How does Daniel 5:15 encourage reliance on God over human experts? Setting the Scene: Daniel 5:15 in Context “Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and tell me its interpretation, but they could not give its interpretation.” (Daniel 5:15) The Shortfall of Human Experts • Babylon’s finest intellectuals, magicians, and astrologers faced a supernatural message and drew a blank. • Their learning, status, and past successes could not bridge the gap between human insight and divine revelation. • The king’s frustration (“they could not give its interpretation”) exposes the limits of purely human wisdom—no matter how sophisticated. God’s Superior Wisdom • Immediately after verse 15, Daniel—empowered by the Spirit of God (vv. 11–12)—steps forward with clarity none of the court sages possessed. • Scripture repeatedly affirms that the Lord “gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21). • Unlike the Babylonian experts, Daniel relies on direct revelation from the living God, showing that God alone unlocks mysteries (Daniel 2:28). Lessons for Us Today • Expertise is valuable, yet finite; God’s wisdom is infinite. • Rely first on the One who inspired Scripture rather than on human credentials. • When facing the inscrutable, seek God’s counsel through prayer and His Word before turning elsewhere. • Cultivate a habit of measuring all advice—professional or otherwise—against the clear teaching of Scripture. Supporting Scriptures • Jeremiah 17:5 — “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man…’” • Psalm 118:8 — “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” • Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously…” • 1 Corinthians 1:25 — “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” |
    |