Daniel 4

I’m sure the subtitle in your Bible for this chapter reads “learning the hard way”. Some people just refuse to heed warnings — you see them standing on the train track with the engine coming and they won’t get out of the way; you can only stand and watch the wreck. In this chapter Daniel gives Nebuchadnezzar a warning, who ignores it until God explains it to him a little more clearly.

Nebuchadnezzar pens this chapter himself for distribution throughout the known world. Although he was a slow learner, the King wants everyone to benefit from his experience. But as we shall see in later chapters, his sons don’t heed his warnings and refuse to learn the lessons. History repeats itself, again.

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. (Daniel 4:1 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man in world, conquering the known world. At that time, if you defeated a nation it meant your gods were more powerful than theirs. Since Nebuchadnezzar defeated the whole world he felt he was most powerful, and his gods more powerful than any other. But he’ll quickly learn a lesson.

I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 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. (Daniel 4:2-3 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar reflects back on his lessons. At this point, he believes in God, but was he sincere? Did his commitment to God continue? Commentators disagree — some believe he was saved, others not. It’s easy to make a commitment to God when emotions are high, but does that commitment continue when the situation ends?

Remember the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Some seed falls on good ground and grows, other seed falls on shallow soil, and after it begins to grow it withers in the sun due to its poor foundation. But nothing is wrong with the seed — it’s the same for both soils. So did Nebuchadnezzar continue with his commitment to God? We don’t know.

But notice Nebuchadnezzar changes his mind a lot — he’s impressionable and easily swayed (not a good characteristic to have). You must have confidence in your convictions and not allow yourself to be easily swayed. That doesn’t mean bull-headed and inflexible, but don’t allow circumstance to dictate your beliefs, and don’t worry about what others do. Sometimes you may be all alone, but that doesn’t matter if you’re on the right side. Right and wrong is not subject to a vote.

I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace. (Daniel 4:4 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar likely did that a lot — just sit back and relax in his palace. After all, he conquered the world, the stock market performed well, he had plenty of food and wine, what else did he need?

But if you have too much stuff, it can make you think you’ve earned it or done something to deserve it. It also makes you rely on your stuff instead of God or becomes a source of pride. All of these things happen to Nebuchadnezzar. You may be blessed by God, but don’t allow your blessings to be your downfall.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:6-9 KJV)

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase; this is also vanity. (Ecclesiastes 5:10 KJV)

Be content with what you have. Some are blessed with possessions, others aren’t as they can become a snare. Whether you have a little or a lot, be content with it. Consider Paul at the end of his life, he said whatever state he was in, he was content. As he was in jail and about to be executed, it would have been easy for him to be bitter over his life — he gave up considerable social status to follow Christ, dying with nothing. But Paul considered all worldly things as a loss to gain the knowledge of Christ.

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. (Daniel 4:5 KJV)

Yogi Bera said it’s deja vu all over again; haven’t we seen this before? Sounds like earlier in Daniel’s book doesn’t it? Man doesn’t learn from history — the only thing we learn from history is man learns nothing from history. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t learn from his past either.

Some people are surprised God speaks to the king as a gentile and pagan; just as God used Balaam’s donkey, he uses anyone he wishes however he wishes. Don’t limit God to using only this group or that group. He possesses unlimited power and resources and uses anyone and anything He wants to accomplish His goals.

This time God gives a warning specifically for him. Nebuchadnezzar shows his problem in verses one through five as he uses the words I-my-me 10 times! Nebuchadnezzar’s problem was it’s all about me; as King, nobody will tell him any different.

Therefore 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. (Daniel 4:6 KJV)

Daniel wasn’t in the group this time; perhaps he was nearing retirement (some commentators say this could be 20 years after previous chapter). But for whatever reason the other guys had the first shot.

Then 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. (Daniel 4:7 KJV)

Either they couldn’t, or wouldn’t as they feared the meaning. If they did understand and feared to tell the king the meaning, what good are they as advisors? Simply surrounding yourself with people who won’t speak the truth is worthless.

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 before him I told the dream, saying, (Daniel 4:8 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar uses Daniel’s Hebrew name, as well as the name given to him in Babylon. That’s quite an honor, as the captives received new names after being taken. Even after all these years, Daniel’s Hebrew name is not forgotten, and the King uses it as a sign of respect towards Daniel (don’t confuse Daniel/Belteshazzar with the guy in the next chapter, Belshazzar who was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar).

O 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. (Daniel 4:9 KJV)

Chief of magicians doesn’t mean Daniel suddenly turned pagan, it’s just the Babylonian job title. As we’ve learned from Daniel’s character, he would never compromise. Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar had a special relationship — he knew Daniel would give him the straight scoop in contrast to his other advisors who only told the king what he wanted to hear.

Thus 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. The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth. The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food 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.

I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; He 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. Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, 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. Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

This 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. (Daniel 4:10-17 KJV)

That’s the dream, and he didn’t understand it. But you can see how it might be disturbing — even without the understanding, it’s not a pretty picture.

This 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 4:18 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar knew Daniel would speak the truth even if it wasn’t popular. Too many times Christians fear to speak up afraid of being offensive. Yet truth isn’t always popular, and if you withhold the truth for fear of being offensive you’re not being a good friend, or parent.

It would be popular to tell the king this dream provides abundant blessing, but that wouldn’t be true. Read 1 Kings 22 as a warning of what happens when people don’t speak the truth. Sadly, many churches want to be “seeker friendly”, and instead of proclaiming man’s sin and need for a savior, they preach church potlucks and ice cream. That’s not only wrong, it’s a huge disservice for people who will end up in hell for lack of proper teaching.

Sometimes the truth just isn’t popular. Daniel understood the dreams meaning, pausing before telling the king what it meant. Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar must have been close, and the king respected Daniel, not only for his ability, but for speaking the truth even when it wasn’t pleasant.

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was perplexed for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke, 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. (Daniel 4:19 KJV)

Daniel’s astonishement arose not because he didn’t know the dream, but because he did. But after composing himself, Daniel proceeds to tell the king the meaning he seeks.

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: It 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. (Daniel 4:20-22 KJV)

Similar to his previous dream, Nebuchadnezzar is the head of gold, the pinnacle of human government.

And 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 bronze, 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; (Daniel 4:23 KJV)

But for some reason the kingdom is taken away for seven years. As a hint, it’s the same reason as God destroyed Sodom.

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me; therefore I took them away as I saw good. (Ezekiel 16:49-50 KJV)

Pride is a big problem, perhaps because it was the first sin. Most people believe Sodom was destroyed for its sexual perversion. That certainly is true, but notice the order of the list. Pride is first, too many possessions is second, too much leisure time is next. And all of that results in not using your leisure time well.

Pride creeps in as you use gifts God gives you. Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift — an area God uniquely qualified you for ministry. But those gifts can become a source of pride. For this reason, don’t ever tell someone they did a great job, since the skills are a gift from God — He could just as easy give those skills to someone else. Yet it’s vital to encourage people; the best way is to acknowledge the source of the gift is from God.

Pride comes in two forms. First, the obvious one of someone boasting about his accomplishments and skills. But you might not realize some people appearing humble are actually full of pride. What? Consider the person always downcast, saying they’re nothing and can’t do anything. My, what humility we think! Yet God says you’re something, and if you think you’re nothing you’re calling God a liar, and that’s not humility, that’s pride. CS Lewis wrote about it in his book “The Screwtape Letters”.

MY DEAR WORMWOOD,

I see only one thing to do at the moment. Your patient has become humble; have you drawn his attention to the fact? All virtues are less formidable to us once the man is aware that he has them, but this is specially true of humility. Catch him at the moment when he is really poor in spirit and smuggle into his mind the gratifying reflection, “By jove! I’m being humble”, and almost immediately pride--pride at his own humility--will appear. If he awakes to the danger and tries to smother this new form of pride, make him proud of his attempt--and so on, through as many stages as you please.

... By this method thousands of humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools. And since what they are trying to believe may, in some cases, be manifest nonsense, they cannot succeed in believing it and we have the chance of keeping their minds endlessly revolving on themselves in an effort to achieve the impossible.

To anticipate the Enemy’s strategy, we must consider His aims. The Enemy wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in the, fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it than he would be if it had been done by another.

The book revelas a story as a series of letters between one of satan’s associates and his protege, who’s trying to drag a poor soul to hell. But it contains some revelations of satan’s strategies, one of which is pride. Notice satan doesn’t really care which way you’re off (he doesn’t really hold to anything), just as long as you’re away from God’s truth. As such, either excessive pride or false humility works for his aims.

This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That 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. And 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. (Daniel 4:24-26 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar needs to learn a lesson, but even with the warning he doesn’t get it — some times we have to learn the hard way as man learns nothing from the past and frequently repeats it. But how about us? Nebuchadnezzar didn’t learn the lessons, but do we? How often do we repeat the mistakes of the past? The narratives in the Bible aren’t just quaint history, they provide lessons for us to learn from — we need to avail ourselves of the lessons contained therein.

Nebuchadnezzar was stubborn, but there’s good stubborn and bad stubborn (that might surprise you). Good stubbornness we saw last chapter — not yielding even though everyone else does and you stand all alone. That’s good character and confidence in what you know is true. Bad stubborn is refusing teaching or warning, and that’s the kings primary problem here.

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. (Daniel 4:27 KJV)

Daniel warns the King and advises him to change his path. Jonah warned the people of Nineveh God’s destruction was about to fall on the city, but the king of Nineveh proclaimed a fast, saying who knows if God will relent, and spare the city. Daniel wonders if Nebuchadnezzar changes his way if this judgment will pass by. But the king does nothing, refusing to change his way and time goes by.

The train wrecks coming. Repent or be judged. Judgment doesn’t come to the king for months; likely he’s forgotten about what Daniel said. But don’t mistake the long-suffering of God for the approval of God. God hasn’t forgotten, you’re not getting by with it and God most certainly doesn’t approve. God doesn’t change, and neither does His word. What’s true then is still true today. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV)

All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. (Daniel 4:28-29 KJV)

He’s about to make a big mistake; he never learned the lesson Daniel tried to give him. But the king bears responsiblity for his actions. Some people say if God wanted to, he would stop me. After all, if it was really bad, and God is all powerful, why doesn’t God just prevent me from sinning in the first place? Because God gives you a choice — you don’t have to follow Him. God gives chance for repentance, but don’t mistake that for approval.

Consider Noah and the flood. Noah worked on that boat for decades before the flood came. God gave people a witness to what was about to occur, and gave people a chance for repentance. But in all those years, how many were saved? Zero. Noah was a failure. But there he is, in the great “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. You see, God doesn’t judge by results, but by obedience. You do what God calls you to do, and leave the results to Him.

The king spoke, 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 honor of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30 KJV)

Whoops. The king makes a big mistake; it was a great city, but who gave it to him? Recall Jeremiah 28 if you need a refresher. God gave all this to Nebuchadnezzar, and now the king takes the glory for himself, instead of giving it to God.

And that’s too far — the judgment comes.

While 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. And 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. (Daniel 4:31-32 KJV)

He should have listened. He had a year to learn the lesson Daniel spoke, but the king ignored it. God gives a chance for repentance, but be assured, eventually judgment comes.

The 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. (Daniel 4:33 KJV)

Most commentators believe the king was afflicted with some psychological problem, perhaps some form like temporary insanity.

And 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 honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: (Daniel 4:33 KJV)

For him to come back to his throne is amazing, but it started with taking the focus off himself. When he takes the focus off himself and looks to heaven, his sanity returns and he resumes his royal duties.

And 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? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. (Daniel 4:35-37 KJV)

Nebuchadnezzar learns his lesson (at least temporarily). We can get the benefit of others mistakes. But the only thing we learn from history is man learns nothing from history. These mistakes continue to be made.

Where does that leave us?

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV)

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die; Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me; Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain (Proverbs 30:7-9 KJV)

Learn the lesson or you’re doomed to repeat it.

Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1 KJV)

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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)