Daniel: Fear God Alone

I recall several instances where I had a disappointing message to share with someone, and I thought carefully about how to convey that information to them. Sometimes, it was a much easier task, given the nature of the person. At other times, it was a much more daunting task because that person might have been somewhat temperamental. Luckily, I have not had to share a disappointing message with anyone who held the power of life or death over me, although, like you, I remember my mother reminding me of her authority over such matters.

In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream. He struggles with deciphering the meaning of the dream - was it purposeful? Was it random? If it has a meaning, what is the meaning? This dream tormented him. Seeking a resolution, he made clear that there would be serious repercussions for failing to interpret the dream - threats of a gruesome death are made (Dan 2:5). When those whom Nebuchadnezzar esteemed to be able to fulfill such a work were unable, they said it was too hard and required divine interpretation (Dan 2:11), the king sought to take their lives (Dan 2:12).

Here enters Daniel, the impressive young eunuch from the people of Judah. Daniel will provide an understanding of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: his kingdom will pass away, and so will the following three kingdoms, until an eternal kingdom emerges (the church). Here is a volatile king receiving an unfriendly message from a foreign slave - one might anticipate that the king would respond according to the flesh in anger. Yet, to the surprise, I am sure, of many, the king receives it well and even honors the young eunuch.

Something is said about Daniel from this—something once more about his bravery and integrity. Here is a man who, despite the uncertain reaction he might receive from the most powerful man in the world, chooses to stand with the most powerful being in the universe, God. This was not easy. Consider the history of Daniel’s people: kings who esteemed themselves as holy did not always react to undesirable news in this manner. Daniel very likely knew this. He knew how the prophets were treated by the kings of God’s people; how might they be treated by the kings of pagan nations? Of the king who harshly and brutally ransacked his homeland?

What a simple reminder of whom to fear—not man, but God (Matt 10:28).