Daniel
Chapter 4
Introduction: This chapter tells of a dream that Nebuchadnezzar had. God had
tried to get Nebuchadnezzar to see God’s power by the some of the things that have happened.
The king saw God’s power when Daniel was able to tell the king what he had dreamed. The king saw God’s power when the 3 Hebrew/Jewish men did not burn up in the furnace of fire.
Each time Nebuchadnezzar has said to the people that no one is allowed to said anything bad about the God of Daniel and his friends. The king saw God’s power.
But Nebuchadnezzar was a proud man. He was the greatest richest king in that known world. He ruled over many countries and other kings. People in some ways almost worshipped the king as a god.
In many of those countries the king was worshipped as a god.
So Nebuchadnezzar had a hard time bowing to this “unknown” God up in heaven somewhere.
In this chapter God makes something happen to Nebuchadnezzar that is very strange.
But when it is over, Nebuchadnezzar is willing to say that God in heaven is the true God.
Chapter 4
Vs. 1 The chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar telling what has happened to him.
He said he is the king over all peoples all languages that live in the earth.
(He was the king over all the lands of that part of the world. People could only travel by horse, camel, donkey, etc. so they did not go as far as we can. They did sail ships. So they did know of a few more lands.
But as far as most people in the part of the world understood Nebuchadnezzar ruled over all the world. All the lands that they know about.)
Vs. 2 Nebuchadnezzar said That he is telling this because he thought it was a good thing to do to tell of the wonders that the high God did. By using the words
“ high God” Nebuchadnezzar means the God in heaven not one of his idols that he worshipped.
Vs. 3 Nebuchadnezzar said that God’s signs (the things he did were so special and powerful) they made a person wonder. How could this be? The things God did were far beyond what any person could do. And they had never heard of their gods doing such things.)
Nebuchadnezzar says that God’s kingdom is everlasting. And the His dominion (rule) goes on from one generation to another generation.
This is a new understanding for Nebuchadnezzar.
Vs. 4. 5
Nebuchadnezzar said that he was resting in his house going along as usual. When he had a dream/vision and it made him afraid and upset.
Vs. 6. 7 Nebuchadnezzar called all his wise men, and those who studied the stars for signs, and those who did magic or witchcraft. But no one could explain his dream.
Vs. 8 Then he called Daniel. Daniel had been given the name of Belteshazzar which was the name of one of the gods Nebuchadnezzar worshipped.
But Nebuchadnezzar said that Daniel had in him the spirit of the holy gods. Nebuchadnezzar knows that Daniel’s God is the high and holy God. He saw that Daniel was different. That he had a spirit about him that is more powerful than what a man can be on his own.
Vs.9 Because Nebuchadnezzar knew this about Daniel he feels that Daniel will be able to tell him what his dream means.
Vs. 10-17
In his dream Nebuchadnezzar saw a tree in the middle of a field. It was a very tall tree. A very strong tree. It branches reached out to the ends of the earth.
It had beautiful leaves and fruit. It was food and shade for the bird and animals of the earth.
Then a saw a “watcher” one who watches the people on earth. It was a “holy one”.
It came down from heaven.
This holy watcher shouted “Cut down the tree. Cut off all the branches. Take away the fruit throw ii far away. Let the birds and animals go far away from the tree.
But let there be a stump left of the tree. Put an iron and brass band/ring around in. Let it be there in the grass. Let the dew (water on the grass in the morning) be on the grass.
Let him be with the animals in the field.
Let his heart be changed from a man to an animal’s. Let it be this way for 7 periods of time.”
This will happened because it has been decided by the holy watchers. The reason: so that the living (both the king and other people) will know that the most high God rules over and in the kingdoms of men. And that the Holy One gives kingdoms to whoever He will to be the king..
(In other words it is God who decides what will happen on earth. It is God who decides who will get to be king (and not men)
Vs. 18 Nebuchadnezzar has told the dream and now he wants Daniel to tell him what it means.
Vs. 19 When Daniel heard the dream he was in shock. After one hour of thinking about the dream the king could see that Daniel was upset.
The king said Do not be afraid to tell me what the dream means.
Daniel said How I wish this dream was for your enemies and not for you.
Interpretation of the dream:
Daniel said: The tree that was so tall strong and it branches reaching to the end of the earth is you, King Nebuchadnezzar. You have become a a strong king ruling over lands far, far away over many people.
The holy watcher the most high God. He has been watching. He will cut you down like a stump. He will drive away all people from you. You will live with the animals in the field. You will eat grass like an ox. This will last until 7 times pass over.
(People who study history say that in the time and land of Babylon the only seasons of the year that they counted was summer and winter. So for 7 seasons to pass by would be about 4 years.)
As the tree roots and stump was left so you will live. Then you will come back to your kingdom after you understand and admit/confess that the God of heaven rules over men.
So for 4 years Nebuchadnezzar would be “insane/crazy” he would be like an animal. He would “lose his mind” for a time. During that time, he will go out into the field and stay there and will eat grass like an ox.
After the time he will come back into his right mind again and be the king again.
Vs. 27 Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar “Please accept the advice I give you. Please stop your sin. Do what is right. Show mercy to the poor. Perhaps the Lord will give you peace.”
Vs. 28 -30 All of this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.
One year after the dream the king walked into the king’s house, “He said Is not this the king’s house that I have built?” (It probably was large beautiful place with many rich things).
“This house shows my power and the great king that I am that I have gotten by my own power and strength and smart planning.”
Vs. 31-32 While the king was still talking a voice spoke from heaven. “King Nebuchadnezzar, Your kingdom will leave you. Men will make you leave all people. You will go live in a field like an animal. You will eat grass like an ox until 7 seasons are done. And until you know that the most High God rules the earth and He gives men to be king. He will give kingdoms to whoever he decides.”
Vs. 33 That same hour Nebuchadnezzar “lost his mind” “went crazy”. He was not allowed to stay in the king’s house. He went out into the field. He was like an animal. He ate grass. His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle. His fingernails grew long like the claws of a bird.
Vs. 34 At the end of the 7 seasons, Nebuchadnezzar looked up into heaven. His understanding and mind returned to him.
This time he praised the God of heaven and gave Him honor and he was willing to say that the God of heaven was the everlasting God and the He ruled over the kingdoms of men.
Vs. 35 He also said all the people are as nothing compared to God. God does as he will among the people of earth. No one can stop him. And no one can say to him, “What are you doing?”
Vs. 36 When my mind and understanding returned to me I went back into the king’s house and I became the king again. My wise men and leaders looked to me as king once again. My honor and respect was given back to me.
Vs. 37
And now, I, King Nebuchadnezzar, praise and honor and lift up the name of the King of Heaven. All that He does is truth. And his ways are right judgment. And those who walk so proud he will bring down.