WHO IS THIS GOD OF HEAVEN?
Daniel introduced Nebuchadnezzer, king of Babylon, to the God of heaven. He made it clear that what the king had asked of his wisemen was an impossible task, but the God of heaven had revealed the answer. For Nebuchadnezzer had asked that his wisemen tell him his dream and also give its interpretation. Failure to do so would result in all of the wisemen being executed. A death sentence hung over their heads until the Lord gave Daniel the answer that the king sought.
The divine title, “God of heaven,” is only in the Bible 23 times. It is in the Old Testament 21 times, occurring primarily in those books where the Jews were interacting with men of other religions, stressing that their God was no mere tribal deity, but the true God who ruled over all creation from His throne in heaven. The title appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Revelation, and again to show God as the one true God over all creation.
Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzer that it was the God of heaven who had given the king the dream and had revealed its secret to Daniel. Not only that, Daniel told the king that it was actually the God of heaven that had given him his throne. Nebuchadnezzer was so affected by Daniel’s words that he proclaimed, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries” (Dan. 2:47). This was just the beginning of Nebuchadnezzer’s pronouncements concerning Daniel’s “God of heaven.” For before Daniel’s account of his reign is done, the prideful and polytheistic Nebuchadnezzer will humble himself, declaring that the Lord is the “Most High God” and the “King of Heaven” (Dan. 4:34-37).
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we are like Daniel in the sense that we too are exiles in this world. Teach us to declare Your Name to the nations, so that they might humble themselves and glorify You. Strengthen our resolve and give us wisdom to reach our generation with the Gospel. Send revival to this land. In Jesus’ name, amen.