JUL 9

Daniel 2:31-45
Memorise Daniel 7:1-8
"He revealeth the deep and secret things…"

WHAT DOES NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM TEACH US?

Prophecy is one area of Bible study that many teens find daunting. Take today’s readings for example. What is this huge statue about? What does it represent? How does it even apply to my life?

The grand statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream represents the various world superpowers which are significant in world history (see table above). These also correspond to Daniel’s vision of the four beasts recorded in Daniel 7. Nebuchadnezzar was named the head of gold, the No. 1, and after him came lesser kingdoms – hence the decreasing value of the metals. Babylonia’s resplendent empire built by Nebuchadnezzar would be succeeded by three other empires but each deteriorating in glory while increasing in might.

Take a look at any history textbook today, and you will see that this prophecy was fulfilled to the very letter. How could Nebuchadnezzar have dreamed such a prophetically-accurate dream, and how could Daniel have known its interpretation? The answer is found in Daniel’s prayer of thanksgiving rendered unto the Lord (Daniel 2:20-23). Truly it is the God of heaven who revealed these secret things to Daniel.

Dear teen, this same God continues to work in our world and in our lives today. There are as yet many prophecies in the Bible which remain unfulfilled, which are concerned with the Second Coming of Christ. Some may sound cryptic, some may seem confusing, but know this thing for sure: God knows what they mean, and He will bring it to pass. Doesn’t it excite and delight you, to know that our God is in control and sovereign over all the affairs of mankind? Don’t you want therefore to grow in your understanding of Scripture, that you may also be able to warn others around you of what is to come?

Thought: The best commentary on Scripture is Scripture itself.
Prayer: Lord, teach me Thy Word, and help me to understand prophecy.