Daniel 2:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

NIV: He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

NASB: It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.

CSB: He reveals the deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him.

NLT: He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.

KJV: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

NKJV: He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.

King Nebuchadnezzar devised a test for his royal magicians: to tell him what he had dreamed, rather than simply telling him what a dream meant (Daniel 2:1–6). He suspected they had been lying to him, and their inability to discern his mystery proved they had no spiritual insight (Daniel 2:8–11). Daniel, however, relied on the power of God and was given a vision explaining what he needed to know (Daniel 2:17–19). Later, Daniel will make it clear that he, himself, was not the source of this information, but that the Lord was the One who provided it (Daniel 2:27–28).

Nothing is hidden from God, not even things covered up or hidden by or to humans (Psalm 44:21; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Mark 4:22; Hebrews 4:13). God knows what is in darkness even though He dwells in the light. Extolling God's omniscience in Psalm 139:11–12, David writes: "If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,' even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you." When God saves a sinner, He shines in his heart "to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Daniel 2:17–23 explains what happened after Daniel requested an appointment to explain king Nebuchadnezzar's dream. When royal magicians could not explain his dream, the king gave an extreme command: to kill all his advisors, even those not involved with his request (Daniel 2:1–15). Daniel, despite knowing nothing about the dream, at first, promised the king an answer (Daniel 2:16). This passage shows what happened next and reveals more information about Daniel's character. This continues a stretch of Scripture recorded in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4—7:28).

King Nebuchadnezzar tests his magicians, demanding they tell him what he has dreamed, rather than merely inventing an interpretation. When they fail, he prepares to execute the entire department of wise men. Daniel promises he can meet the king's request and is given a special vision from God. The king dreamed of a massive statue shattered into powder by a supernatural rock. Daniel accurately describes this and interprets it as a prophecy about kingdoms which would come after Babylon. The king appoints Daniel and his friends to positions of power and influence over Babylon.

Chapter 1 introduced King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Daniel—a captive youth from Jerusalem—and three other Jewish boys. After three years of education, the four Hebrew captives outperformed all the other trainees, even surpassing the wise men in Babylon. In chapter 2, Daniel describes and interprets Nebuchadnezzar's disturbing dream, though the court magicians could not. As a result, the king promotes Daniel and his three friends to high positions over the provinces of Babylon. This sets the stage for a severe test of faith in chapter 3.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.