Jeremiah 29:4-14 NRSV

⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵ “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. ⁶ Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. ⁷ Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” ⁸ Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. ⁹ They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.

¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Daniel 1:1-18

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. ² The Lord gave King Jehoiakim of Judah into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and he placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods.

³ Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility: ⁴ young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans.⁵ The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. ⁶ Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. ⁷ The palace master gave them other names: Daniel, he called Belteshazzar; Hananiah, he called Shadrach; Mishael, he called Meshach; and Azariah, he called Abednego.

⁸ But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine, so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. ⁹ Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion from the palace master. ¹⁰ The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your age, you would endanger my head with the king.” ¹¹ Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: ¹² “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations and deal with your servants according to what you observe.” ¹⁴ So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. ¹⁵ At the end of ten days, it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. ¹⁶ So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables. ¹⁷ To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.

¹⁸ At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, ¹⁹ and the king spoke with them. Among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore, they were stationed in the king’s court. ²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. ²¹ And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus. 

Introduction to the series

As we enter this summer, we’ll explore the Book of Daniel. Daniel’s narrative is more than vivid stories; it’s a testament to faith amid exile. Themes include courage, divine sovereignty, and hope, all of which point to Christ and His eternal kingdom. The Babylonian exile highlights God’s judgment and faithfulness, as foretold in Deuteronomy 28’s warnings and predicted by Isaiah (Isaiah 39:1-8). Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesy about the events happening in the world around Daniel and his friends. Daniel’s steadfast loyalty to God, as demonstrated by his defiance of royal rations, wisdom in dreams, and his encounter in a lion’s den, shows readers of his story how to live faithfully even while walking in a foreign land. This summer, we will explore Daniel’s powerful story and its timeless truths.

The Babylonian exile, as described in 2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36, sets the backdrop for what happened to Daniel and the other affluent nobility of Judah. In these narratives, we see that Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness led to the fulfillment of the warnings in Deuteronomy 28:36-37. As Babylon rose to power, it served as the instrument of divine correction, foreseen in Isaiah 39:6-7. Within the context of our lesson today, we focus on Daniel, a young man taken captive from the land of Judah.

The first chapter of Daniel vividly illustrates God’s sovereignty over nations and empires, revealing His ultimate control even amidst the rise and fall of worldly powers. This truth is echoed in passages like Psalm 2:1-4, “Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.” The psalmist depicts God laughing at the futile ambitions of earthly rulers, asserting the supremacy of His creation. Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself, as seen in verse 8, mirrors the integrity of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:9), when he declines the advances of Potiphar’s wife, and the courage of Esther and Mordecai in Persia (Esther 4:14), when Esther decides to save her people from genocide. Collectively, in these passages, we see a reflection of what Daniel had decided in his mind to do. The call to remain faithful in the face of trials and to trust in God’s sovereign purpose shows us that Daniel was not alone. Like Joseph, Esther, and others, such as Ezekiel and Jeremiah, Daniel had God with him. No matter what the empires of the world set out to do.

Also, like Joseph, God grants Daniel the divine gift of interpreting dreams and visions. In Daniel 2 and 7, his ability to decipher mysteries will underscore the role of God’s Spirit in illuminating truths, as further echoed in Ephesians 1:17-18, where Paul speaks of the Spirit granting wisdom and revelation to know God better. Throughout the Bible, God uses chosen individuals to unveil His plans and purposes, both in ancient times and in the lives of believers today.

Daniel is one of the best-known prophets. We are taught his stories as children, and we often overlook him in light of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. However, Daniel is different from the other major prophets. Daniel serves as an archetype figure of the coming messiah, showcasing a life of unwavering faithfulness and service even in the face of persecution. His role as a mediator and faithful servant prefigures Christ, the ultimate Servant, as described in Isaiah 53. This connection to God, placed in the highest levels of Nebuchadnezzar’s court, would have held significant meaning for the Jewish people in exile, offering a framework through which they could later recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. Just as Daniel remained steadfast and obedient under immense pressure, Christ too embodied perfect faithfulness, even in His ultimate submission to the will of the Father, as seen in Matthew 26:39, where Jesus prays, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42 KJV) These parallels not only underscore the continuity of God’s redemptive plan but also provide a profound theological foundation for understanding how the Old Testament scriptures point to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. This is why Jesus said I came to fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Chapter 1 of Daniel stands out from the rest of the book. It serves as an introduction, but it also serves as a prophecy and promise of God’s unwavering faith in his people. It is essential to recognize that Babylon did not defeat Jerusalem as it had defeated the Assyrians. Verse 2 tells us that God used Nebuchadnezzar as a tool and “gave King Jehoiakim of Judah into his power.” This establishes the theology of God’s sovereignty, a theme that will be repeated throughout the subsequent stories. No wonder the psalmist depicts God laughing at the world’s empires. All who believe in God’s sovereignty and seek God in their daily lives will prosper, even while in exile. No one in the Book of Daniel exemplifies this faithfulness than our hero Daniel himself.

Daniel 1:21 serves as a significant marker as it ends the first chapter. It frames the beginning of the story, Daniel’s abduction by the Babylonians, with the eventual fall of Babylon to the Persian Empire under King Cyrus, who liberated the Jews and allowed them to return home to rebuild their homeland. This assurance that Daniel will not only survive Babylon but also see its eventual downfall invites us to reflect on the enduring call to be faithful to God, in the midst of whatever life may throw at us, whether we face opposition in a hostile culture or navigate personal challenges in our own lives. Like Daniel, we are called to stand firm in our commitment to God, trusting in His sovereign and eternal plan.

Daniel’s story offers more than historical insight; it carries a profound message of hope rooted in God’s ultimate authority over the kingdoms of this world. While human empires may rise and fall, God’s kingdom remains unshakable and everlasting—a foundation that calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing our strength and courage are anchored in the promises of the One Eternal God.

As Christians and heirs to God’s promise found in Jesus Christ, we are reminded that we are not citizens of this world, but of heaven. Just as Daniel lived as a resident alien in Babylon, faithfully serving God while being set apart from the culture around him, we too are called to live as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom, reflecting His light in a world often shrouded in darkness. This promise, this assurance, should inspire us to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that our lives are part of His eternal plan, and our ultimate home is with our Lord.

Moreover, Daniel’s life, set four hundred years before Jesus’ birth, underscores the unity of Scripture, showing us how biblical themes resound across time and point us to Christ. The theological threads, woven throughout the Bible, remind us that Daniel’s narrative is not just ancient history—it is a living testimony that speaks to our lives today, encouraging us to stand firm in our commitment to God, to live courageously under His lordship, and to embrace our true identity Christians, because no matter where we live, we are citizens of heaven.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Bibliography

NRSVue [Book]. – Washington, D.C.: National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America, 2021.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books [Book] / ed. Meeks, Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

The New Testament and the Book of Psalms, King James Version 1611 [Book]. – New York: American Bible Society.

The Preacher’s Commentary, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther [Book] / auth. Roberts, Mark/ed. Ogilvie Lloyd J. – Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1993. – ePub Edition: pp. 6698-6758.

The Prophets: Two Volumes in One [Book] / auth. Heschel Abraham J. – Philadelphia: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he had a dream and wanted his wise men to interpret it without revealing the dream. None could do it except for Daniel. He and his friends, recognizing the power of prayer, fervently prayed to God, who revealed the dream and its meaning. Daniel then informed the king of both.

Daniel 2:39-46 NRSV

“You were looking, O king, and there appeared a great statue. That statue was huge, its brilliance extraordinary; it was standing before you, and its appearance was frightening. ³² The head of that statue was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its midsection and thighs of bronze, ³³ its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. ³⁴ As you looked on, a stone was cut out, not by human hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces. ³⁵ Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were all broken in pieces and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors, and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

³⁶ “That was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. ³⁷ You, O king, the king of kings—to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory, ³⁸ into whose hand he has given human beings wherever they live, the wild animals of the field, and the birds of the air and whom he has established as ruler over them all—you are the head of gold. ³⁹ After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. ⁴⁰ And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; just as iron crushes and smashes everything, it shall crush and shatter all these. ⁴¹ As you saw the feet and toes partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the strength of iron shall be in it, as you saw the iron mixed with the clay. ⁴² As the toes of the feet were part iron and part clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. ⁴³ As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so will they mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay. ⁴⁴ And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, ⁴⁵ just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain not by hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great God has informed the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain and its interpretation trustworthy.”

⁴⁶ Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that a grain offering and incense be offered to him.

The Statue

The dream of King Nebuchadnezzar—a vision of a great statue with a gold head, silver chest, bronze thighs, iron legs, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay is a strange reminder that human powers are temporary and only God’s kingdom endures forever. As hinted in the closing verse of the last chapter, where it is stated that Daniel will last until Cyrus the Great comes to power, Daniel will inform the king that although God blesses him, he is not immortal. 

Speaking Truth to Power

The first lesson from Daniel 2 is that God’s sovereignty serves as the foundation for our faith. Daniel, a devout man of God, acknowledges that the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is ultimately in God’s hands, especially since the king will not reveal the content of the dream. Daniel proclaims, “Blessed be the name of God from age to age, for wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons, deposes kings, and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (vs. 2:20-2)

Daniel reminds the king and us that no ruler or empire can thwart God’s divine plan. The sovereignty of God is not a theological concept; it is the foundational truth of Christian identity. As Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, trusting in God’s sovereignty provides a firm foundation. Our confidence must rest not in princes or presidents but in the Lord who rules over all nations and history. We must, like Daniel, humbly acknowledge that God’s kingdom is the only unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

God uses Hos tools wisely

Next, we observe that while Nebuchadnezzar served as God’s instrument of judgment on Judah, he was not without his weaknesses. The king’s request for someone to interpret his dream—without revealing its details—highlights his desperation and arrogance. He demanded certainty from his magicians, yet this demand stemmed from pride and distrust. He threatened to kill them all if they could not fulfill his request. I assert that this is the first indication of a mental issue, a recurring theme that will lead to a complete loss of the king’s faculties in Chapter 4. 

More importantly, Nebuchadnezzar’s fatal flaw was his inability to recognize God’s sovereignty. His pride led him to believe he was the greatest king. However, Nebuchadnezzar proved the words of Lord Dalberg-Acton true: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Nebuchadnezzar’s story parallels that of other biblical figures who were humbled by God [Pharaoh (Exodus 5-14), Herod (Acts 12:21-23)]. Their downfall reminds us that no matter how powerful a ruler appears, they are mortal and finite. Their kingdom is fragile, built upon the sand of their pride.  

The lesson here is clear: the king may be crazy for asking for details of a dream he does not want to disclose or can’t remember, but God is sovereign over even the most irrational rulers. The dream clearly spooked the king in some way. Maybe he could not recall the details, only the feeling it left him with. Have you ever had a dream like that? I have. The question is whether we trust in God’s sovereignty or are tempted to place our hope in worldly power.  

Finally, the stone cut out without hands in Daniel 2:44 crushes the statue at its feet, symbolizing the destruction of all earthly kingdoms. This stone represents God’s eternal kingdom, which will never be destroyed. Gold may be precious, silver and bronze shiny, and iron strong, but clay weakens the iron. All nations, empires, and rulers—represented by the head of gold to the feet of clay—rise and fall, but only God’s reign is everlasting.  

This truth echoes the message of Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” It also reminds us of Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

In our modern context, we witness the rise and fall of nations—empire after empire—yet God’s kingdom remains unshaken. The clay feet of the statue symbolize the fragility of human power, built on unstable foundations. They also represent the sin that separates us from God. We are not perfect; stained by sin, which distances us from God, we must confess and repent. Only God’s unshakable throne endures forever, and only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from our sins, restoring us to the embrace of God’s grace. As Christians, we must fix our eyes on that eternal kingdom, not on the fleeting powers of this world. We are like the statue’s feet of clay: fragile yet part of a greater story that culminates in God’s everlasting reign.  

Another aspect of the statue and its placement is that it also prophesies the coming of Jesus. If Nebuchadnezzar represents the head of gold, symbolizing the Babylonian Empire, and the chest of silver represents King Cyrus the Great of Persia, then the midsection of bronze likely represents Alexander the Great of Greece, who defeated the Persian Empire. (A little history lesson) Alexander’s empire will split, and Rome will become the next superpower. However, as time passes and the Roman Empire expands too far, it begins to weaken. This is the feet of iron and clay. As the statue stands, it becomes unstable when a rock, not carved by human hands, strikes it. It crumbles and blows away, but the stone endures. That stone is the kingdom of God, sent from heaven and represented by Jesus. Many scholars debate the date of Daniel’s composition due to the prophecies contained in the book. Few believe Daniel wrote it, while many more say it was written during the Maccabean era. We know that it couldn’t be later than that because of how often it is quoted in the New Testament: Matthew 24:30, Mark 13:26, 1462, and Luke 21:27. Additionally, the book is alluded to or echoed around 130 times in the New Testament. Some scholars even suggest that the book of Daniel is quoted or alluded to over 200 times, placing it among the most frequently referenced Old Testament books in the New Testament.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the feet of clay, let us examine our hearts. Are we placing our trust in earthly powers that will inevitably crumble? Or are we anchoring our hope in the everlasting kingdom of God? The kingdoms of this world are indeed temporary, but God’s kingdom is everlasting. Therefore, let us live with humility, fully trusting in God’s sovereignty and proclaiming the arrival of His eternal reign.  

Ultimately, the king failed to grasp the essence of Daniel’s interpretation. Verse 46 states, “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel…” By falling on his face and worshipping Daniel, an instrument of God and not God Himself, he inadvertently reveals his lack of understanding. This, too, is reflected in the New Testament. Look at Acts 10, Acts 14, or Revelation 19:10, and you will see people worshipping an instrument of God, but not God. We must not let our faith be misplaced. Like Daniel, we should rely on prayer to keep us aligned with the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s will in our lives. If we do this, we will not have feet of clay, but hearts unwavering in faith, steadfastly believing and committed to God. May you prayerfully stand firm against doubt or temptation that could be symbolized by “feet of clay,” and seek the Lord in all you do. 

Let us pray:

“Lord, help us to trust in Your sovereignty and not to place our hope in fleeting powers. Teach us to seek Your eternal kingdom above all else. In a world of shifting sands, help us cling to the unshakable rock—Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. May we be humble in our dependence and steadfast in our hope of Your everlasting kingdom. May we stand firm in You, knowing that only You are forever. Amen.”  

Bibliography

Daniel in the New Testament: Visions of God’s Kingdom [Online] / auth. Evans, Craig A. // Brill.com. – Brill Deutschland GmbH, 2025. – June 18, 2025. – https://brill.com/display/book/edcoll/9789004276093/B9789004276093-s011.xml.

New Testament References to Daniel [Online] / auth. Hardy, Ph.D. Frank W. // www.historicism.org. – Historicism, September 19, 2010. – June 19, 2025. – http://www.historicism.org/Documents/Jrnl/DanNT.pdf.

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. – Washington D.C.: Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible/ed. Meeks, Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

Daniel 3:1-12 NRSV

King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. ² Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent for the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to assemble and come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. ³ So the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. When they were standing before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up, ⁴ the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages,⁵ that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.⁶ Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.” ⁷ Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

⁸ Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. ⁹ They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! ¹⁰ You, O king, have made a decree, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, shall fall down and worship the golden statue, ¹¹ and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. ¹² There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

Introduction

         In Chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is an intricate symbol of fleeting human achievement and fragile pride. The statue, crafted from different metals, representing the great empires of history, reminds us how our pursuits—wisdom, wealth, and power—are often layered with vanity. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed a startling reality: no matter how mighty our monuments seem, they are but shadows against the unshakable throne of God.  

         Imagine the awe-inspiring spectacle of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride as we learn in the very next chapter that the king has decided to build a statue for himself. A shimmering golden statue (probably resembling the one in his dream), gleaming with the arrogance of a king who dares to elevate himself above God, flaunting his glory as if it were eternal. This statue was indeed a monument to hubris, a dazzling illusion to blind Nebuchadnezzar to the truth: only God’s sovereignty endures beyond the brightest gold.  

         The moral of this story is that the dangerous tendency of the human heart toward idolatry isn’t just something that existed in the heart of a king who lived 2,600 years ago; it is very much alive in each of us today. Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue isn’t just an idol—it’s a mirror reflecting our own temptations to worship success, independence, or our own image. Take a look at what we post on social media: everyone who shares online only shares the best picture, video, or personal update. We seek the attention of others by creating pictorial idols that seek “likes” and “thumbs up.” The King’s stubborn refusal to humble himself reveals a fortress of pride that refuses to bow before divine authority. Yet, it is in our moments of pride that God’s sovereignty most powerfully reveals itself.

         Unlike the statue in his dream, the king’s new statue was made of solid gold. He was trying to prove, maybe to himself, maybe to Daniel’s God, that he could change the prophecy in his dream. However, history tells us differently. 

         The king orders all of his court to worship the statue; this includes Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The problem comes when they refuse to bow down and worship the statue because it is not God. 

         Enter the fiery furnace of our story today—a blazing crucible where everything, including human pride, is consumed by divine fire. Our three heroes are brought before the king when he is told they will not worship the idol. In vv. 16-18, they do not even offer a defense. They say, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. ¹⁷ If our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. ¹⁸ But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

         The palace guards, who were to take Daniel’s friends and throw them in, were overcome by the backdraft that billowed out when the doors to the furnace were opened. The story tells us that the flames of the furnace, which represent the pride of the king, roar with fury, yet they cannot scorch the faithful who trust in God’s power. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walk unscathed through the inferno, they proclaim a truth that echoes through eternity: no fire, no power, no pride can withstand the sovereignty of our God. His dominion is unassailable, His authority unstoppable.  

         When we read this story, ask yourself, who do you identify with? Is it the king? Is it the guards? Is it Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? We cannot help ourselves; we identify with the heroes of the story, not the prideful king or the palace guards who were following orders. Even with the knowledge of hindsight and the moral foreknowledge this story conveys, we fail to understand that we are not the heroes, no matter how much we want to be. 

         Some of us are the guards; we are just following orders. We are following the leader. We do not think for ourselves; we do what the crowd is doing. We don’t mean anyone any harm; we want to live our lives and be left alone. If we speak up, we only repeat what we have heard. We do not rock the boat, so to speak. We only have good intentions. Have you ever heard the saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions?”

         Some of us are the king in the story; we do not follow the crowd. We are too smart for that. We are leaders! We create a righteous path in life, we teach others right from wrong, and we guide them on what to say and what to do. We are like the people by whom the foundations of this great nation were built to last for eternity. We are a proud people –Have you ever heard the saying, “Pride cometh before the fall?”

         Although we would like to identify as them, very few people are as faithful to God as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Even fewer in history reach the level of Daniel. We do not refuse to bow before the idols of this world. We often fail to submit to God’s will. We do not seek discernment of the Spirit in all things. We are afraid that the angel of the Lord will not stand in the fiery furnace and protect us…

         Simply put, even in the midst of a biblical story about the aftermath of the fall of God’s people by God’s hand for not obeying His commandments. We cannot see that God is telling us that we still rely too much on our strength, instead of His grace. This story is a cautionary tale! Don’t be the king, don’t be the guards.

         Today, we face our own fiery tests. We build statues—symbols of our strength, our achievements, our independence—only to find they crumble when life’s fires burn hottest. Our illusions of control are just that—illusions. But there is hope. The same God who protected His faithful in the furnace is inviting us to tear down our idols of self-reliance and place our trust fully in Him. 

         Let the Holy Spirit ignite a fire of humility within you—a fire that refines rather than consumes. In God’s sovereignty, we find true strength, not in prideful monuments, but in the eternal King who governs all. Trust in Him for safety amid life’s fiercest challenges.

         Take a moment to reflect on your values and how you wish to present yourself in the world. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about growth. Each step toward authenticity in Christ brings us closer to our true selves. We call it sanctification, and it is as important as deciding to follow Christ. Commit to dismantling the distractions that keep us from our Christian identities. In surrendering to God’s will, we gain the strength and clarity needed to embrace our journeys, trusting that this process reveals who we are meant to be.

Bibliography

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. – Washington D.C.: Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible/ed. Meeks, Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

The Prophets: Two Volumes in One [Book] / auth. Heschel Abraham J.. – Philadelphia: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Daniel 4:1-9 NRSV

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages that live throughout the earth: May you have abundant prosperity! 2 The signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me, I am pleased to recount. 3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his sovereignty is from generation to generation. 4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living at ease in my home and prospering in my palace. 5 I saw a dream that frightened me; my fantasies in bed and the visions of my head terrified me. 6 So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, in order that they might tell me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not tell me its interpretation. 8 At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god and who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream: 9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that you are endowed with a spirit of the holy gods and that no mystery is too difficult for you. Hear the dream that I saw, and tell me its interpretation.

Introduction: Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation

In the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, we observe a profound declaration that resonates through the ages. This chapter, likely structured as a letter, serves not only as a formal communication to all peoples and nations but also as a personal testimony of the king’s transformative experience with the divine.

The king begins by proclaiming the greatness of God’s signs and wonders, emphasizing their significance and the awe they inspire. His testimony, however, is notably self-referential. He reflects on a time when he was living in ease, suggesting a state of comfort and complacency prior to his encounter with God. It was during this period that he had a profound dream that would ultimately lead him to make a decree, illustrating the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events even in the life of a king.

The King’s Troubling Dream

Nebuchadnezzar has a disturbing dream that alarms him. A powerful and beautiful tree stands at the center of the earth, providing shelter and food for all creatures. “There was a tree at the center of the earth, and its height was great. ¹¹ The tree grew great and strong, its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. ¹² Its foliage was beautiful, its fruit abundant, and it provided food for all. The animals of the field found shade under it, the birds of the air nested in its branches, and from it all living beings were fed.” (vv. 1-12) Then a divine messenger descends from heaven and orders the tree to be cut down, leaving only its stump and roots. 

 The king calls Daniel (Belteshazzar) to interpret the dream because he had already asked all the wise men of Babylon to interpret it, but none could provide the answer. So, Daniel is brought before the king because of his known wisdom and spirit. Notice that Nebuchadnezzar ad praises Daniel’s God for all he had done, but still, he calls on Daniel as a last resort to have his dream understood. 

            Like most kings throughout history, Nebuchadnezzar has a high opinion of himself. He probably has those who stand in his court telling him what he wants to hear; traditionally, we refer to them as “Yes men.” This feeds into the king’s ego; they become self-righteous and begin to believe in their worth as the ultimate provider for their people. This is the king’s ultimate sin. He admits that God has blessed him, but he falls short of giving God credit for his success, even though those like Daniel have told him repeatedly that God has made it so. 

The Dream’s Content

As Daniel is brought before the king, the king recounts his dream to Daniel: a massive and strong tree is visible to the ends of the earth, providing shelter and food to all creatures. Then, a “holy watcher” (v.13)^[1] descends from heaven, commanding that the tree be cut down and stripped, but the stump and roots are to be left bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. He says, “Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from beneath it and the birds from its branches. ¹⁵ But leave its stump and roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be bathed with the dew of heaven and let his lot be with the animals in the grass of the earth. ¹⁶ Let his mind be changed from that of a human and let the mind of an animal be given to him. And let seven times pass over him. ¹⁷ The sentence is rendered by decree of the watchers, the decision is given by order of the holy ones, in order that all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of mortals; he gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of human beings.”

Daniel Interprets the Dream

Daniel is appalled and troubled by the meaning, but the king encourages him to speak. Daniel says, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!” He explains that the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar himself, whose greatness and dominion reach far and wide. The cutting down of the tree signifies that Nebuchadnezzar will be driven from society, live among animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven periods of time. The stump bound in iron and bronze means his kingdom will be preserved for him until he acknowledges that it is God in heaven who rules.

Daniel urges the king to repent, practice righteousness, and show mercy to the oppressed, in hopes that the king’s prosperity may be prolonged. 

The Fulfillment of the Dream

Twelve months later, as Nebuchadnezzar boasts about his achievements in Babylon, a voice from heaven declares the fulfillment of the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is driven from among people, lives as an animal, and his sanity is taken from him for seven years.

The King’s Restoration and Praise

After the appointed time, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returns, and he praises and honors the Most High God. He is restored to his throne, his counselors and nobles seek him out, and his splendor is even greater than before. Nebuchadnezzar concludes by exalting and glorifying the King of heaven, acknowledging that all God’s works are right and His ways just, and that God is able to humble the proud.

The problem with a self-referential relationship with God

The hardest thing for non-Christians to understand is the Christians’ relationship with God. A personal relationship is not one-sided. At least if it is, it will not be for long. Children who are best friends never last if one friend constantly takes the toys and never shares. Our relationship with God is similar in this way. If we do not give something in return, God will remind us that relationships are reciprocal. 

Noted Bible scholar Bill Creasey points to Job as an example. What was Job’s sin? (Hint: It was not his lack of patience.) Job was the most righteous man. God’s favorite. But his relationship with God was based on his meticulous adherence to the Law. Look at Job 29-31 (Creasy, 2011). Job lays out a defense. And the words I, me, and My more than 150 times, explaining all he had done to comply with God’s Law, to be righteous. And he uses the word You or Your, referring to God, only to say how God has turned against him; “I cry to you, and you do not answer me; I stand, and you merely look at me. ²¹ You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand, you persecute me. ²² You lift me up on the wind, you make me ride on it, and you toss me about in the roar of the storm. ²³ I know that you will bring me to death, to the house appointed for all living.” (Job 30:20-23)

In a genuine relationship with God, we thank God for the good and the bad. God gives and God takes away. It is only when God rebukes Job at the end of the book that Job comes to understand that only God knows everything. Only God was there when the earth was formed. We, like Job, are but mortals, and we must praise God for the good and the bad. King Nebuchadnezzar was in a similar relationship with God. He understood that God (YHWH) was Daniel’s God, and he would accept what God gave him; however, ultimately, he believed that he was responsible for his own success. 

God’s sovereignty is total. His reign is complete and everlasting. No matter who is in charge, it is ultimately at God’s whim that a king, dictator, or government is in place. Let’s go back to 2 Kings chapter 19 and see another example. King Hezekiah is given a letter from the King of Assyria detailing all the lands that he had conquered. How could Hezekiah dare oppose Assyria? Hezekiah, overcome with grief, heads straight to the temple and lays out the letter before God and says, “Okay, God, you take care of it.” Then Isaiah, speaking for God, says, “This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: She despises you; she scorns you— virgin daughter Zion; she tosses her head—behind your back, daughter Jerusalem. ²² Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and haughtily lifted your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel! ²³ By your messengers you have mocked the Lord, and you have said, ‘With my many chariots I have gone up the heights of the mountains, to the far recesses of Lebanon; I felled its tallest cedars, its choicest cypresses; I entered its farthest retreat, its densest forest. ²⁴ I dug wells and drank foreign waters, I dried up with the sole of my foot all the streams of Egypt.’ ²⁵ Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should make fortified cities crash into heaps of ruins, ²⁶ while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded; they have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops that is scorched before the east wind. ²⁷ But I know your sitting and your going out and your coming in and your raging against me. ²⁸ Because you have raged against me and your arrogance has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth; I will turn you back on the way by which you came.” (2 Kings 19:21-28)

Hezekiah had claimed God’s victories as his own, God’s work as his own, God’s glory for his own. God then shows him his true power by striking down one hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians camped outside the city. 

God did the same thing to Nebuchadnezzar. God revealed his fate to him in a dream, showing him his fall from grace and his eventual restoration. Just as Daniel described, everything came to pass. Then we see Nebuchadnezzar write, “When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High and praised and honored the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. ³⁵ All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” ³⁶ At that time my reason returned to me, and my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counselors and my lords sought me out, I was reestablished over my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. ³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; he is able to bring low those who walk in pride.” (vv. 34-37)

In conclusion, the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar serves as a profound reminder of the dangers of pride and self-referential faith. As we reflect on the lessons woven throughout this passage, we recognize that our relationship with God must be reciprocal, grounded in humility and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. Just as Nebuchadnezzar ultimately learned to honor the Most High, we too must strive to relinquish our egos and acknowledge that all our achievements stem from God’s grace.

This calls us to a deeper commitment to seek God’s counsel in our lives, to practice righteousness, and to extend mercy to those around us. Let us not repeat the errors of the past, where pride blinds us (Creasy, 2011) to the truth of God’s provision. Instead, may we actively engage in cultivating a genuine relationship with our Creator, understanding that it is through surrender and gratitude that we find true fulfillment.

Therefore, I urge you, beloved community, to examine your hearts and motives. Embrace the lessons of Nebuchadnezzar, Job, and Hezekiah, and allow them to guide your walk with God. Let us together exalt and glorify the King of heaven, recognizing His unmatched authority and the grace bestowed upon us. Amen.

Bibliography

Daniel / auth. Creasy Dr. Bill. – [s.l.] : Logos Bible Study, 2011. – Second Edition. – Audible Lecture.

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. – Washington D.C. : Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible/ed. Meeks, Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

^[1] Nebuchadnezzar uses the term, Watchers, to refer to a class of heavenly beings. The passages in Daniel that mention “watchers” are Daniel 4:13, 17, and 23. Interestingly, the term “watcher” is introduced by Nebuchadnezzar himself within the context of his dream, not by Daniel. Meaning in Daniel: These “watchers” in Daniel are presented as heavenly beings who carry out the decrees of God. They are described as “holy ones” who descend from heaven. Limited Mention in the Bible: It’s important to note that the term “watcher” appears very infrequently in the Bible, primarily within the Book of Daniel. Beyond the Bible (Apocryphal Books): While Daniel provides the most direct scriptural reference, the concept of “watchers” is further elaborated upon in some apocryphal books, such as the Books of Enoch. However, it’s essential to understand that these books are not considered canonical scripture by all Christian traditions; however, they do provide insight into the history and development of the Jewish faith between the Old and New Testaments. They describe the “watchers” as a group of angels who descended to Earth and interacted with humans in ways that led to corruption. It is inferred by some scholars that the Nephilim are the result of marriages between the Watchers and Humankind. 

Daniel 5:1-9 NRSV

King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.

² Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. ³ So they brought in the vessels of gold that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. ⁴ They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

⁵ Immediately, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. ⁶ Then the king’s face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together.⁷ The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners, and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom.” ⁸ Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. ⁹ Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified, and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.

Introduction

The Word of God before us this morning is Daniel 5—a chapter that stands as both a warning and a comfort, a display of divine sovereignty, and a summons to humble repentance. Please read the entire chapter in your favorite translation. This ancient account, of the son of King Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar, and the mysterious writing on the wall, comes to us not as a distant Sunday school lesson but as a living testimony to the character and glory of our sovereign Lord. May the Spirit give us ears to hear and hearts to respond.

I. The Folly of Human Pride (Daniel 5:1-4)

King Belshazzar, secure within the mighty walls of Babylon, assembles a thousand nobles for a lavish feast. In a moment of hubris, he commands the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be used for profane purposes. The wine flows, praise is offered to idols of gold and silver, and the living God is mocked by self-indulgent revelry. 

Here, pride blinds the heart. Belshazzar’s act is not just disrespectful; it is a deliberate exalting of self over the holy things of God. Such pride is not foreign to us. The Scriptures remind us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Even in times of apparent security, God’s judgment is never far, even though we may have become apathetic to the obvious events. Here in our modern, post-Christendom world, we only have to turn on the news to see a world filled with judgment. Whenever we trust in our own strength, boast in our accomplishments, or treat the things of God lightly, we echo the folly of Babylon.

II. God’s Sovereignty in Judgment (Daniel 5:5-9)

Suddenly, the revelry is shattered. Fingers of a human hand appear, writing upon the plaster of the palace wall. The king’s face pales, his knees knock together, and his confidence evaporates. The mightiest ruler is rendered helpless at the literal hand of God.

This moment is a vivid reminder that God’s sovereignty is not theoretical. It breaks into human history, unsettling our illusions of control. No fortress, no human wisdom, no earthly power can shield us from the gaze of the Almighty. When God intervenes, He does so with perfect justice and irresistible authority. God has no problem knocking us down a peg or two when we get, as my grandmother would say, “Too big for our britches.” 

III. The Witness of God’s Servant (Daniel 5:10-17)

The wise men of Babylon are confounded and perplexed by the writing on the wall, or maybe just once again too scared to tell the king the bad news. The queen remembers Daniel, a faithful servant of the living God, who had interpreted dreams for Belshazzar’s father. Summoned before the king, Daniel refuses the allure of royal gifts. He is not swayed by power or prestige but stands as a bold and uncompromised witness. He declares the truth of God’s revelation, no matter how unwelcome or uncomfortable.

Today, the world seeks answers from many sources, yet the wisdom of God is made known through His people—those who know Him, trust Him, and refuse to bow to the pressures of the age. As Christians, we are called to be such witnesses: to speak truth, embody faithfulness, and point to God’s unchanging Word. We see Daniel as the hero of this story, but that is indeed not the case. In fact, throughout this entire story in the book of Daniel, no human is the hero. Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego are all champions of the true hero, God. 

IV. The Warning from the Past (Daniel 5:18-23)

Daniel recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar’s predecessor. Nebuchadnezzar, though mighty, was humbled by God until he acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty. Yet Belshazzar failed to learn. Despite knowing these things, he did not humble his heart but lifted himself against the Lord of heaven, dishonoring God’s holy vessels and persisting in pride.

How easily we forget the lessons of the past! The warnings of Scripture and history are given not to condemn but to awaken us to repentance. Grace warns before it judges. Will we listen? Will we allow the humbling work of God to shape us, or will we stubbornly resist, courting our own downfall?

V. The Verdict of God (Daniel 5:24-31)

Daniel interprets the writing: “MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.”

• MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
• TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
• PERES: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

The verdict is swift and sure. That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Babylon falls. God’s justice did not tarry forever. He is patient, but His judgment is unerring. Never presume upon God’s patience; let us not mistake delay for absence.

D.L. Moody gave a sermon once about this chapter of Daniel. He focused on one word, TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. As he walked in front of the church, he asked individuals, one by one, if they had been placed on the scales of God’s justice and judged, how would they be found? Someone in the front row (I guess trying to outsmart him) asked him the same question, “Mr. Moody, if you were to be placed in the scales of God’s judgment and weighed, how would you fare?” D.L. Moody replied, “No man is perfect. Scripture tells us that all have fallen short of the glory of God. I am no better than you, sir. But I will not be stepping into those scales alone. If I am called tonight to be judged, Christ will stand with me. It will be He and not I that balances those scales.”

VI. Christ Fulfilled — The Greater Daniel

A message of hope is embedded in the stern warning placed upon the wall. Unlike Belshazzar, who exalted himself and fell, our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient even to death on a cross. And for this, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name (Philippians 2:5-11).

We all have been measured and found wanting. “All have (indeed) sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But in Christ, the judgment we deserved was borne by Him. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, we are no longer weighed and condemned but justified and made righteous.

VII. Application and Exhortation

How then shall we live? As Christians, we are called to be beyond reproach. 

• Humble yourself before God, recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of life. Confess your pride. Acknowledge God’s lordship in your home, your work, and your ambitions.
• Learn from the past—both the warnings and the promises of Scripture. Let every account of judgment drive you to the cross and every story of grace point you to hope.
• Bear faithful witness. In a world intoxicated with self and forgetful of God, let us stand as those who remember, who speak truth, who love mercy, and who walk humbly.
• Rest in the gospel. Christ has taken your “weighed and found wanting” and given you His perfection. Stand in this grace; let it shape your relationships, your labor, your worship.

Call to Action

Do not be found wanting. Instead, be seen standing in Christ, measured by grace, and secured in God’s sovereign hand. We must come before God in repentance, before judgment. Search your heart—where have you presumed upon His patience? Where has pride crept in? Lay it at the foot of the cross and receive God’s mercy anew.

As a church, let us be a community marked by humility, faithfulness, and gospel hope. Let us learn together, witness together, serve together, and remember together that our God reigns. May our life together bear witness to the world that the Lord is sovereign, His justice sure, and His grace more than sufficient.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bibliography 

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.. – Washington D.C.: Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

The Gospel Awakening / auth. Moody D. L.. – [s.l.] : Olive Tree Bible Software ; Olive Tree, 2012. – Public Domain Creative Commons License..

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible/ed. Meeks Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

Daniel 6:1-13 NRSV

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, ² and over them three administrators, one of whom was Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. ³ Soon, Daniel distinguished himself above the other administrators and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. ⁴ So the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. ⁵ The men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

⁶ So the administrators and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! ⁷ All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to any god or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. ⁸ Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” ⁹ Therefore, King Darius signed the document and interdict. ¹⁰ Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. ¹¹ Then those men watched and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. ¹² Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an order that anyone who prays to any god or human, within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” ¹³ Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”

Introduction

Before we delve into chapter six, let’s review the last two verses of chapter 5 – “That very night, Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old^” (Daniel 5:30-31). The book of Daniel covers an entire life. Daniel, despite being exiled to a foreign land as a child and serving under Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, now serves under the Persian king Darius. He is now much older, around 70 years old, and has established a name for himself. First, within the kingdom of Babylon, and now he serves at the behest of Darius, King of Persia. He continues to stand out through his unwavering integrity and wisdom. He also continues to demonstrate steadfast faithfulness to God, even in a culture that only tolerated his worship and saw him as an outsider. All this has given Daniel a reputation that his new earthly king, Darius, found helpful, but his righteousness doesn’t go unnoticed; it sparks jealousy among his political rivals, leading them to craft a plot to destroy him. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation that highlights both the challenges of maintaining faith during difficult times and the ultimate sovereignty of God, which continues to impact religious matters to this very day.

1. The Trap of the World: Authenticity Amid Envy (vv. 1–9)

Darius decides to restructure the kingdom. He places 120 Satraps (Governors) throughout the kingdom. These 120 governors report to 3 administrators, of whom Daniel is one. For reasons that were understood by his honesty, the satraps and other administrators decided to remove Daniel, because Darius was considering putting Daniel in charge of the entire kingdom. However, they cannot find any malfeasance in all of Daniel’s life. As we all know, that will not do for a politician. The conspirators, recognizing Daniel’s unwavering devotion to the Lord, craft a scheme that weaponizes his prayer life against him. They convinced the king to make an indelible law that no one could worship anyone but the king for 30 days. A seemingly innocuous law that would disrupt only those who were devout to their God. In modern times, we recognize that genuine faithfulness can elicit not only opposition but also animosity from others and systems within society. This example underscores the cost of discipleship in a world that often values conformity over conviction. However, the king is duped by his satraps and administrators in Daniel’s absence, and the law is made. 

II.                         The Test of Faith: Prayer and Perseverance (vv. 10–15)

Daniel’s faithful refusal to cease his prayers—even when faced with a royal decree—demonstrates the primacy of God’s sovereign law over human commands. Daniel understands that external pressures do not compel faithful obedience, but rather arise from a regenerate heart transformed by God’s grace alone. Daniel’s regular prayer, directed toward Jerusalem, is not an act of empty ritual but an expression of covenant faithfulness; he trusts in God’s promises, knowing that true deliverance comes not by human power, but by the Lord’s sovereign will. His witness reminds us that, in all circumstances, believers are called to live Coram Deo—in the presence of God—confident that Christ is the true and better deliverer, and that steadfast faith flows from the assurance of God’s unchanging grace (Cady, 2019).

There is a parallel to Daniel 3 in this passage. Remember, Nebuchadnezzar passed a decree that everyone would worship his statue, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused and were thrown into the fiery furnace. It stands to reason that Daniel would have gained faith by watching his friends being saved by God. 

Other parallels extend even through the New Testament. First, look at the Gospel writings. Jesus is tempted by Satan and shown all the kingdoms of the world and told that if he would bow down and worship him, that all the kingdoms would be his. Satan would turn over power and honor to Jesus. But Jesus is not fooled, or swayed, and answers, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Matthew 4, Luke 4), summing up Deuteronomy 6 and the commandment to have no other god but God, and to worship Him only.  

The commandment against false idols and worship extends from Deuteronomy to the time of Daniel, through the New Testament, and even into the Book of Revelation. Revelation 13 mentions the famous beast saying, “…In amazement, the whole earth followed the beast. ⁴ They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” (Rev. 13:3b-4). Again, an idol, not God, is worshipped. It’s almost as if we humans never learn our lessons properly. Even at the end of the book, though, God never stops trying to reach us. In Revelation 14, we see, “Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation and tribe and language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Rev. 14:6-7). God’s unwavering promise found in Christ is that He will continue to seek us no matter where we are, a fiery furnace, a lion’s den, or even in Armageddon itself. God always seeks us first; just turn around (Metanoia—repent), and God is there. It is truly remarkable how thick humans are when it comes to learning this lesson that God has to keep teaching us. 

1. The Power of God’s Deliverance: The Lion’s Den (vv. 16–23)

Returning to our gripping narrative in Daniel 6, we witness the profound truth of God’s sovereign power as Daniel is cast into the den of lions, sealed within by the king’s signet ring. (This means that the entrance was sealed in wax, and the king’s signet marked the lock so that it could not be rolled away until the appointed time.) Darius, the king, tells Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” (v.16b). He is reluctant to punish Daniel and so experiences a sleepless night. Despite the seemingly dire circumstances, God dispatches His angel to shut the mouths of the lions, thereby vindicating Daniel and glorifying Himself before the nations. Our human understanding does not limit God’s ability to save, and He alone is worthy of our unwavering trust and loyalty. This narrative, along with the parallels throughout the Bible, demonstrates that the trials of this world cannot thwart His plans and purposes.

II. The Witness of the Redeemed: God’s Name Exalted (vv. 24–28)

Ultimately, the profound judgment that befalls Daniel’s accusers illustrates the divine justice that prevails in Revelation, as Daniel’s accusers, their spouses, and children are given the fate they hoped for Daniel. All Christians should take heed from this section of the story, as it applies to us. Sin, even the tiniest sin, affects you and those around you. This is a good theological argument for confession and reconciliation. 

Following the remarkable deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den, King Darius issues a resounding proclamation, extolling the God of Daniel as the “living God, whose kingdom is everlasting.” This pivotal moment serves as a reminder, among many, that faithfulness in the face of trial not only glorifies God among the nations but also advances His redemptive purposes throughout history. Through Daniel’s unwavering faith, we see how God’s power is magnified, leading to a greater recognition of His sovereignty and a call for all to honor Him.

V.            Conclusion: Call to Action

Let us heed the powerful example of Daniel, who exemplified unwavering devotion to God amidst persecution. In a world that often tempts us to rely on earthly comforts and the approval of rulers, we are called to place our trust in the steadfast faithfulness of our Sovereign Lord. There is no place you can go, nothing you have done, or can do, that God will not seek you. But you must be faithful, you must seek God as God seeks you. Just as Daniel cultivated a life of prayerful dependence, we too must commit ourselves to fervent prayer and reliance on God’s providence, knowing our strength is not our own but comes from His gracious hand. Our modern-day lion’s dens, fiery furnaces, idols, and temptations are just that: fear and temptation. God and God alone is worthy of our worship, our prayer, and our praise. The faithful in Daniel’s day did not have the luxury of having a Bible to read. They could not flip to the end to see who wins. Beloved, we do, and I have read it; We Win!

As you go forth today, resolve to trust and obey our God, confident that He is able to save us and that our steadfast witness will magnify His glory among all nations.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Bibliography

Daniel / auth. Creasy Dr. Bill. – [s.l.] : Logos Bible Study, 2011. – Second Edition. – Audible Lecture.

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.. – Washington D.C.: Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible/ed. Meeks Wayne A. [et al.]. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

What Does It Mean to Live “Coram Deo”? [Online] / auth. Cady Nick // Theology for the People/prod. Cady Nick. – nickcady.org, January 24, 2019. – July 22, 2025. – https://nickcady.org/2019/01/24/what-does-it-mean-to-live-coram-deo/#:~:text=A%20famous%20book%20written%20in,order%20to%20pray%20without%20ceasing..

Daniel 10 NRSV

In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision.

² At that time, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks. ³ I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks. ⁴ On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris), ⁵ I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. ⁶ His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude. ⁷ I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves. ⁸ So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength. ⁹ When I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.

¹⁰ But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said to me, “Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. ¹² He said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia ¹⁴ and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days.”

¹⁵ While he was speaking these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless. ¹⁶ Then one in human form touched my lips, and I opened my mouth to speak and said to the one who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision, such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength.¹⁷ How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For I am exhausted; no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

¹⁸ Again, one in human form touched me and strengthened me. ¹⁹ He said, “Do not fear, greatly beloved; you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” ²⁰ Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I am through with him, the prince of Greece will come. ²¹ But I am to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one with me who contends against these princes except Michael, your prince.

Introduction

What does it mean to stand before the presence of the Living God? Throughout Scripture, we find moments when God’s holiness breaks into human history, leaving those who encounter Him trembling, speechless, and forever changed. Today, we turn our gaze to three such moments: Daniel’s vision by the Tigris, John’s encounter on Patmos, and Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. Each offers a distinct window into the awe that God’s presence rightly inspires—a reverence that is both humbling and transformative. Daniel 10 launches the final vision cycle of Daniel’s book, serving as the prelude to chapters 11 and 12. This chapter is foundational for understanding the spiritual realities underlying redemptive historical events, God’s sovereign work, and the theology of Jewish and Christian writings in 2^nd Temple Israel. 

Daniel’s Vision: The Veil Lifted

Let us begin in Daniel 10, as the aged prophet mourns and fasts beside the river. His vision occurs “in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia” (Daniel 10:1), placing this event around 536 B.C., after the first Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem (cf. Ezra 1). Daniel, though esteemed by those in authority, remains burdened for his people and the yet unfulfilled promises. As he is beside the river with others, the heavens open, and only Daniel beholds a “man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist.” The description is vivid: a body like beryl, a face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, arms and legs gleaming like burnished bronze, and a voice like the roar of a multitude. Daniel collapses in weakness, overwhelmed by the weight of divine glory.

• Point of interest: Uphaz is not a known place; it may refer to a type of fine Gold. Beryl is a blue/green topaz that is translucent.
• Notice: Daniel is not alone. His companions, though blind to the vision, are seized with terror and flee. The mere proximity to the divine is enough to undo them.
• Daniel must be touched and strengthened; twice a hand lifts him from the ground, twice he is told, “Do not fear, greatly beloved; you are safe. Be strong and courageous!”

Here, God peels back the curtain, revealing the cosmic struggle and His sovereign hand at work. The encounter is not merely for information, but for transformation—to strengthen, to commission, and to assure Daniel of God’s purposes.

John’s Vision: The Glory Revealed

Centuries later, on the lonely island of Patmos, John receives his vision (Revelation 1:12–17). He sees “one like a son of man,” (Daniel 7) clothed with a long robe and a golden sash. His hair is white as wool, His eyes like a flame of fire, His feet are like burnished bronze, and His voice is like the sound of many waters. In his right hand, he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining with full force. When John beholds Him, he falls at His feet as though dead. 

• The parallels to Daniel are unmistakable: the linen garments, the radiant countenance, the thunderous voice. But here, it is Christ Himself—exalted, reigning, victorious over death and the powers of hell.
• As with Daniel, John is strengthened by a gentle touch and a word: “Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One.”

The awe is not diminished by the passage of time or the coming of the New Covenant. If anything, it is intensified, for the Lamb who was slain is now the risen Lord of glory. There is no denying the impact of Daniel’s vision on the life of John. He understood who it was. He, like all good Jewish boys and girls, would have been raised on the story of Daniel and the Lion’s den. He would have known about Daniel’s visions. 

Paul’s Encounter: The Light That Blinds and Calls

Now, let us consider Acts 9. Saul of Tarsus, zealous in his persecution, is struck down on the road to Damascus by a light “brighter than the sun.” He hears a voice, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Trembling and blinded, he must be led by the hand, his pride shattered, his life upended. The presence of the Lord renders him powerless; only after three days of darkness and prayer is his sight restored, and his heart renewed.

• Like Daniel and John, Paul is undone—stripped of self-sufficiency, brought low by the majesty of Christ.
• He emerges not with mere information, but with a transformed heart—a vessel now fit for service, compelled by the love of Christ and the fear of the Lord.

Even though we get no description of Jesus when he visits Paul, we do see the result of his being in the presence of the divine. Paul falls to the ground, and the experience both physically and mentally changes him. One might imagine him seeing the blue/green topaz body of Christ standing before Paul. What a fantastic sight that would be!

Paul would go on to preach about this heavenly body. A Spirit Body is what you will become. In 1 Corinthians 15, he says, “There are both heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one thing, and that of the earthly is another” (v.40). He goes on to say that in the resurrection we will be given a Spiritual Body. What Daniel and John describe, using the best words they have, Paul preaches using the best analogy he has. But the good news is the same: God is with us, and those who are faithful will be with Christ in Heaven. 

The Reformed Lens: The Holiness and Nearness of God

Reformed theology teaches us to approach God with humility, awe, and confidence in His sovereignty. Calvin writes about Daniel 10 that “God does not permit us to see the hidden conflict of angels, but here He lifts the veil, so we should not be discouraged by the course of history.” Matthew Henry reminds us that Daniel’s fasting and prayers procured him this heavenly visit—not by merit, but by grace. Daniel is told that Michael has fought the Prince of Persia. This is a direct reference to cosmic battles, just like John describes in Revelation. 

• We are reminded in these visions that God is utterly holy, infinitely glorious, and altogether beyond our grasp. Yet, in mercy, He stoops to strengthen the weak, to speak peace to the fearful, and to commission the humble.
• These encounters are not for our entertainment, nor for our pride, but for the deepening of our worship and the shaping of our lives in the likeness of Christ.

Seeking God’s Presence: A Call to Action

To encounter God is to be transformed—Scripture shows that those who truly seek Him are never the same. Daniel, John, and Paul were humbled and renewed in the presence of Christ. Their stories urge us not to settle for comfort but to actively pursue God’s presence with reverence, humility, and faith.

Don’t wait for visions or dramatic signs. Instead, let us tremble at His Word, rejoice in His sovereignty, and pray earnestly for the Spirit’s power. God draws near to the lowly and lifts those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Now is the time to surrender pride, embrace Christ’s love, and become servant leaders in our communities.

May the Lord grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts ready to worship—until the day we stand before Him. Believe the good news, seek God’s will and influence, and be in awe, forever changed by our God’s amazing Presence. AMEN!

Bibliography

Beale G.K. ( New International Greek Testament Commentary) G. K. Beale The Book Of Revelation A Commentary On The Greek Text William B Eerdmans ( 1998) [Online] // Internet Archive. – 2024. – August 10, 2025. – https://archive.org/details/new-international-greek-testament-commentary-g.-k.-beale-the-book-of-revelation-.

Calvin John Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion [Book] / ed. McNeill, John T. / trans. Battles Ford Lewis. – Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960. – Vol. I:II: pp. 197-237.

Calvin John Comm on Daniel (V2) [Online] // ccel.org / ed. Pantinga Harry. – Calvin University, 1993-2020. – August 10, 2025. – https://ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom25/calcom25.i.html.

Henry Matthew Daniel 10 [Online] // Bible Study Tools. – Salem Media Group, 2025. – August 10, 2025. – https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/daniel/10.html.

Meeks Wayne A. [et al.] The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books // NRSV Bible. – New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.

NRSVue // Holy Bible w/ With Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. – Washington, D.C.: Zondervan, 2021. – Vol. Updated Edition. – National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.