When it All Comes True
Daniel 2:31-49
Dreams: I do not dream very often. Actually, I am told that I do dream, I just fail to recall most of my dreams. I have, on occasion, had the opportunity to have spirit blessed individuals interpret the dreams I can recall. Sometimes those interpretations have led me to take certain steps in my life and sometimes I have shied away from the steps encouraged by the dreams.
Some who have studied Daniel have suggested that the reason that Nebuchadnezzar requires the wise men to tell his dream is because he himself does not recall the dream. He remembers he dreamed. He has that feeling, upon waking, that something important came to him in his sleep, but he does not recall the specifics. It seems more likely that Nebuchadnezzar was slightly vindictive, that he did recall the dream, but wanted sure proof that the wise man who brought the interpretation brought a true interpretation.
The interpretation Daniel brings changes Nebuchadnezzar’s life. At the conclusion of the passage, Nebuchadnezzar declares that the God of the Hebrews is the true God and God of all gods, the Lord of kings. Nebuchadnezzar likely remains a polytheist, as was common in Ancient Near Eastern cultures, but he does declare that God is above all other gods and kings. So why does Daniel’s interpretation have this effect upon Nebuchadnezzar? Primarily, this is because of the wisdom that Daniel displays as he interprets the dreams. This wisdom convinces Nebuchadnezzar that the God of the Hebrews is God of all. There are also some significant points within the dream itself that point to God’s sovereignty and reveal amazing truths behind the mystery of the dream. These truths point to the fact that this dream comes true.
The dream itself is of a large statue. Huge statues were typical symbols in dreams in the Ancient Near East according to various sources we have.[1] These statues often designated great power. This statue is made up of four layers: a gold head, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs made of bronze, and legs of iron, which merged with feet of clay. In Daniel’s interpretation, these 4 layers represent 4 human kingdoms, the greatest of which (the gold head) is the kingdom of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar’s powerful reign. At this point, the interpretation would have been very favorable to Nebuchadnezzar as being both the head and the most precious metal would have affirmed him and the strength of his kingdom.
The dream does not end there though. There is also a large rock, cut out, but not by human hands. This rock smashes the feet of the statue. Then the rest of the statue falls to pieces. This rock then becomes a grand mountain that covers the entire earth. Daniel declares, in his interpretation, that this rock that transforms into a mountain represents the kingdom of God. This kingdom of God will overcome the other nations, bringing them to an end. Then this kingdom of God will endure forever. Human kingdoms are transient. They will all fade away. God’s kingdom is eternal. For the people in exile, this dream would have offered great comfort and hope. They would know that God remains in control and will bring victory for the faithful.
This dream has all come true! This brings even greater comfort! The 4 kingdoms have fallen into dust. There are various opinions regarding which four kingdoms of the ancient world are actually represented. The Roman view, favored by most conservative interpreters says the kingdoms are The Babylonian Empire, The Persian Empire, the Hellenistic Empire, and the Roman Empire. The other view, held by liberal interpreters, states that the kingdoms represented include The Babylonian Empire, The Medes, The Persian Empire, and The Hellenistic Empire.[2] Ultimately, this does not matter. All of these kingdoms have fallen. God’s kingdom has risen!
In the person of Jesus Christ, in his incarnation, life, death, and resurrection God’s kingdom enters into history. Through Christ, God proves His sovereignty! Through Christ, God brings victory! Through Christ, God brings comfort and hope! Final victory has not occurred yet. We exist in an in between time, in which God has brought his kingdom into this world, but has not fully eradicated the evil inherent in human kingdoms. But, in the gift of Christ, we know God actively enters into our world and into our lives bringing the promise of final victory over the powers of this world! Just as the rock becomes a mountain, covering the whole earth, so God’s grace, hope, and love cover the whole earth. All people are invited to experience the victory and join in the reign of God’s kingdom!
Prayer: Almighty God, you reign in our world and through the gift of Jesus Christ, you have invited us into your kingdom. We thank you for providing us with victory over our brokenness. We pray that your kingdom would come in its fullness so that all the effects of evil in our world will be destroyed. Come quickly Lord in your benevolent grace. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen!
[1] Tremper
Longman III, The NIV Application Commentary: Daniel. (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1999), 80.
[2]
Ibid., 81.
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