Daniel 2:29-36

There are several interesting things in this relation of Daniel, which ought not to be passed by. Observe the modesty of the Prophet, in totally disclaiming all pretensions to merit in himself, and referring all glory to the Lord. Observe also, how boldly Daniel points out to the King the causes wherefore the King was led into this dream, and had his thoughts so deeply exercised about the meaning of it. Daniel plainly tells the monarch, that the whole event was for the Church's good. Oh! precious Jesus! how hast thou watched over thy Church in all ages, and art watching over it still! The wakefulness of a Persian King laid the foundation for the safety of the whole empire where the Church then was. See Esther 6:1. And the dream of this King of Babylon, became the cause of promoting Daniel in a foreign Court, whereby the Church was protected, and the council of the Lord made known to it when in captivity. Blessed Lord! cause thy people always to keep such views of thy constant watching over them in remembrance. As to the dream of an image, of such brightness, and so compounded of gold, and silver, and brass, and iron, and clay; the figure was so unequal, as might well excite the astonishment of the monarch's mind. And no less, when he beheld this great image destroyed, by a cause so apparently slender, and so apparently disproportioned, and also by means undiscovered, as a stone cut out without hands: yea, moreover, that this little stone should become a great mountain, and fill the earth! Here were wonders upon wonders!