Daniel 2:16

Context

In Daniel chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was deeply troubled by a dream he could not remember, yet it greatly disturbed him. He demanded that his wise men—the magicians, astrologers, and Chaldeans—not only interpret the dream but first tell him what the dream was. When they admitted their inability to do so, the king, in a fit of rage, issued a decree to execute all the wise men in Babylon, a decree that included Daniel and his three friends. Hearing of this dire situation, Daniel, with remarkable composure and faith, sought an audience with the king.

Key Themes

• Divine Access and Faith: Daniel's act of "going in" to the formidable King Nebuchadnezzar, a ruler known for his absolute power and sudden anger, demonstrates profound courage and a deep trust in God. Unlike the other wise men who offered excuses, Daniel boldly requests time, believing that God would reveal the mystery.
• Contrast of Wisdom: This verse highlights the stark contrast between human wisdom and divine revelation. The king's own learned men were utterly helpless, but Daniel, relying on the God of heaven, confidently promises to "shew the king the interpretation." This sets the stage for God's glory to be revealed through Daniel.
• Sovereignty of God: Daniel's intercession and the king's granting of time are part of God's overarching plan to demonstrate His power and knowledge. It underscores that God is sovereign over kings and kingdoms, and He alone reveals the secrets of the future, as later declared in Daniel 2:28.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word for "time" here is zeman, which implies a specific, appointed period or opportunity. Daniel wasn't asking for an indefinite delay but a distinct window for divine consultation. The word "shew" (Aramaic: ḥawēh) means to make known, reveal, or declare, indicating Daniel's confidence that he would provide a clear and complete disclosure, not merely a guess.

Practical Application

Daniel's example in this verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. When faced with seemingly impossible situations or overwhelming challenges, like the death decree hanging over his head, Daniel did not despair or resort to human cunning. Instead, he sought divine intervention and acted with courageous faith. This teaches us the importance of:

1. Seeking God First: Before attempting to solve problems in our own strength, we should, like Daniel, turn to God for wisdom and revelation.
2. Acting in Faith: Daniel's promise to "shew the king the interpretation" was a step of faith before he even knew the answer. We are called to trust God's ability to work through us even when the path ahead is unclear.
3. Acknowledging God as the Source of Wisdom: True wisdom and understanding come from God, not merely from human intellect or worldly knowledge.

This verse is a testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God, who answers those who seek Him with a sincere heart, as further demonstrated in Daniel's subsequent actions of prayer and God's miraculous revelation.