Daniel 2:22

Daniel 2:22 (KJV) stands as a powerful declaration of God's unique attributes, spoken by the prophet Daniel in a moment of profound crisis and divine intervention. This verse is part of Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving after God revealed King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation, saving Daniel and his fellow wise men from execution.

Context

The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had a disturbing dream and demanded that his wise men not only interpret it but also tell him what the dream was, threatening death if they failed. When the Chaldean astrologers and magicians admitted their inability to perform such a feat, the king decreed their execution. Daniel, along with his three friends, faced this same fate. Upon learning of the decree, Daniel sought divine intervention through prayer. God revealed the mystery to Daniel in a night vision, leading to this prayer of praise. Daniel 2:22 highlights God's singular ability to grant such revelation, contrasting divine wisdom with the limited human understanding of the Babylonian court.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation: The verse emphasizes God's exclusive power to "reveal the deep and secret things." This points to His ability to disclose hidden truths, future events, and mysteries that are beyond human comprehension or investigation. It underscores that true prophetic insight and understanding of God's plan come directly from Him.
• God's Omniscience: "He knoweth what is in the darkness" asserts God's absolute knowledge. Nothing is hidden from Him—no secret thought, no hidden motive, no concealed event, and no mystery in the universe. His knowledge penetrates every obscure corner, whether literal darkness or the metaphorical darkness of ignorance and hiddenness. This attribute is a source of both comfort and conviction.
• God as Light: The phrase "and the light dwelleth with him" signifies that God is the very essence and source of all light—symbolizing truth, knowledge, purity, and clarity. Where God is, there is no darkness, only perfect understanding and divine illumination. This contrasts with the human condition often shrouded in ignorance and confusion. For more on God as light, see 1 John 1:5.
• Sovereignty: Implicit in God's ability to reveal secrets and know all things is His absolute control over all circumstances, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the destinies of individuals. This aligns with Daniel 2:21, which states God changes times and seasons and removes and sets up kings.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic terms used in this verse are significant:

• The word for "deep" (עַמִּיקָתָא, 'ammiqata') refers to things profound, unfathomable, or beyond human reach.
• "Secret" (סָתִירָתָא, 'sathiratha') denotes things hidden, concealed, or kept from knowledge.
• The strong contrast between "darkness" (חֲשׁוֹכָא, 'chasokha'), representing obscurity and ignorance, and "light" (נְהוֹרָא, 'nehorah'), symbolizing truth and revelation, underscores God's unique position as the revealer of all things. The idea that "the light dwelleth with him" emphasizes that light is not merely external to God but is intrinsic to His very being and character, as Psalm 139:12 also illustrates, "the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

Practical Application

Daniel 2:22 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers today:

• Trust in God's Omniscience: When faced with bewildering circumstances, unanswered questions, or seemingly insoluble problems, we can find peace knowing that God "knoweth what is in the darkness." Nothing is hidden from Him, and He understands every facet of our lives and the world.
• Source of True Wisdom: This verse reminds us that true wisdom and understanding come from God. When seeking guidance, direction, or clarity, our ultimate source should be the One with whom "the light dwelleth." Prayer, study of God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit are avenues through which He reveals His will and truth.
• Hope in Uncertainty: In a world filled with unknowns and anxieties about the future, Daniel 2:22 provides a steadfast anchor. The God who revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream is the same God who knows the future and controls all things. This instills hope and confidence, knowing that even the "deep and secret things" are within His perfect knowledge and plan.