Daniel - Chapter 4

So far in Daniel we have seen a constant focus upon the concept of the sovereignty of God over nations and individuals. We saw the way God gives wisdom to His faithful servants in chapter 1. We saw this wisdom at work in the interpretation of the king's dream in chapter 2. We saw the divine protection given to the three faithful servants in chapter 3. Now we will see the confession of that sovereign power by a heathen king.

(4:1-18) Night Visions

We see in these first verses language that many have determined to be the actual words written by Daniel for the king, or perhaps these words were written by the king under the strength of the powerful influence of Daniel. The words that end verse one “Peace be multiplied to you” are strongly words of one who understands the power of Jehovah God over all earthly matters and is the one who provides real peace. Verse 3 further confirms those thoughts as well with its majestic description of God and His workings that Nebuchadnezzar has seen with his own eyes.

We see in verse 4 that the king was at rest and was flourishing in his own palace when a dream has come upon him which once more troubles him.

The “tree dream” begins with a fairly straightforward vision of a tree that grows to great height, even to heaven, being seen by all on the earth. The vision of the tree itself was not so much a concern as the vision the king was given of one who then comes down from heaven which he calls a “watcher” and a “holy one” who gives commands to cut into the tree. As the vision begins to be described the king tells the story of the tree by using a non-personal description of “its height”, “it could be seen”, “its leaves”, “its fruit”, “its branches”. 

But when the watcher from heaven begins to speak, he speaks quite differently concerning the tree. Notice that the watcher speaks of “cut off HIS branches”, “shake off HIS leaves, “scatter HIS fruit”, leave the stump of HIS roots”, let HIS portion be”, “let HIS heart be changed”. Now the vision has become strongly personal.

None of the king's normal magicians or others could interpret the dream. But the king was sure that Belteshazzar (Daniel) can reveal its meaning, as he says in verse 8 that he knows Daniel is a man “in whom is the spirit of the holy gods”. We see that the king is not yet convinced that there is only ONE God, and the signs and wonders he has seen have not yet brought him to conversion.

(4:19-27) Warnings From God

When Daniel heard this dream he was troubled himself, so much so that for one hour he could not speak. Daniel knew the meaning and was at first concerned about revealing the truth to the king. He softens his words with a wish that this truth of this dream to be on the king's enemies, not on the king himself.

Daniel reveals that the tree represents king Nebuchadnezzar himself and that this tree will be cut down but the stump and roots will be left to spring up again. Daniel further tells the king that through a work of the hand of God, the king will be forced out for seven years to live as a beast in the field, eating grass as oxen do, soaked by the dew of heaven. Daniel is very clear that this decision is by the decree of the watchers, and is the sentence of the holy ones.

Daniel also tries again in verse 27 to convince the king to forsake his sins by righteousness and to show mercy on the poor, and if he did there would be further tranquility in the life of the king.

(4:28-33) The Kingdom Departs

The king did not take Daniel's advice and God allowed one year of grace before judgment. It is likely that this king may have thought or hoped that the prophecy of Daniel may have escaped the mind of God. But as we have earlier studied in this prophetic book, the word of God endures forever. Delayed judgment is not ever avoided.

After the year, as the king was looking out at the kingdom, he speaks in verse 30 of the “great Babylon that I have built... by the might of MY power... for the honor of MY majesty”. Probation time is over and judgment day is here.

The king was driven from men and ate grass as a beast and his body was wet from the dew and his hair grew long as did his fingernails, which became as claws. This he suffered for seven years. He becomes outwardly what he had been inwardly in spirit, a beast. The prophecy of his dream was fulfilled.

(4:34-37) Reason Restored

God's judgment on Nebuchadnezzar was done but was tempered with a slight glimmer of mercy. God said that he would live as a beast for those years, but verse 32 had promised that this would continue “... until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomever he will”.

Now the king says that he lifted his eyes to heaven and his understanding returned to him, and he blessed the most High, and praised and honored Him. The king's kingdom, counselors, and nobles were returned to him, and excellent majesty was added to him.

When the course of sin's dominion over the king was broken and when he lifted his eyes and heart in repentance and submission, mercy was granted.

We must carefully see the details of this change upon the king:

He confesses the sovereignty of God. He clearly states in verse 35 that no one questions the Lord.

He confesses the lower status of all creatures by saying that all the inhabitants of the earth are as nothing before God.

He confesses the truthfulness and righteousness of God by saying that all of the works of the Lord are truth and His ways justice.

Through these confessions, he shows that he recognizes that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34)

Peter many years later provides this very same teaching in 1st Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt  you in due time:”