He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. – Daniel 2:21
Had Daniel not resolved to keep from eating from King Nebuchadnezzar’s table, you might never have heard of him. He “resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank” (Daniel 1:8). His three friends – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah – vowed to abstain, as well. They put their lives on the line in order to obey God.
They knew their God! He is all-knowing and sovereign. He is omnipotent, having all power in Heaven and on Earth, and because of that, the Lord could control times and seasons. Nothing happens by chance, because He is the God of time and eternity. God is the ruler of all humanity and could thus elevate whomever He chose to be king. Best of all, Daniel’s God is the all-wise God whose foolishness is wiser than the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Daniel understood that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), and those who trust in Him receive wisdom to deal with the issues of the day. It is no surprise that when King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he couldn’t really remember, Daniel, joined by his friends in prayer to God, was the only one who could describe and interpret it (Daniel 2). He was given the knowledge and wisdom from God.
The same can be true for you and this nation today. God is able for He is unchangeable and eternal. If you seek the Lord and resolve to obey Him, He is willing to give wisdom and understanding. His mercy and grace abound. Depend on Him and Him alone.
Today’s Verse: Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Daniel 2:19-23, 26-28a
19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
for 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 matter.”
26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
