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 several generations removed who lived 400
years later and were being butchered by the Greek tyrant Antiochus IV (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?
TODAY’S MEDITATION
In what areas do you need
wisdom and tact?
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