How many interpretations are possible for Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?
(Daniel 2:1-49; Isa. 2:2; James 1:5) Blog Jan. 5-11, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In the first chapter of Daniel we discovered three keys for understanding the book. The key of explanation is the mention of the condition of God’s people: their kingdom was defeated, their king dethroned, their sanctuary sacked, and their people taken captive. With these four aspects we are given the outline of the book: kingdom restored in chapter two, king restored in chapter 7, sanctuary restored in chapters 8-9, and people delivered in chapters 10-12. The key for interpretation is the fact that Daniel and his three friends only refused Babylonian food while accepting its, education, language, and names. In this we saw that they based their actions on the Bible and the Bible only – the key for interpreting Daniel. The key of operation is demonstrated in the ten days, three years, and seventy years showing that God deals with humanity by first giving us a time period of preparation, followed by a final examination, to be immediately given the results of our test.
A Wisdom Crisis (Daniel 2:1-13; Ex. 7:11; Isa. 47:13; Jer. 39:8)
1. What event took place as chapter 2 of Daniel begins? King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed a troubling dream.
2. When the king could not remember his dream whom did he call for help? His brain trust: the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, & Chaldeans.
3. What do magicians use as a source of knowledge? Magicians use enchantments (remember Pharoah).
4. What do astrologers use as a source of knowledge? Astrologers use the stars.
5. What do sorcerers use as a source of knowledge? Sorcerers use spirits (remember King Saul).
6. What do Chaldeans use as a source of knowledge? Chaldeans use nature — they are scientists.
7. What did the Chaldeans assure Nebuchadnezzar they could do? That they could interpret the dream if he would tell it to them.
8. What reward did the king outline in advance for telling or not telling his dream? He offered being cut in pieces for not telling & gifts, rewards, & great honor for telling – just like God who tells us the rewards of the righteous & wicked before we do anything good or bad.
9. When baffled by the king’s demand how did the Chaldeans respond? They told the king that only the gods that are outside of this world could fulfill the king’s demand.
Wisdom’s Source (Daniel 2:14-23; Phil. 4:6; James 1:5)
10. When confronted with death what did Daniel and his companions do? They requested time in order to consult with God in this matter.
11. What counsel of James, our Lord’s brother, did Daniel and his companions follow when lacking wisdom? They asked God.
12. What counsel of the Apostle Paul did Daniel and his companions follow when God revealed to them the king’s matter? They thanked God.
13. What characteristics of God did Daniel extol in his prayer of thanksgiving? That God is omnipotent, omniscient, imminent, omnipresent, & communicative with his children.
Wisdom Revealed [God Reveals the Future] (Daniel 2:24-49; Psa. 18:31; Isa. 2:2)
13. To whom did Daniel give credit for showing him the king’s matter? To the God of heaven.
14. What basic outline of world history does Nebuchadnezzar’s dream reveal? It reveals a 1, 2, 3. 4, 10, bang, results outline of world history.
15. What should we learn from Daniel 2:39-40 about the order of world empires? That they are consecutive & not simultaneous (note “after,” “third,” & “fourth.”
16. Using the Bible only what kingdoms mentioned in Daniel 2 are identified? Only the first (Babylon) & the last (God’s eternal kingdom).
17. Following the principles given in Daniel 1 what must we do in order to identify the other kingdoms? We must wait until Daniel chooses to identify them in future prophecies.
18. According to Daniel 2:45, how many interpretations are possible for Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Only one.
19. Through what means is God’s kingdom restored according to Daniel 2? Through an explosive crisis.
20. Whom does the “stone cut out without hands” represent? Jesus.