Lesson 5, October 10, 2004

Chapter Two - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream, the Great Statue

Introduction:

1. The king, his dream and the impotence of the wise men. 2:1-13

a. The Scene/setting.

b. The dream /an overview 2:1

Means of Revelation in OT

1. Direct conversation

2. Through the Angel of the Lord

3. Vision

4. Dreams

a. A common human phenomena used as a tool for revelation.

b. However!!! Negative - Jeremiah 29:8-9

c. In the OT there are 16 recorded dreams.

Some observations

1. Were given to believer and unbeliever alike.

2. Breakdown of UB.

3. 10 of the 16 involved symbols, unusual things and there was a need of interpretation of the dream.

4. Only find 2 divine interpreters of dreams.

5. What about in the NT?? Have 6.

c. After the dream: His summons 2:2

d. The request = 2:3

e. The king's demands 2:4-9

Neb had come to the conclusion that if they couldn't recall the past, how could they be trusted to predict the future??

f. The wisemen of Babylon vs:10-13

In vs:10-11 some extraordinary admissions of truth by the wisemen.

g. The decree of the king to annihilate the wisemen. vs:12-13

They finally had to admit that they were frauds; having been so all along.

2. Focus now shifts to Daniel; 2:14-30

a. Daniel's response to the decree vs:14-16

What indicates his faith??

1. His faith is evidenced by mental control. vs:14

2. His faith is evidenced by his courage. vs:16a

3. His faith is evidenced by his confidence. vs:16b

** Daniel has set the stage then to show the reality, the wisdom and power of the One True God, YHWH; as over against the inarticulate and impotent imaginary gods the "wisemen" of Babylon worshiped.