From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 40—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 to an idolatrous nation the power of God. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream by which “his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.” But the king found it impossible, when he awoke, to recall the particulars. SS 255.1

In his perplexity Nebuchadnezzar assembled his wise men—“the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers”—and requested them to reveal to him that which would bring relief to his mind. SS 255.2

The wise men responded, “Tell thy servants the dream, and we will show 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 ye will not make known unto me the dream, with its interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces ... . But if ye show the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor.” SS 255.3

Still the wise men answered, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation of it.” SS 255.4

Nebuchadnezzar, now thoroughly angered by the apparent perfidy of those whom he had trusted, declared, “Ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof.” SS 255.5

The magicians endeavored to show the king that his request was unreasonable. “There is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean ... . And there is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” SS 256.1

Then “the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.” SS 256.2