Daniel Chapter 4

Commentary

Nebuchadnezzar Confesses God's Kingdom

1Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

3How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Great Tree

4I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. 8But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, 9O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

10Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.

11The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:

12The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

13I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

14He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

15Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

16Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

18This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

19Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. 20The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 24This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 26And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. 27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

The Second Dream Fulfilled

28All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration

34And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

36At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Nebuchadnezzar Confesses God’s Kingdom

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.

3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. 8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying, 9 Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.

10 Thus were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and its height was great.

11 The tree grew, and was strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its sight to the end of all the earth.

12 The leaves of it were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all: the animals of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

13 I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from the sky.

14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the animals get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.

15 Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth:

16 let his heart be changed from man’s, and let an animal’s heart be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.

17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will, and sets up over it the lowest of men.

18 This dream I, king Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and his thoughts troubled him. The king answered, Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you. Belteshazzar answered, My lord, the dream be to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries. 20 The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth; 21 whose leaves were beautiful, and its fruit much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation: 22 it is you, O king, that are grown and become strong; for your greatness is grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23 Whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from the sky, and saying, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let his portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over him; 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which has come on my lord the king: 25 that you shall be driven from men, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will. 26 Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be sure to you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule. 27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your tranquility.

The Second Dream Fulfilled

28 All this came on the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you: 32 and you shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.

35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ask him, What are you doing?

36 At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.

Nebuchadnezzar Confesses God’s Kingdom

1 King Nebuchadnezzar,

To the people of every nation and language who dwell in all the earth:

May your prosperity be multiplied. 2 I am pleased to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

3 How great are His signs,

how mighty His wonders!

His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;

His dominion endures from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. 5 I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. 6 So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. 7 When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, a and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me.

8 But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: 9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation. 10 In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass:

There was a tree in the midst of the land,

and its height was great.

11 The tree grew large and strong;

its top reached the sky,

and it was visible

to the ends of the earth.

12 Its leaves were beautiful,

its fruit was abundant,

and upon it was food for all.

Under it the beasts of the field found shelter,

in its branches the birds of the air nested,

and from it every creature was fed.

13 As I lay on my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, b a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 He called out in a loud voice:

‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches;

strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit.

Let the beasts flee from under it,

and the birds from its branches.

15 But leave the stump with its roots in the ground,

and a band of iron and bronze around it,

in the tender grass of the field.

Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven

and graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth.

16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man,

and let him be given the mind of a beast

till seven times pass him by.

17 This decision is the decree of the watchers,

the verdict declared by the holy ones,

so that the living will know

that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind

and gives it to whom He wishes,

setting over it the lowliest of men.’

18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

19 For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him.

So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.”

“My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!

20 The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, 21 whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested— 22 you, O king, are that tree! For you have become great and strong; your greatness has grown to reach the sky, and your dominion extends to the ends of the earth.

23 And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying:

‘Cut down the tree and destroy it,

but leave the stump with its roots in the ground,

and a band of iron and bronze around it,

in the tender grass of the field.

Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,

and graze with the beasts of the field

till seven times pass him by.’

24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king:

25 You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.

26 As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”

The Second Dream Fulfilled

28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”

31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. 32 You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”

33 At that moment the sentence against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from mankind. He ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

34 But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever:

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

35 All the peoples of the earth

are counted as nothing,

and He does as He pleases

with the army of heaven

and the peoples of the earth.

There is no one who can restrain His hand

or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ ”

36 At the same time my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

 

Footnotes:

7 a Or Chaldeans
13 b Or an angelic watcher  or a messenger ; also in verses 17 and 23

Nebuchadnezzar Confesses God's Kingdom

1'Nebuchadnezzar the king to all peoples, nations, and languages, who are dwelling in all the earth: Your peace be great! 2The signs and wonders that God Most High hath done with me, it is good before me to shew.

3His signs how great! and His wonders how mighty! His kingdom is a kingdom age-during, and His rule is with generation and generation.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Great Tree

4'I, Nebuchadnezzar, have been at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace: 5a dream I have seen, and it maketh me afraid, and the conceptions on my bed, and the visions of my head, do trouble me. 6And by me a decree is made, to cause all the wise men of Babylon to come up before me, that the interpretation of the dream they may cause me to know. 7Then coming up are the scribes, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and the dream I have told before them, and its interpretation they are not making known to me. 8And at last come up before me hath Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar -- according to the name of my god -- and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, and the dream before him I have told: 9O Belteshazzar, master of the scribes, as I have known that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret doth press thee, the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation, tell.

10As to the visions of my head on my bed, I was looking, and lo, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height is great:

11become great hath the tree, yea, strong, and its height doth reach to the heavens, and its vision to the end of the whole land;

12its leaves are fair, and its budding great, and food for all is in it: under it take shade doth the beast of the field, and in its boughs dwell do the birds of the heavens, and of it fed are all flesh.

13'I was looking, in the visions of my head on my bed, and lo, a sifter, even a holy one, from the heavens is coming down.

14He is calling mightily, and thus hath said, Cut down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its budding, move away let the beast from under it, and the birds from off its branches;

15but the stump of its roots leave in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and with the dew of the heavens is it wet, and with the beasts is his portion in the herb of the earth;

16his heart from man's is changed, and the heart of a beast is given to him, and seven times pass over him;

17by the decree of the sifters is the sentence, and by the saying of the holy ones the requirement, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and to whom He willeth He giveth it, and the lowest of men He doth raise up over it.

18This dream I have seen, I king Nebuchadnezzar; and thou, O Belteshazzar, the interpretation tell, because that all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to cause me to know the interpretation, and thou art able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

19Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, hath been astonished about one hour, and his thoughts do trouble him; the king hath answered and said, O Belteshazzar, let not the dream and its interpretation trouble thee. Belteshazzar hath answered and said, My lord, the dream -- to those hating thee, and its interpretation -- to thine enemies! 20The tree that thou hast seen, that hath become great and strong, and its height doth reach to the heavens, and its vision to all the land, 21and its leaves are fair, and its budding great, and food for all is in it, under it dwell doth the beast of the field, and on its boughs sit do the birds of the heavens. 22Thou it is, O king, for thou hast become great and mighty, and thy greatness hath become great, and hath reached to the heavens, and thy dominion to the end of the earth; 23and that which the king hath seen -- a sifter, even a holy one, coming down from the heavens, and he hath said, Cut down the tree, and destroy it; but the stump of its roots leave in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and with the dew of the heavens it is wet, and with the beast of the field is his portion, till that seven times pass over him. 24This is the interpretation, O king, and the decree of the Most High it is that hath come against my lord the king: 25and they are driving thee away from men, and with the beast of the field is thy dwelling, and the herb as oxen they do cause thee to eat, and by the dew of the heavens they are wetting thee, and seven times do pass over thee, till that thou knowest that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and to whom He willeth He giveth it. 26And that which they said -- to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; thy kingdom for thee abideth, after that thou knowest that the heavens are ruling. 27'Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and thy sins by righteousness break off, and thy perversity by pitying the poor, lo, it is a lengthening of thine ease.

The Second Dream Fulfilled

28'All -- hath come on Nebuchadnezzar the king. 29'At the end of twelve months, on the palace of the kingdom of Babylon he hath been walking; 30the king hath answered and said, Is not this that great Babylon that I have built, for the house of the kingdom, in the might of my strength, and for the glory of mine honour? 31While the word is in the king's mouth a voice from the heavens hath fallen: To thee they are saying: O Nebuchadnezzar the king, the kingdom hath passed from thee, 32and from men they are driving thee away, and with the beast of the field is thy dwelling, the herb as oxen they do cause thee to eat, and seven times do pass over thee, till that thou knowest that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and to whom He willeth He giveth it. 33'In that hour the thing hath been fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar, and from men he is driven, and the herb as oxen he eateth, and by the dew of the heavens his body is wet, till that his hair as eagles' hath become great, and his nails as birds.'

Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration

34And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, mine eyes to the heavens have lifted up, and mine understanding unto me returneth, and the Most High I have blessed, and the Age-during Living One I have praised and honoured, whose dominion is a dominion age-during, and His kingdom with generation and generation;

35and all who are dwelling on the earth as nothing are reckoned, and according to his will He is doing among the forces of the heavens and those dwelling on the earth, and there is none that doth clap with his hand, and saith to Him, What hast Thou done?

36'At that time my understanding doth return unto me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honour and my brightness doth return unto me, and to me my counsellors and my great men do seek, and over my kingdom I have been made right, and abundant greatness hath been added to me. 37Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, am praising and exalting and honouring the King of the heavens, for all His works are truth, and His paths judgment, and those walking in pride He is able to humble.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Daniel 4?
2Introduction to Daniel 4
3Context of Daniel 4
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Daniel 4 Unique Insights
7Daniel 4 Connections to Yeshua
8Daniel 4 Scriptural Echoes
9Daniel 4 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Daniel 4?

Introduction to Daniel 4

Daniel 4 stands as one of the most remarkable chapters in the Old Testament, presenting the extraordinary account of King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling transformation through divine intervention. This chapter is unique as it contains the personal testimony of a pagan king, written in his own words, describing how the Most High God brought him from the heights of pride to the depths of humility, and ultimately to genuine faith. It serves as a powerful warning about pride and a testimony to God’s sovereignty over all earthly rulers.

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Context of Daniel 4

Within the book of Daniel, chapter 4 represents a crucial turning point in Nebuchadnezzar’s spiritual journey. Following his earlier encounters with God’s power in chapters 1-3 – from Daniel’s dietary success to the miracle of the fiery furnace – this chapter reveals the culmination of God’s patient work in the king’s heart. The narrative is structured as a royal proclamation, making it distinct from the surrounding chapters.

In the broader Biblical narrative, this chapter powerfully illustrates themes that resonate throughout Scripture: God’s sovereignty over human kingdoms (Psalm 22:28), His patience in dealing with proud rulers (Exodus 9:16), and His desire that all people, including powerful monarchs, come to acknowledge Him (1 Timothy 2:3-4). This account foreshadows how God will ultimately bring all nations to recognize His supremacy, as prophesied in Philippians 2:10-11.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • שְׁפַל (shepal) – “to be or become low”: This Aramaic word appears prominently in verses 4:37, emphasizing humiliation. Unlike its Hebrew counterpart, the Aramaic carries a stronger sense of divine action in the humbling process, suggesting God’s direct intervention in bringing low the proud.
  • עִיר (ʿir) – “watcher”: This unique term appears in verses 13 and 17, referring to angelic beings. The word comes from a root meaning “to be awake,” indicating these beings’ constant vigilance in executing divine decrees. This term is rare in biblical literature but appears in Second Temple period Jewish writings.
  • נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר (Nebuchadnetzar) – The name itself carries significance, meaning “Nebo, protect the crown.” The irony is profound as the false god Nebo proves powerless to protect Nebuchadnezzar from the true God’s humbling.
  • מַלְכוּ (malku) – “kingdom”: This Aramaic term appears repeatedly, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human authority. Unlike its Hebrew equivalent “mamlakah,” this term specifically connotes delegated authority.
  • שָׁלְטָן (shaltan) – “dominion”: This word emphasizes actual exercise of power rather than mere theoretical authority. It appears in verse 31, highlighting God’s active rule over human affairs.
  • עִלָּיָא (illaya) – “Most High”: This Aramaic divine title appears prominently, emphasizing God’s supreme authority. Its use by a pagan king is particularly significant, showing his recognition of יהוה’s supremacy.
  • רַב (rav) – “great”: In its Aramaic usage here, it carries connotations of both size and significance, particularly in describing the tree vision’s scope and Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom.
  • גְּדַע (geda) – “cut down”: This vivid term in verse 14 carries ceremonial connotations, suggesting not just destruction but divine judgment.
  • טְעֵם (teʿem) – “mind/understanding”: This Aramaic term specifically relates to rational thought and decision-making capacity, crucial to understanding Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1: “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages” – The choice of universal address terminology mirrors other ancient Near Eastern royal proclamations but uniquely acknowledges divine authority. The Aramaic terms used for “people” (עַמְמִין) and “nations” (אֻמַּיָּא) specifically emphasize ethnic and linguistic diversity.
  • Verse 17: “This matter is by the decree of the watchers” – The term “decree” (גְּזֵרָה) was deliberately chosen over the more common דָּת to emphasize divine rather than human origin of the judgment.
  • Verse 25: “They shall drive thee from men” – The passive construction in Aramaic (יִטְרְדוּן) deliberately obscures the human agents, emphasizing divine causation.
  • Verse 30: “Is not this great Babylon?” – The term “great” (רַבְּתָא) here carries ironic overtones in Aramaic that are lost in translation, setting up the immediate fall.
  • Verse 32: “Until thou know that the most High ruleth” – The verb “ruleth” (שַׁלִּיט) was chosen over the more common מְלַךְ to emphasize active exercise of authority rather than mere position.
  • Verse 34: “I blessed the most High” – The term “blessed” (בָּרְכֵת) carries covenantal connotations in Aramaic, suggesting more than mere praise but actual allegiance.
  • Verse 37: “Those that walk in pride he is able to abase” – The term “abase” (הַשְׁפָּלָה) was chosen for its legal connotations in Aramaic court language.

Daniel 4 Unique Insights

The structure of this chapter is particularly significant from a Jewish perspective. It follows the pattern of ancient Near Eastern dream-vision texts but with a crucial difference: instead of glorifying the king, it glorifies the God of Israel. The rabbinical tradition, particularly in Midrash Rabbah, notes that Nebuchadnezzar’s seven periods of madness parallel the seven days of creation, suggesting a complete re-creation of the king’s personality.

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The concept of the “watchers” (עִירִין) in this chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into Second Temple period angelology. These beings are described as “holy ones,” suggesting their role in maintaining divine order. The early rabbinic commentary Sifre to Deuteronomy connects these watchers to the seventy guardian angels of the nations mentioned in Deuteronomy 32:8, providing insight into how God administers His sovereignty over gentile nations.

The transformation of Nebuchadnezzar represents what Jewish tradition calls “teshuvah gemurah” (complete repentance). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 92b) suggests that Nebuchadnezzar’s experience led to genuine conversion, making him one of the few gentile kings in Scripture to acknowledge יהוה’s supreme authority. This understanding is supported by the king’s use of explicitly theological language in his proclamation.

The imagery of the great tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream connects to ancient Near Eastern royal ideology while subverting it. While Mesopotamian kings often compared themselves to great trees, this chapter shows how God can reduce such “trees” to stumps. The early church father Ephrem the Syrian noted this as a pattern of how God deals with human pride, connecting it to Isaiah 2:12-13.

Daniel 4 Connections to Yeshua

The humbling of Nebuchadnezzar presents a powerful contrast to the Messiah’s voluntary humbling described in Philippians 2:5-11. While Nebuchadnezzar was forcibly humbled for his pride, Yeshua willingly humbled Himself out of love. This contrast emphasizes the fundamental difference between human pride and divine humility.

The chapter’s theme of divine sovereignty over human kingdoms points forward to Yeshua’s ultimate authority as King of Kings. The vision of the great tree being cut down but its stump preserved with bands of iron and bronze parallels how the Davidic kingdom would be temporarily interrupted but preserved until the Messiah’s coming. Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s authority was restored after his humbling, so the Messiah will restore the kingdom to Israel in its fullness.

Daniel 4 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages about pride and divine sovereignty. The image of the great tree echoes Ezekiel 31:3-14, where Assyria is compared to a mighty cedar. The theme of divine humbling parallels Isaiah 14:12-15, describing the fall of Babylon’s king.

The concept of temporary madness as divine judgment appears in 1 Samuel 16:14 with Saul, while the restoration theme echoes Job 42:10-17. The declaration of God’s eternal dominion anticipates Revelation 11:15, where the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Messiah.

Daniel 4 Devotional

This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts regarding pride and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we often need humbling experiences to recognize our complete dependence on God. The king’s restoration reminds us that God’s discipline, though painful, is always redemptive when we respond with genuine repentance.

Consider areas in your life where you might be taking credit for what God has given you. Are there “great Babylons” you’ve built while forgetting the Source of your abilities and success? Nebuchadnezzar’s experience teaches us that it’s better to humble ourselves before God than to be humbled by Him.

The chapter also encourages us with God’s patience in dealing with proud hearts. He gave Nebuchadnezzar multiple opportunities to acknowledge Him before the severe discipline, and even then, His purpose was restoration, not destruction. This reveals God’s heart toward all people, even those who seem furthest from Him.

Did You Know

  • The term “watcher” (עִיר) used in this chapter appears nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible but becomes prominent in later Jewish apocalyptic literature, particularly in the Book of Enoch.
  • The seven periods of Nebuchadnezzar’s madness may correspond to seven years, based on similar usage in other biblical prophecies.
  • Archaeological evidence has been found of Nebuchadnezzar’s building projects in Babylon, confirming his boast about the city’s grandeur.
  • The medical condition described in the chapter, where Nebuchadnezzar behaves like an animal, is similar to a documented psychiatric condition called clinical lycanthropy.
  • The Aramaic language used in this chapter contains several Persian loan words, consistent with its historical setting.
  • Ancient Babylonian texts have been discovered showing gaps in Nebuchadnezzar’s active reign, possibly corresponding to this period of madness.
  • The specific type of tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision isn’t identified, but ancient Mesopotamian royal inscriptions often compared kings to date palms or cedars.
  • The “band of iron and bronze” around the stump has been interpreted by some Jewish scholars as representing the preserving power of God’s covenant.
  • The dew mentioned in verse 15 carries significance in Jewish tradition as a symbol of resurrection and renewal.
  • Early Jewish tradition suggests Daniel himself may have administered the kingdom during Nebuchadnezzar’s period of madness.
  • The chapter’s structure follows the pattern of ancient Aramaic memoranda, suggesting it may preserve an actual royal proclamation.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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