Daniel’s Gift

Daniel’s Gift

Q: God blessed Daniel with the ability to

• a. interpret dreams.
• b. speak foreign languages.
• c. make many friends.

Have you ever had a crazy dream and wondered what it meant? It may not have meant anything. But back in Daniel’s day, before people had the entire Bible to guide them, God often used dreams and visions to speak to people.

One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He called for his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him both what the dream was and what it meant. The king’s men couldn’t do it, but Daniel was able to describe and interpret the dream because God revealed it to him. The king had dreamed of a large statue. This statue represented four kingdoms that would become four world powers. But all of these kingdoms would be brought to an end by the Kingdom of God, which will last forever.

Daniel later interpreted another dream for the king. The king would live like an animal for a period of time. Once he acknowledged God, he would be restored. God gave Nebuchadnezzar a year to change, but the king would not acknowledge God. The king was driven away from the people and ate grass like a cow.

Finally Nebuchadnezzar realized he was wrong. He said, “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.”

God gave Daniel the gift of interpreting dreams and put him in the palace where he was able to tell the king what his dreams meant. God used Daniel to serve him in the palace of a pagan nation.

For You

Daniel lived out his faith among people who didn’t believe in God. Instead of avoiding people who don’t share your faith, reach out to them and pass on the gospel message.

Answer: a

[Daniel said,] “There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”   Daniel 2:28

(The Whole Story: Daniel 2, 4)