Daniel 2:20

Context of Daniel 2:20

Daniel 2:20 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a disturbing dream and demanded not only its interpretation but also that his wise men reveal the dream itself. When they failed, he ordered their execution. Daniel, along with his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah), sought divine intervention. In response to their earnest prayer, God revealed the mystery to Daniel in a night vision. This verse captures Daniel’s immediate, spontaneous outpouring of praise and thanksgiving to God upon receiving this crucial revelation, even before he presented it to the king. It highlights the profound relief and awe Daniel felt concerning God's direct involvement in human affairs and His unique ability to reveal what is hidden.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty: Daniel's declaration underscores God's ultimate control over all things, including the hearts of kings and the course of empires. The ability to reveal secrets and possess infinite wisdom points to a God who is sovereign over all creation and human history.
• God's Infinite Wisdom: The phrase "wisdom and might are his" emphasizes two core attributes of God. His wisdom is not merely knowledge but the perfect understanding and application of truth, enabling Him to know the future and orchestrate events. This divine wisdom is contrasted with the limited wisdom of the Babylonian astrologers and enchanters.
• God's Unchallengeable Might: Coupled with wisdom, God's "might" (power) ensures that His plans are perfectly executed. This might allows Him to establish and remove kings, demonstrating His absolute authority over earthly rulers and kingdoms, a theme further explored in Daniel 4:17.
• Praise and Thanksgiving: Daniel's immediate response is one of blessing God's name, setting an example for believers to acknowledge God's hand in their lives, especially in moments of breakthrough or divine favor. It reflects a heart that recognizes God as the source of all good things and worthy of eternal praise.

Linguistic Insights

The book of Daniel is unique in that a significant portion (chapters 2:4-7:28) is written in Aramaic, not Hebrew. In this verse, the Aramaic word for "wisdom" is chokmah (חָכְמָה), which signifies divine insight, skill, and understanding, often implying the ability to discern and interpret complex matters. The word for "might" is gevurah (גְּבוּרָה), denoting strength, power, and valor. These terms, when applied to God, emphasize His omniscient and omnipotent nature, highlighting that His wisdom is not merely intellectual but active and powerful in governing the universe.

Practical Application

Daniel's prayer of praise offers timeless lessons for believers today:

1. Respond with Gratitude: Like Daniel, when we experience God's intervention, provision, or revelation, our first response should be heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. This shifts our focus from our problems to God's capabilities.
2. Trust in God's Sovereignty: In times of uncertainty or fear, remembering that "wisdom and might are His" can bring immense comfort. God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or human solutions fail. This truth encourages us to trust in His plan and timing.
3. Acknowledge God as the Source: All true wisdom, power, and understanding come from God. We should seek His guidance and acknowledge Him as the ultimate provider of solutions to life's challenges.
4. Pray for Revelation: Daniel's experience reminds us that God is willing to reveal mysteries and provide understanding when we seek Him earnestly. This encourages us to pray with faith, knowing God hears and answers.