3 describes the great trial of faith endured by Daniel’s three friends. It serves as an example for millions of young Christians throughout history who have suffered for upholding their principles.

Despite previously acknowledging Daniel’s God as the true God, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led him to erect a massive golden statue on the plain of Dura. If the head of the dream’s statue was gold, why not make an entire statue of gold and thus make his kingdom eternal? Such is the foolishness of human pride!

At the sound of the music, all were to bow before this symbol of human power over divine authority. This was the ultimate test for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. They did not waver in their faith and, as a result, were thrown into the fiery furnace—the punishment for disobedience.

In the flames, the presence of the Lord was manifested, fulfilling His promise to the faithful:
“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

Once again, Nebuchadnezzar witnessed the power of the true God. But he still had one more test ahead that would bring him to his knees before the Lord. That, however, is a topic for another lesson.

Some ask why Daniel was not with his companions during this event. Some suggest that, as an important government official, he was on a mission in another part of the kingdom. Others speculate he may have been ill, but this seems unlikely given his excellent health.

Nebuchadnezzar issued a royal decree commanding the worship of the true God: “Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.” (Daniel 3:29)

But should obedience and worship of the true God be mandated by a king or a president? What if a president today issued a decree requiring all citizens to stop working on the Sabbath and attend church? Would that be correct?

I leave you with that thought. May you be as faithful as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego!