‏ Daniel 2

* Nebuchadnezzar's dream. (1-13) It is revealed to Daniel.

(14-23) He obtains admission to the king. (24-30) The dream and

the interpretation. (31-45) Honours to Daniel and his friends.

(46-49)

1-13 The greatest men are most open to cares and troubles of

mind, which disturb their repose in the night, while the sleep

of the labouring man is sweet and sound. We know not the

uneasiness of many who live in great pomp, and, as others vainly

think, in pleasure also. The king said that his learned men must

tell him the dream itself, or they should all be put to death as

deceivers. Men are more eager to ask as to future events, than

to learn the way of salvation or the path of duty; yet

foreknowledge of future events increases anxiety and trouble.

Those who deceived, by pretending to do what they could not do,

were sentenced to death, for not being able to do what they did

not pretend to. 14-23 Daniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the

king's dream, and the meaning of it. Praying friends are

valuable friends; and it well becomes the greatest and best men

to desire the prayers of others. Let us show that we value our

friends, and their prayers. They were particular in prayer. And

whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of

God's mercies. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants

and burdens. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in.

The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed. The

fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. Daniel was thankful

to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of

himself and his fellows. How much more should we be thankful to

God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those

who are not among the worldly wise and prudent! 24-30 Daniel takes away the king's opinion of his magicians and

soothsayers. The insufficiency of creatures should drive us to

the all-sufficiency of the Creator. There is One who can do that

for us, and make known that to us, which none on earth can,

particularly the work of redemption, and the secret designs of

God's love to us therein. Daniel confirmed the king in his

opinion, that the dream was of great consequence, relating to

the affairs and changes of this lower world. Let those whom God

has highly favoured and honoured, lay aside all opinion of their

own wisdom and worthiness, that the Lord alone may be praised

for the good they have and do. 31-45 This image represented the kingdoms of the earth, that

should successively rule the nations, and influence the affairs

of the Jewish church. 1. The head of gold signified the Chaldean

empire, then in being. 2. The breast and arms of silver

signified the empire of the Medes and Persians. 3. The belly and

thighs of brass signified the Grecian empire, founded by

Alexander. 4. The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman

empire. The Roman empire branched into ten kingdoms, as the toes

of these feet. Some were weak as clay, others strong as iron.

Endeavours have often been used to unite them, for strengthening

the empire, but in vain. The stone cut out without hands,

represented the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, which should

be set up in the kingdoms of the world, upon the ruins of

Satan's kingdom in them. This was the Stone which the builders

refused, because it was not cut out by their hands, but it is

become the head stone of the corner. Of the increase of Christ's

government and peace there shall be no end. The Lord shall

reign, not only to the end of time, but when time and days shall

be no more. As far as events have gone, the fulfilling this

prophetic vision has been most exact and undeniable; future ages

shall witness this Stone destroying the image, and filling the

whole earth. 46-49 It is our business to direct attention to the Lord, as

the Author and Giver of every good gift. Many have thoughts of

the Divine power and majesty, who do not think of serving God

themselves. But all should strive, that God may be glorified,

and the best interests of mankind furthered.