Daniel 2:13 describes the deadly consequences of King Nebuchadnezzar's anger and his subsequent command. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"So the decree went out, and the wise men were to be slain": King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that he couldn't remember. He demanded that his wise men (magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and soothsayers) tell him both the dream and its interpretation. When they couldn't, he flew into a rage and decreed that all the wise men of Babylon should be killed. This was a rash and extreme reaction, showcasing Nebuchadnezzar's absolute power and volatile temper.
"They sought Daniel and his companions to be slain": Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, later known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) were among the wise men of Babylon, because they were chosen to be educated in the language and literature of Babylon and served in the king's court. Therefore, they were also included in the death sentence, even though they hadn't been initially consulted about the dream. The king's officers were now actively searching for Daniel and his companions to execute them along with the rest of the wise men.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow. It highlights the danger Daniel and his friends faced, and it underscores the importance of their faith and God's intervention in saving them.
Daniel 2:13 describes the deadly consequences of King Nebuchadnezzar's anger and his subsequent command. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"So the decree went out, and the wise men were to be slain": King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that he couldn't remember. He demanded that his wise men (magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and soothsayers) tell him both the dream and its interpretation. When they couldn't, he flew into a rage and decreed that all the wise men of Babylon should be killed. This was a rash and extreme reaction, showcasing Nebuchadnezzar's absolute power and volatile temper.
"They sought Daniel and his companions to be slain": Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, later known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) were among the wise men of Babylon, because they were chosen to be educated in the language and literature of Babylon and served in the king's court. Therefore, they were also included in the death sentence, even though they hadn't been initially consulted about the dream. The king's officers were now actively searching for Daniel and his companions to execute them along with the rest of the wise men.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow. It highlights the danger Daniel and his friends faced, and it underscores the importance of their faith and God's intervention in saving them.