Nebuchadnezzar’s Response

Read Daniel 2:46-49

1. How did King Nebuchadnezzar honor Daniel and Daniel’s God in his response to the dream and its interpretation? List his words and actions.

2. There has been a slight shift in King Nebuchadnezzar’s belief about the LORD God. How would you describe it? What is the difference between knowledge of God and being a true believer?

3. Consider the entire chapter. How was God involved in the affairs of nations? How was God’s care of Daniel and his friends evident? How should both of these truths encourage us today?

On Right Now Media you can access Kay Arthur’s teachings on Daniel: Dare to Be God’s Messenger . Sessions 6 & 7 align with this lesson. If you can only listen to one, Session 7 is recommended.

• Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Daniel’s ability to interpret the king’s dream was a gift from God. What gifts has God given you? How are you using those gifts to do the good works God prepared in advance for you? Spend time praising God for the gifts He has given you.

• In his meeting with Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel said, “You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory” (Daniel 2:37). Daniel understood that Nebuchadnezzar’s rule was a gift from God. God alone has the authority to remove kings and establish kings (Daniel 2:21). Take some time to pray for leaders in our world. Ask God to reveal His truth to them. Also pray for people like Daniel whom God has placed in positions of influence. Ask the Lord to make them strong in Him, able to influence others with wisdom from above.

Merciful and Sovereign God, thank you for the gifts you have given me through your Spirit to bless and encourage others. In your mercy, You have answered prayers and revealed mysteries to me where without You, I would still be in the dark. When I intentionally stop and think, I have so many blessings in my life for which to thank You. Please forgive me for the times I have not properly given credit to You or glorified Your name when it has clearly been You blessing the situation. I pray that from sunrise to sunset, in each moment of my day today, I am given wisdom from above so that I am able to encourage and share with others the glorious hope for which You have given me. I also pray for those whom You have placed in positions of authority, not only in my circle of influence but in our whole world. May they see Your hand at work and yield to Your will and purpose in their leadership positions. Unite all our hearts to walk in Your truth and to glorify Your name forevermore. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV