The Book of Daniel - part 5

Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar is Humbled

Consider what we have seen so far.

In chapter one, he leads Babylon to vanquish Israel along with every other kingdom within his vicinity. Now, we know that God allowed His people to be conquered because of their sin. But, as far as Nebuchadnezzar knows, he is just an awesome king with a great army. He brings Daniel and his friends, along with many other young people into his courts in order to be trained in Babylonian ways. Daniel and his friends are faithful to their commitments to God, and God gives them greater wisdom than Nebuchadnezzar’s seasoned council.

Then, in chapter two, Daniel has an opportunity to speak directly with the king, because Nebuchadnezzar has a dream which no one is able to interpret. Daniel tells the king that it was not Daniel who was able to interpret, but God in Heaven provided the dream and the interpretation so that Nebuchadnezzar would know who is the Great I AM who reveals all mysteries. In that dream, Nebuchadnezzar also learns that one day his kingdom will fall to another. It appears in this story, he has not taken that lesson to heart.

Next, in chapter three, Daniel’s friends are put to the test, because Nebuchadnezzar has an enormous statue built, and at the sound of a great orchestra, everyone is to bow down and worship the colossal statue. They, of course, do not bow down, and they are cast into the burning fiery furnace! But! Nebuchadnezzar learns his next lesson. The God of Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego does not just reside in Heaven, He also is at His people’s side as they face figurative, and quite literal, trials of fire. Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth man in the furnace, who is like God in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar.

Now, we come to chapter four, and Nebuchadnezzar has one more lesson to learn.

Preface - 4:1-3

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that 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 done for me. 3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Daniel 4:1-3

We know this story will end well, because Nebuchadnezzar begins it with praise. In a bit, we are going to see Nebuchadnezzar take a very dark turn, but here we are promised good is going to come out of it. Some of you today may be wondering what will happen next in this dark time. Don’t lose heart! The Lord has already revealed to us what is to come.

For those in Christ, no matter how dark our story becomes, the end is promised to be bright and glorious!

See how Nebuchadnezzar describes the Lord, and take note, because this is an accurate description. How great are His signs and wonders? His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures from generation to generation. The Lord is mighty and He endures.

The Lord is faithful from generation to generation, because His Kingdom and His rule is eternal.

Let’s continue.

The Second Dream - 4:4-18

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. 5 I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. 6 So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. 8 At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream, saying, 9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation. 10 The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. 13 “I saw in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. 14 He proclaimed aloud and said thus: ‘Chop down the tree and lop 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 of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from a man's, and let a beast's mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him. 17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’ 18 This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me 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 4:4-18

This dream is confusing, possibly more so than the first dream in chapter 2. But, we see Nebuchadnezzar has learned, if he wants a dream interpreted, he goes to Daniel. In this passage we are seeing the steps of faith Nebuchadnezzar is taking.

I offered this thought experiment to our Sunday Night Bible Study group a few weeks ago, asking, “Will we see Nebuchadnezzar in heaven?” Now, the Bible never says the king was saved, nor is he listed among faithful Old Testament characters in the New Testament. But, as we look at this passage, it does offer an interesting look in the transition of Nebuchadnezzar’s thinking. Outside of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar is simply the king of Babylon who conquers Israel and is a pawn in the Lord’s plan to deal with His nation and people. In Daniel, however, we get a glimpse of a change. First, Daniel and his friends appear on Nebuchadnezzar’s radar, because they are the brightest recruits he has ever seen. Then, Daniel demonstrates his God’s ability to do what no other spiritual advisor could. In fact, in that story, we catch a glimpse of Nebuchadnezzar being quite skeptical of his own people. In the story of the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar declares no one is allowed to blaspheme the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, because “no other god can save like their God.” Nebuchadnezzar is coming to the realization that the Jewish God is not just the God of the Jews, but Lord of all. In the first three verses, he declares just that.

But, backtrack to verse 8. Daniel is called before the king, because Nebuchadnezzar recognizes, “in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.” Now, your translation may say “spirit of the Holy God.” You may recall the word there is Elohin which is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew Elohim. The translation debate is whether it refers to ‘God’ with a big ‘G’ or ‘gods’ with a little ‘g’. Either is acceptable in the Hebrew depending on context, and Aramaic is closely related to Hebrew. Regardless how it is translated, the fact is Nebuchadnezzar understands something is very different about Daniel and his God from the Babylonian advisors and gods.

In troubled times, go to those who have proven themselves wise in the past.

Some people never learn their lesson. They continue to talk to the wrong people, get on the wrong websites and social media, listen to the same wrong talking heads on tv, or worse yet, they keep looking in their own hearts and minds, even though they have already admitted they are confused about the situation. When we recognize a need for information or wisdom, the best place to go is to people who have already proven themselves wise.

Christian, if God has already demonstrated His ability to save you and give you wisdom, then why in the world would we go anywhere else? Seek wisdom where it can be found. Go to your knees in prayer, and crack open that Bible collecting dust on your shelf.

The Dream is Interpreted - 4:19-27

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! 20 The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth, 21 whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived— 22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth. 23 And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,’ 24 this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king, 25 that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. 26 And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”

Daniel 4:4-18

Again, the relationship between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar has been an interesting one. And, it appears, Daniel has grown fond of the king. He doesn’t want this judgement to come down on Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, Daniel with a warning to repent so that this judgment may not come. Before we continue, I want us to ask ourselves a question. What is Nebuchadnezzar’s sin that requires such a judgement? When we go a bit further, we read of Nebuchadnezzar’s great pride in his kingdom. Now, taking pride in personal accomplishments isn’t so bad, but look at verse 26 again. This judgement is coming so that he “know[s] that Heaven rules.” Nebuchadnezzar has lost sight of who is really in charge in Babylon. The Lord gave wisdom to Daniel and his friends demonstrating the source of wisdom. The Lord gave Daniel the dream and its interpretation so that Nebuchadnezzar would know that it is the Lord who establishes kings and kingdoms. And the Lord saved the three friends from the furnace so that Nebuchadnezzar would know who holds power over life and death. Though Nebuchadnezzar has made steps towards true faith, he has yet to realize he is not sovereign over his kingdom.

Even the greatest king on earth is under the rule of God.

Because Nebuchadnezzar has refused to surrender to the One true God, he will face one more judgement. Heaven itself is going to subvert Nebuchadnezzar’s rule in order to demonstrate who is Sovereign over all the earth and all its kingdoms.

Nebuchadnezzar is judged - 4:28-33

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.

Daniel 4:28-33

One year passes from dream to judgement. Nebuchadnezzar is walking on the roof of his palace, and he declares, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”

Oh, the dumb things we say sometimes.

“While the words were still in the king’s mouth.” In other words, he didn’t even finish his sentence before a voice from heaven declared judgment! The king is basking in his glory, and immediately, everything is stripped away—even the man’s sanity.

Now, many would like to look back at Nebuchadnezzar and just ridicule the man. Just let him know how DUMB he was.

But, if we can pause for a bit, I’d like to bring this story to the 21st century for a bit. Just indulge me, as we make a little detour.

Consider the reactions that we have seen in the wake of this pandemic. Consider the number of people we have seen act like the beasts of the field, and driven to eat like animals. Look at how many have turned cold toward their fellow human beings—allowing irrational beliefs to circulate in the face of reality.

Now consider the world just a mere few months ago. Did we not marvel at the great kingdoms we built? Many looked at the medical systems as the cure-all. Hear me rightly, they are continuing to do fantastic jobs, but even the best doctors will admit they have their limits. Many looked at their government leaders as their great protectors. “Surely, nothing bad will happen to us, because the United States government will keep foreign danger out of our country.” But, when that danger came state-side, we learned once again, the greatest kingdoms still have limits.

What we are witnessing today is the shock of broken trust. Many have placed an unhealthy, and yes even sinful, idolatrous trust in human systems.

They have not placed their trust in the Great Physician, but rather earthly doctors who would freely admit they have limits.

They have not placed their trust in the Great I AM, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but rather in earthly leaders whose own pride will always come before their constituents, because that is the nature of human pride and power.

These earthly systems are much like the Babylonian experts who could not help Nebuchadnezzar. They have their expertise, and they are very intelligent, but they have their limits. And, if we put our full trust in them, then one day, we will discover their limits and then grope around like animals, losing our minds, because we have no idea where to go and who to trust.

Friends, and especially my Christian friends, who like Nebuchadnezzar have witnessed the power of God and forgotten—if nothing else, let this pandemic remind you:

“The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will.”

Instead, recognize what Nebuchadnezzar finally admits in the final verses.

Nebuchadnezzar is restored - 4:34-37

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” 36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Daniel 4:34-37

His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures forever.

“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing.” Now, some of you may find that line offensive. I understand, but take into account the next line, “He does according to his will among heaven and among the inhabitants of earth.”

The Bible is simply saying that in terms of who gets to tell God what He can or cannot do, the answer is no one. Our opinions, our desires mean absolutely nothing in terms of dictating what God has to do. But, in terms of what He wants to do, that is where it gets really interesting.

Because, you see, we know as Christians that God’s desire is to reconcile sinners, those who have wandered away from Him, God wants them to come home. We are all like that prodigal son in Matthew’s Gospel, and we are all like Nebuchadnezzar. God has made His power known to us, but at one point or another, we have all turned away from God and declared, “Look at the wonderful and mighty kingdom I have built for myself.” As Frankie said, we did it my way.

But, let this story, and this current pandemic, remind us that all that we have, all that we have built, is only because the Lord of Heaven and Earth has deemed it worthy to be built.

All we have and have built is because God has allowed it to be.

In the last two verses, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returns to him, and he gives glory to the One True King. As we close today, I ask you, let your reason return to you. Consider all that has been built and all that you have achieved. Can you really say your existence and your achievements are by your own doing? Or could it be, there is a God in Heaven who has created you, who loves you, and wants you to know He is Lord of All?

He has made Himself known, not just through the miracles of the Old Testament, but fully in the work and person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God come down to us, so that we can know our Creator and be reconciled to Him. All of us have turned from God, which the Bible calls sin. Because we have sinned, we need forgiveness and cleansing. That forgiveness and cleansing comes from Jesus Christ who laid down His life for us, and then rose from the dead, so that we can be saved.

Today, as we close, ask yourself, do I know the King of Kings, the God of Heaven and Earth, Jesus Christ? If not, seek Him out now. Simply pray asking God who has revealed Himself already to show you your sin. Ask Him to forgive you of your sin. Commit to turning away from it—the Bible calls that repenting. Surrender to Jesus as Lord of your life, because He is Lord of All. The Bible also promises that if we will repent from our sin, confess Jesus is Lord, then we will be saved.