Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of World Empires

This chapter is based on Daniel 2.

Soon after Daniel and his companions entered Nebuchadnezzar’s service, events occurred that revealed the power of God to the idol-worshiping nation. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream by which “his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him.” But when the king awoke, he found it impossible to recall the particulars.RR 175.1

In his perplexity Nebuchadnezzar assembled his wise men—“the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers”—and requested them to reveal to him the meaning, to bring relief to his mind.RR 175.2

The wise men responded, “Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” Dissatisfied with their evasive answer, the king commanded his wise men to tell him not only the interpretation but the dream itself. “If you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces. ... However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor.”RR 175.3

Still the wise men answered, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”RR 175.4

Nebuchadnezzar was thoroughly angered by the apparent disloyalty of those he had trusted. He declared, “You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.”RR 175.5

The magicians attempted to show the king that his request was unreasonable. “No king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. ... And there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”RR 175.6

Then “the king was angry and very furious, and gave the command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.”RR 175.7