Daniel
spoke to him with wisdom and tact. (Daniel 2:14)
Most
critical biblical scholars affirm that Daniel was written not to the Jews in
Babylonian exile, but to their grandchildren living 400 years later being
butchered by the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes. The last six chapters are
apocalyptic literature, written to persecuted people during dark times.
During
this first encounter between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar, the King asks for
something totally preposterous. He demands that not only must his wise men
interpret his dream, but that they interpret it without being told what it is!
When no one can comply, the king orders the deaths of all his advisors, even
though some have not yet been tested. When they come to arrest Daniel, instead
of panicking, and instead of flying off the handle at the injustice of the
situation, the writer says Daniel responded with
wisdom and tact.
No
matter how unreasonable the request or violent the attack, we don't have to
respond with panic or anger – even when our assailant is a monstrous tyrant. In
faith, we can choose
how to respond, and respond with wisdom and self-control. If a violent response
is deemed necessary, let it be a reasoned response, not a knee-jerk reaction.
Very few convincing arguments ever came out of a shouting match. Because he
kept his head when others were losing theirs, Daniel emerged as the king's most
trusted advisor.
When was the last time panicking or losing your temper
successfully resolved anything?
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