The book of Daniel opens up by telling us about Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four young men had all been given jobs in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon because their wisdom and understanding was found to be ten times better than any of the king’s other magicians and astrologers. This knowledge and ability was given to them by God because of their faithfulness and trust in Him.
The second chapter of Daniel tells us about a dream that the king had one night but he did not understand what it meant. He sought help with it but none of his magicians or sorcerers could tell what the dream was, let alone what it meant. The king, while anxious about the dream, is unwilling to just tell the dream for fear of someone making up an interpretation. Because of this, the king issues a decree that all the wise men will be killed. Daniel and his friends are therefore also being included in the decree and being sought after. Daniel, knowing that his God can help, asks for time in order to seek mercies from God.
Daniel then talks to Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah that they might all petition God. God grants their request and reveals to Daniel the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Daniel then praises God and gives Him all glory. He praises God for His wisdom and might. He recognizes that God is the one who makes kings and removes kings from power. God is also the one who can reveal the secret things. Daniel also thanks God for the wisdom that has been given to him.
In Psalm 99, the Psalmist praises and exalts God for His righteousness and holiness. Moses, Aaron and Samuel were all men who, just like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, called upon God’s faithfulness and His willingness to not only hear their prayers but also answer them.
The Psalmist in Psalm 97 praises God for His sovereignty, even in foreign lands. He delivers His people out of the hands of the wicked and from those who would hurt His people.
Daniel teaches us, along with the other men mentioned, that God will hear our prayers but we must first pause and pray. It may seem obvious, but for some, it just might be a needed reminder. We also learn an invaluable lesson about the faith of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in Daniel 3, that even if their prayer was not answered as they might like, they would remain faithful and loyal to God.