A Kingdom That Will Last Forever

Daniel now knew the king's dream, but before entering the palace he thought about other people. He found Arioch and asked that Babylon's wise men not be harmed. He had an answer for Nebuchadnezzar.

Arioch brought him before the king. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to know whether Daniel really could tell him the dream and explain its meaning. This was a chance to receive praise, but Daniel did not claim the glory for himself.

He explained that the wise men had not been able to solve the mystery. God, however, could reveal what they did not know. Having the answer did not mean Daniel was more important than everyone else.

In the dream stood an enormous, shining statue. Its head was gold. Its chest and arms were silver. Its belly and thighs were bronze. Each part looked different from the one before it.

The legs were iron, and the feet were made of iron mixed with clay. The figure looked impressive, but those materials did not form a kingdom that could last forever.

As the king watched, a stone that had not been cut by human hands struck the statue's feet. The materials broke apart, and the wind carried their remains away like dust.

Then the stone became a great mountain that filled the whole earth. This was the dream that had troubled the king. Now Daniel needed to explain what it meant.

The golden head represented the king and his kingdom. Other kingdoms would follow, different like the statue's materials. Some would be strong, but none would keep their power forever.

The mixed feet showed a divided kingdom. The strength of the iron could not make the clay and metal join completely. Human power had limits, even when it seemed enormous.

But God would establish a kingdom that would not be destroyed. Like the mountain in the dream, His kingdom would remain. The future was not hidden from God or controlled only by the decisions of kings.

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that Daniel's God could reveal secrets. He gave Daniel an important responsibility. Daniel also asked that his companions receive duties of service in Babylon.

We can be glad when we learn something or do a task well without boasting that we are better than everyone else. Giving thanks, recognizing help, and sharing opportunities are ways to use what we receive with humility.