Daniel Chapter 4

This study is also a printable booklet. Download the PDF

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

Daniel 4:2 — I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

Daniel 4:3 — How great are his signs! and how [Your Address] mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar, has a very unique experience, after which, he testified of Almighty God’s [Your Email] marvellous work in his life. The king being subdued delivered a general greeting in which he wished peace to the inhabitants of the whole entire world. [Your Website] He testified of God’s miraculous signs and power.

After experiencing many manifestations of God’s mighty power, but recklessly continued to exalt himself. He finally, acknowledged and testify of the true power of God and His complete control over creation and human existence, especially by the appearance of the Son of God in the fiery furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

Daniel 4:4 — I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: Daniel 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Nebuchadnezzar expressed the contentment, satisfaction or peacefulness he felt within the security of his home. He prospered in his material wealth, and his mind was clear of any anxieties or perplexities-the king was at ease in his home. Nebuchadnezzar was unreasonable at times, hasty, and proud but, also, a man of fear and anxiety. While he was enjoying his rest and prosperity, he had another dream which disturbed and reduced him to fear. His bed, may have been soft and comfortable, his palace well-guarded, but yet his own dream made him afraid.

Daniel 4:6 — 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.

Unlike his first vision in chapter two, this time, Nebuchadnezzar remembered the dream; but did not understand the meaning. Without first consulting Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar again summoned Babylon’s wise men to appear before him to give the interpretation of his dream.

Daniel 4:7 — 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.

When Nebuchadnezzar previously needed their assistance, they assured him that if he told them his dream they could then give the interpretation. This time, however, the king was fully able to tell them his dream, yet the wise men could still not render an interpretation, because the spiritual things of heaven are only for those who possessed the spirit of heaven.

Daniel 4:8 — 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 before him I told the dream, saying, Daniel 4:9 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.

After Nebuchadnezzar had exhausted his human resources he “finally” turned to Daniel, the only source through which he could reach God. The king recognized that Daniel, whom he called Belteshazzar, had possessed the Spirit of the Holy God. He now recognized the Spirit of the Holy God but, he still made mentioned of his god.

Daniel 4:10 — 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.

Daniel 4:11 — The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:

Daniel 4:12 — The 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. Daniel 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; Daniel 4:14 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:

Daniel 4:15 — Nevertheless 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:

Daniel 4:16 — 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. Daniel 4:17 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 4:18 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.

Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream a scene of an enormous tree that stood in the middle of the earth. At first, the height of the tree was great, but nevertheless, it continued growing until it touched the heavens. This awesome tree could be seen from all over the world.

The king further stated that the tree’s leaves were beautiful. In addition, this huge tree provided life and comfort to the entire earth’s population. It provided a vase supply of fruits that could adequately feed everyone and everything on earth, so no living being faced starvation. Also, various animals rested under the tree’s shade while the birds of the air found their rest within its branches.

The king saw a heavenly watcher whom he described as an holy one descended from heaven, who gave a command to cut down the tree, cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Consequently, the animals would no longer find shade beneath the tree, nor would the birds find shelter within its branches.

Although the tree trunk and limbs were hewn down, the stump should remain rooted in the ground but exposed to all weather, yet it should be protected from total destruction. God in His judgment remembers mercy-there is hope in a tree if it be cut down-that it will sprout again.

Applications

King Nebuchadnezzar basked in the sunshine of his worldly achievements and considered himself untouchable. Though he was elevated and strong, that could not secure him from a terrible fall. Worldly prosperity in its highest degree is a very uncertain thing; and it is very easy for those who live in the greatest pomp and power to be stripped of all that they trust and glorify themselves in.

We build our lives upon what we perceive to be solid foundations—our position, possessions, and family. However, it only takes one tidal wave of tragedy, and everything upon which we have placed our security is washed away.

Nebuchadnezzar lost his possessions, also his sanity before realizing how weak his foundation is, in comparison to the constant, steadfast strength of Almighty God. Likewise, we may have to be stripped of our worldly layers in order to see the naked truth, which is that God, by His grace, makes us who we are and gives us what we have.

This judgment must be executed, to convince the king, and the doubters of the world, that there is a God that watches and governs over the affairs of this world, He gives dominion and power to whomsoever he will; promotion comes from the Lord, Psalm 75:6-7.

Throughout history, government leaders ascend to earthly power and grandeur only by God’s providence; although they rarely acknowledge the hand of God in their affairs. Almighty God is sovereign and supreme. Therefore, it is important that we never forget that our earthly rulers, can only rule as they allowed to by the sovereign God. As Nebuchadnezzar finished describing his dream, he reiterated that the other wise men had failed to interpret the dream, but instead of threatening them this time he asked for Daniel’s explanation.

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

Daniel 4:19 Then 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.

Daniel’s thoughts deeply disturbed him- he was at astonished at what he must reveal to the king. Perhaps, he thought the dream’s interpretation would displease the king. He was not afraid for himself but, rather, for the king; but, the king told Daniel not to be worried. It was as though he thought the interpretation could not be so dreadful. Daniel, almost thinking aloud, verbalized his wish that the judgment depicted in this dream would befall the king’s enemies rather than the king himself.

Daniel 4:20 — The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Daniel 4:21 Whose 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:

Daniel 4:22 — 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 then began interpreting the king’s dream. The towering tree, as previously stated, reached high into the heavens and could be seen from anywhere on the earth is the king.

Daniel 4:23 — 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 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; Daniel interpreted the first part of the dream by explaining that the tree represented King Nebuchadnezzar. His kingdom was worldwide. As indicated by the dream, mankind and animals harmoniously coexisted during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, which meant that every aspect of creation prospered under his rule. Certainly at this point, the king must have been very pleased with the interpretation.

We now understand why Daniel had become so troubled. He repeated the scene in which the king saw a holy messenger descend from heaven, cut down and destroy the tree, yet protect the stump with bands of iron and brass.

Notice that the tree’s roots remained in the ground to maintain the life of the stump. Although this preservation of the tree’s roots would sustain only a minimal amount of life, the essence of life, nonetheless, would endure. Daniel then explained that the stump got wet with the dew and dwell as a beast in the grassy field seven years.

Daniel 4:24 — This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: Daniel was charged with the difficult task of relaying the interpretation of this last sequence of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He prefaced this portion of the interpretation by reemphasizing that it was a message from Almighty God and not of human fabrication. Daniel reminded the king that while the news was sobering, it was from a higher power and beyond his control. This was God’s message for Nebuchadnezzar, not from Daniel.

Applications

Daniel was a man of integrity. Perhaps, he somewhat feared what the king’s response to the dream’s dismal interpretation would be, but hel ultimately knew that God would protect him and bless his honesty. How do we respond to situations when proclaiming truth that may not win us favour? When proclaiming truth that may even endanger our lives? No matter the cost, Christians are to be like Daniel, a people of honesty and integrity in all things before our Holy God.

Daniel 4:25 — 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.

Daniel further explained that Nebuchadnezzar would eventually be removed from his palace and exiled into the fields to live among the animals as one of them. As the beast of the field, he would partake of the field’s grass for his nourishment.

The degradation of his condition would humiliate him because even an animal would seek shelter in the dampness of the night. For seven years, the king would dwell outdoors day and night and wake up saturated with the morning dew.

This is a picture of the dominant world leader being humbled into submission to God’s authority, because he refused to recognize that it was God who granted him his position and power.

Daniel 4:26 — 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 offered the king some encouraging news as well; a tree can grow again if the stump is protected. The tree’s main trunk cannot grow again, but a new shoot can sprout from the stump. Therefore, God offered a promise that Nebuchadnezzar would not lose his life and that restoration would follow God’s judgment, which illustrates God’s mercy and grace. Daniel assured Nebuchadnezzar that once he honoured God as divine ruler over all creation, including his own life, he would return to the throne.

Daniel 4:27 — Wherefore, 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.

Daniel fervently warned Nebuchadnezzar that this sentence would transpire because of the king’s stubbornness and pride. He councelled the king to repent of his sins so that judgment might be avoided. Daniel explained that Nebuchadnezzar can demonstrate a change of heart by extending mercy to the poor. If the king heeded this warning, he might have continued living peacefully in his accustomed manner, but Nebuchadnezzar was a stubborn king.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation

Daniel 4:28 — All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel 4:29 — At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

Daniel 4:30 — The 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?

The king obviously did not heed Daniel’s advice, so the fulfilment of the prophecy eventually came to pass. Obviously, God gave the king a grace period of twelve months to consider what Daniel had told him and to repent of his ways, which illustrates for us God’s patience and forbearance with sinful humanity. God first warned Nebuchadnezzar, then He gave the king ample time to heed the warning, but he decides not to change course.

The king did not take heed to the warnings, he continued on his reckless path. If anything, Nebuchadnezzar boasted even more in his own accomplishments. While walking in his palace, he arrogantly boasted, “I built the royal palace by my own impressive power and for my glorious honour.” Undoubtedly, the king had accomplished many great things during his reign, but none of these things had been done to glorify God.

Nebuchadnezzar ignored God’s warning and became even more obsessed with his own magnificence, so God fulfilled the fate prophesied by his servant

Daniel.

Daniel 4:31 — 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.

The prophecy foretold in the dream finally happened. As the king boasted in his own achievements, even as the words of the previous verse departed from his lips, the audible voice of God Almighty spoke to him. God told Nebuchadnezzar that as of that very moment the kingdom had been taken away from him.

Daniel 4:32 — 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 4:33 — 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.

The Lord then reminded Nebuchadnezzar of Daniel’s exact words concerning the prophetic vision. Certainly, this reminder must have haunted Nebuchadnezzar because he realized that he had been cautioned yet he ignored the warnings.

Serious Applications

Daniel predicted the tumultuous times ahead for King Nebuchadnezzar and urged the king to humble himself and acknowledge God’s supremacy. The king, however, arrogantly ignored Daniel’s wise counsel, refused to humble himself, and credited himself with the prosperity of the empire.

Humility requires the lowering or lessening of oneself, but very few of us want to be lowered and lessened. The reason is because humility goes against our prideful nature, but it’s good to remember the of the preacher in Proverbs 16:18 (KJV).

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Within the same hour that the Lord had spoken to the king, the prophecy became reality. The king’s associates banished him from his palace when insanity overtook him. Nebuchadnezzar’s deranged condition was a result of his disobedience to a direct command from the Lord God. However, as Daniel predicted, the people of the king’s court did not attempt to kill him because God’s hand still protected his life.

As also predicted, while in the fields, Nebuchadnezzar ate grass like the animals. The hair on his body became long like the feathers of an eagle, and his fingernails grew like the claws of a bird. In every other way, he became more like a beast than a human. At this point, Nebuchadnezzar lived among the creatures over which he had once ruled. Notice and ponder the stark contrast between what this man had once been and his current state.

We probably wonder if thoughts of his past prominence tormented him, but evidently, he did not even have the rationale to reason in such a manner. God sentenced Nebuchadnezzar to seven- years in exile to ultimately break through his prideful will. Through this experience, God transformed Nebuchadnezzar into a humble, dignified, and trusting king.

A proud heart is a form of idolatry, because it places the individual in a state of glorifying self without recognizing God’s authority over everything and everyone. Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

God gives us the opportunity to humble ourselves, but we can be assured that if we, like Nebuchadnezzar, continue in our stubborn self-will and self-exaltation, either through direct or indirect circumstances, God Himself will humble us, even if that means removing something or someone very dear to us.

What will it take to bring our hearts under submission to the Almighty God? What must we lose before we are humbled? Are we seeking a spirit of humility? We can begin acquiring a humble spirit by recognizing and thanking God for His blessings.

Proverbs 29:23 — A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

Daniel 4:34 — 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 honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

Seven years of dismal existence, served as an important lesson book to Nebuchadnezzar. God lowered him until he accepted, and acknowledged God’s supremacy. At the end of the seven years, the period of God’s judgment was fulfilled.

Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to God, whereupon God immediately restored the king’s cognitive function. More specifically, he blessed and praised God as the one Who has supremacy and sovereign control over everyone and everything.

Daniel 4:35 — 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?

Nebuchadnezzar learned from his lesson book that every person on earth, from servant to king, lives under subjection to God’s sovereign will. No one ever has or ever will gain power that is not ordained by the Lord. The king also admitted that God accomplishes His plan in heaven and earth regardless of man’s approval or disapproval. There is none that can argue with the Majesty of heaven.

Romans 9:20 — Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

Romans 9:21 — Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Daniel 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

Daniel 4:37 Now 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.

Important Lessons

Nebuchadnezzar’s seven years of tribulation were God’s assignment upon the king’s proud heart. Many times, our hearts must also be subjected to the refining fires of God’s judgment to further transformed us into His image.

When a metal such as gold or silver is subjected to fire, the physical properties of the metal changed. Not only are the metal’s elements purified, the metal’s structure is strengthened as well. Likewise, in order to bring our unrepentant, proud hearts into submission, we too must pass through the refining fires of judgment and chastisement guided by the hand of our Holy Father.

God may allow tribulation, such as personal loss, abuse, financial pressure, or illness, to occur in our lives and to test us in every way imaginable. As the intensity of the trial increases, we may question God’s plan. At times, we may even doubt His love for us.

However, God’s purpose for each trial is not to make our lives miserable. Our gracious God uses adversity to correct us, to restore us, and to strengthen our faith in Him. Trials are God’s lesson book of assignments to train our mind, character and personality.

For the child of God, a seemingly dismal situation can be a blessing, because it ultimately deepens his relationship with God. (Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.)

After God cleanses the impurities of our sinful nature from our lives with His refining fire, He then lovingly draws us, as He did Nebuchadnezzar, into a special, intimate fellowship-relationship with Himself.

We emerge from these fiery trials, toughened, and with great trust and confidence in God.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Heb 12:6-8 (KJV).

For the first time in his life, Nebuchadnezzar sincerely worshipped the living God. He paid God the respect that only God deserves. This offering of praise surely carried a tone of humility, sincerity, repentance, and thankfulness! At the end of this verse, Nebuchadnezzar even personally testified to what he considered the life lesson of this experience: God humbles those who are full of pride. Though Nebuchadnezzar had not attained perfection, he had awakened spiritually. He now sought the guidance of Jehovah, the one, true, holy, and living Lord God.

What a lesson to learn and what a way the learn it.