Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Lost Dream

The king was in a strong position, having defeated many of the surrounding threats to his kingdom. However he is apparently troubled as his sleep is interrupted by dreams. This is obviously causing anxiety, a growing insecurity and uneasiness. His frustration is expressed in his demands to his resident advisors to not only interpret this particular dream but come up with the substance of it or meet their end!

Their response in verse 11 is the cue for Daniel and his trust in the Sovereign God.

How did Daniel face the sudden crisis described in verse 13? How does this compare with your reaction patterns and habits?

Look at the different ways in which God shows His power as cited by Daniel in his prayer of thanksgiving.

What strikes you most about Daniel’s conversation with Nebuchadnezzar vs 27-30?

What further direct references does Daniel make to God, and what is the effect on Nebuchadnezzar?

God was at work in this pagan situation, can you detect some of His strategy? There are hints of Moses (Ex 2ff) and Joseph (Genesis 39ff) - God positioning His people for particular purposes. Does God still work in this way?

Throughout this potentially dangerous scenario, Daniel showed an amazing confidence in God, how does that kind of trust develop?

What affects or damages our trust in God?

To ponder:

How does the life of Daniel a) encourage you?

b) challenge you?

Do you recognise yourself as “God’s person” in a particular situation?