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Royalty and Ruin
Daniel’s Opportunity Has Come
According to the decree, Daniel and his friends also must die.
When Daniel learned this, “with counsel and wisdom” he asked
Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, “Why is the decree from the
king so urgent?” Arioch told him the story of the king’s perplexity
over his dream and of his failure to find help. Upon hearing this,
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Daniel took his life in his hands, venturing into the king’s presence
to beg for time so that he could ask his God to reveal to him the
dream and its interpretation.
The monarch agreed to this request. “Then Daniel went to his
house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah, his companions.” Together they sought wisdom from the
Source of knowledge. Their faith was strong that God had placed
them where they were, that they were doing His work. In times of
perplexity they had always turned to Him for guidance. Now they
submitted themselves anew to the Judge of the earth, pleading that
He would grant deliverance. And the God whom they had honored,
now honored them. He revealed the king’s dream and its meaning to
Daniel “in a night vision.”
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,” Daniel exclaimed.
“He reveals deep and secret things. ... I thank You and praise You,
O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and
have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have
made known to us the king’s demand.”
Going immediately to Arioch, Daniel said, “Do not destroy the
wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the
king the interpretation.” Quickly the officer ushered Daniel in before
the king, with the words, “I have found a man of the captives of
Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.”
Daniel’s Refreshing Honesty
In his first words the Jewish captive disclaimed honor for himself
and exalted God as the source of all wisdom. When the king asked,
“Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and
its interpretation?” Daniel replied, “There is a God in heaven who
reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar