Daniel Chapter 4
A. Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of the Tree
1. (Daniel 4:1-3) The Opening of Nebuchadnezzar’s Decree
"Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation." (Daniel 4:1-3, NKJV)
a. Nebuchadnezzar the king: This chapter is unique as it records the testimony of a Gentile king and how God changed his heart. Nebuchadnezzar serves as an example of a true witness—one who testifies about what he has seen and experienced firsthand.
b. I thought it good to declare: It is always good to proclaim what God has done for us. Satan wants to keep us silent about the mighty works of God, but Nebuchadnezzar resisted this by sharing his testimony openly.
c. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom: Although Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful ruler, he recognized that God's dominion surpasses all others. His kingdom is eternal and sovereign over all the earth, unlike the temporary reigns of human kings.
2. (Daniel 4:4-9) Only Daniel Can Explain the Dream
"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore, I issued 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. Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. But at last, Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: 'Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.'" (Daniel 4:4-9, NKJV)
a. Was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace: Nebuchadnezzar's peace was the false security of the ungodly. God would soon shake him out of his complacency.
b. I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation: This was different from his earlier dream in Daniel 2. Here, Nebuchadnezzar willingly shared his dream, but his counselors refused to interpret it. The meaning was likely clear, but they feared delivering bad news to the king.
c. At last, Daniel came before me: Trapp comments, "And why 'at last'? Why was he not sooner sent for? If the soothsayers and sorcerers could have served the turn, Daniel had never been sought to. This is the guise of graceless men; they run not to God till all other refuges fail them."
d. His name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god: Though Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed God's power through Daniel and his companions, he still identified with the Babylonian deity Bel. His acknowledgment of God had not yet led to true conversion.
3. (Daniel 4:10-17) The Content of the Dream: The Rise and Fall of a Great Tree
"These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He cried aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches. Nevertheless, leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him. This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.'" (Daniel 4:10-17, NKJV)
a. A tree in the midst of the earth: The tree symbolized greatness, strength, prominence, beauty, and provision. However, its fate was a warning that no earthly power is invincible before God.
b. He cried aloud and said thus: The watcher, likely an angel, declared the judgment upon the tree. It would be cut down, stripped, and humbled. This foreshadowed Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall.
i. Bound with a band of iron and bronze: This could signify restraint or preservation. Though the tree (Nebuchadnezzar) would fall, his kingdom would be kept intact until his restoration.
c. In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men: The central message of the dream was God’s sovereignty over all rulers and nations. No king reigns apart from God's will.
i. Ancient rulers, like the Assyrian and Babylonian kings, believed they ruled over all the earth. God was demonstrating otherwise. (Wood)
4. (Daniel 4:18) Nebuchadnezzar Asks Daniel to Interpret the Dream
"This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since 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 God is in you." (Daniel 4:18, NKJV)
a. Declare its interpretation: Nebuchadnezzar trusted that Daniel would provide an honest and clear explanation, even if it was difficult to accept.
b. You are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you: Though Nebuchadnezzar recognized Daniel's wisdom as divine, he had not yet submitted himself to the one true God.
B. Daniel’s Explanation of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
1. (Daniel 4:19-26) Daniel Explains the Rise and Coming Fall of Nebuchadnezzar
"Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, 'Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.' Belteshazzar answered and said, 'My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies! The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home—it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth. And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, "Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him"—this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.'" (Daniel 4:19-26, NKJV)
a. His thoughts troubled him: Daniel genuinely cared for Nebuchadnezzar and was deeply affected by the meaning of the dream. He hesitated because he did not wish this fate upon the king, showing his compassion even for a pagan ruler.
b. It is you, O king: Daniel interpreted the dream with boldness and clarity, directly identifying Nebuchadnezzar as the tree that would be cut down. He did not soften the message or speak in vague terms. This mirrors the prophet Nathan’s confrontation with King David: "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7, NKJV).
i. "Great men and princes are often represented, in the language of the prophets, under the similitude of trees, see Ezekiel 17:5-6; 31:3 and following; Jeremiah 22:15; Psalm 1:3; 37:35." (Clarke)
c. They shall drive you from men… make you eat grass like oxen… wet you with the dew of heaven: The severity of Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment was literal. He would experience a complete loss of reason and dignity, living like an animal. This humiliation was intended to teach him that God alone reigns over the affairs of men.
d. After you come to know that Heaven rules: God’s purpose in humbling Nebuchadnezzar was not destruction, but repentance. The king could have avoided this judgment if he had truly humbled himself before God.
2. (Daniel 4:27) Daniel, a Good Preacher, Presses Home the Application: Repent—Perhaps It Is Not Too Late
"Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity." (Daniel 4:27, NKJV)
a. Break off your sins: The proper response to divine judgment is humble repentance. Sadly, Nebuchadnezzar failed to heed this warning. He should have followed the example of Nineveh, which repented at the preaching of Jonah and was spared (Jonah 3, NKJV).
i. One might argue that Nebuchadnezzar had every reason to be proud—after all, he was the greatest king of his time. However, even the most powerful rulers are subject to God’s authority. Benjamin Franklin once quipped, "The greatest monarch on the proudest throne is obliged to sit upon his own rear end." Nebuchadnezzar was no exception.
b. Break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor: Nebuchadnezzar was not only called to stop sinning, but to actively pursue righteousness and generosity. True repentance involves both turning away from sin and turning toward godliness.
c. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity: Daniel held out hope that Nebuchadnezzar’s reign could be extended if he repented. God's judgments are often conditional, and mercy is extended to those who humble themselves before Him (Jeremiah 18:7-8, NKJV).
C. Fulfillment of the Dream
1. (Daniel 4:28-33) Nebuchadnezzar is Stricken with Madness and Humbled
"All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, 'Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?' While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like 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 chooses.' That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws." (Daniel 4:28-33, NKJV)
a. At the end of the twelve months: God graciously gave Nebuchadnezzar a full year to repent, but he ignored the warning. Though he may have forgotten the dream, God did not.
b. Is not this great Babylon: Babylon was truly one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world, featuring the famous Hanging Gardens built by Nebuchadnezzar.
**i. Daniel affirmed that the new Babylon was the work of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30, NKJV), a fact later confirmed by archaeology. The Maccabean-era critics who doubted this attribution were proven wrong by modern findings.
**ii. Six columns of writing, discovered in the British Museum, describe Nebuchadnezzar’s extensive building projects and his zeal to expand and beautify Babylon.
**iii. Most excavated bricks from Babylon bear the inscription: 'Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, supporter of Esagila and Ezida, exalted first-born son of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon.'
**iv. Critics who claim Daniel was written in the second century B.C. struggle to explain how the author accurately credited Babylon’s grandeur to Nebuchadnezzar. Liberal scholar R. H. Pfeiffer admitted, 'We shall presumably never know.'
c. They shall drive you from men… eat grass like oxen: The judgment was carried out exactly as foretold in the dream. Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation was not metaphorical but literal—he would live as a beast, reduced to an animalistic existence.
**i. The disorder Nebuchadnezzar suffered from is known as boanthropy, a rare condition in which a person believes they are an ox or similar animal. More broadly, such conditions fall under insania zoanthropica.
**ii. Dr. Raymond Harrison documented a similar case in Britain in 1946, demonstrating that this disorder is not unheard of in human history (Walvoord).
d. He was driven from men and ate grass like oxen: Secular Babylonian records do not mention this seven-year period, as it would have been customary for rulers to suppress such embarrassing details. However, the Greek historian Abydenus (268 B.C.) wrote that Nebuchadnezzar was 'possessed by some god' and 'immediately disappeared.' (Wood)
**i. The absence of official Babylonian records covering Nebuchadnezzar’s reign between 582 B.C. and 575 B.C. strongly suggests an unexplained period of inactivity. Given the pride of Near Eastern rulers, such a gap is revealing.
**ii. Walvoord noted that critics’ objections to this account are largely unfounded, as the historical narrative aligns with known Babylonian history.
**iii. Nebuchadnezzar had an opportunity to humble himself voluntarily but refused. As a result, God humbled him in a much more severe manner.
2. (Daniel 4:34-37) A Repentant Nebuchadnezzar is Restored and Praises God
**"And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding 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 is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’
At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down."** (Daniel 4:34-37, NKJV)
a. At the end of the time: Nebuchadnezzar could not escape his affliction until God’s appointed time was fulfilled. Only when he acknowledged God’s sovereignty was he restored.
**i. Spurgeon observed, 'The God whom we serve not only exists, but reigns. No other position would become Him but that of unlimited sovereignty over all His creatures.'
b. I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him: Nebuchadnezzar finally saw the truth about himself by first recognizing the truth about God. His eloquent praise of God’s majesty reflects genuine transformation. Only after this act of humility was his reasoning restored.
**i. Spurgeon emphasized that restored reason leads to worship: 'We do not worship enough, my brethren. Even in our public gatherings, we do not have enough worship. O worship the King! Bow your heads now—bow your spirits rather, and adore Him that liveth forever and ever. Your thoughts, your emotions, these are better than bullocks and he-goats to be offered on the altar: God will accept them. Worship Him with lowliest reverence, for you are nothing, and He is all in all.'
**ii. This restoration of reason also leads to prayer. If we believe what Nebuchadnezzar professed about God, it should be evident in our prayer lives, as we recognize that He governs all things, from human hearts to natural forces.
**iii. Spurgeon outlined the proper response of believers to God's sovereignty:
· Have a heart of humble adoration.
· Show a heart of unquestioning acceptance.
· Exercise the spirit of reverent love.
· Let your spirit have profound delight.
c. I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me: God’s intention was not to destroy Nebuchadnezzar, but to bring him to the proper place before Him. In doing so, God restored him to greater glory than before.
**i. The abiding lesson is clear: 'God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble' (James 4:6, NKJV). Many who rise to greatness fall, often due to pride. Pride is first on the list of sins that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19, NKJV).
**ii. This account also demonstrates that God will glorify Himself among the nations. When Nebuchadnezzar took treasures from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them in his gods’ temples, he assumed that his gods were superior. By the end of Daniel 4, he knew without doubt which God was supreme—and he boldly proclaimed it.
**iii. Some see prophetic significance in this account. Since Babylon often symbolizes the world system, we can discern broader themes:
· Nebuchadnezzar’s madness foreshadows the madness of Gentile nations in rejecting God.
· Nebuchadnezzar’s fall typifies Christ’s future judgment of the nations.
· Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration points to the future restoration of nations during the Millennial Kingdom.
Pride
One of the most dangerous times in life is when things are going well.
Our mistakes are our lessons; our pains and sorrows are our credentials.
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto
him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An
heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to
mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord
among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though
hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than
of him.
Proverbs 26:12
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in
spirit.
Proverbs 29:23
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to
Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above
that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou
didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou
hadst not received it?
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one
accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but
in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not
every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself
of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made
in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:2-8
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and
continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know
not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought
to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice
in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
James 4:13-16
God hates pride. Why? Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:4-14).
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my
throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of
the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isaiah 14:13,14
This is the last we read of Nebuchadnezzar. After his restoration, he lived
about one year. Nebuchadnezzar’s death was followed by a steady
weakening of the regime. His son Evil-merodach succeeded him as
Babylon’s next ruling monarch (Jer 9:23-24).
Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony
• Nebuchadnezzar’s 2nd Dream.
– Great Tree, hewn down for 7 years.
• Daniel interprets…
• 1 Year later,
– Nebuchadnezzar stricken with mental derangement for 7 years.
– (Daniel was his personal nurse).
• Nebuchadnezzar recovers and publishes the entire testimony
throughout the world.
Application
• Immediate: Nebuchadnezzar
• Prophetic?
– Ecumenical outreach of Babylonianism and Gentile power in the
last days and final overthrow?
– Seven years of insanity and confusion?
– Conversion took place after the 7 years of madness.
– The tree did not sprout again until after it had been cut down...
Acts 15:14-17; “take out” of the
Application
• Immediate: Nebuchadnezzar
• Prophetic?
– Ecumenical outreach of Babylonianism and Gentile power in the
last days and final overthrow?
– Seven years of insanity and confusion?
– Conversion took place after the 7 years of madness.
– The tree did not sprout again until after it had been cut down...
Acts 15:14-17; “take out” of them a people for his name... “after this I will
return”...
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of
them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it
is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it
up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon
whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Acts 15:14-17
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close
up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as
in the days of old: {close: Heb. hedge, or, wall} That they may possess the
remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith
the LORD that doeth this.
Amos 9:11,12
The “remnant of Edom” may refer to those who fled to Petra, etc.
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek
my face: in their affliction they will seek me earnestly.
Hosea 5:15
Nebuchadnezzar’s Successors
• Amel-Marduk (“Evil-Merodach” of 2 Kgs 25:27; Jer 52:31), ruled but
two years and was replaced in 560 B.C. after an army coup by the
commander in chief, Neriglissar (Nergal-Sharezer of Jer39:3), son-inlaw of Nebuchadnezzar.
• After frequent absences from active service, Neriglissar (559-555 B.C.)
was, in turn, ousted, and his weak son Labashi-Marduk lasted only a few
months before another coup d’etat brought Nabonidus to the throne.
• Soon after his election, Nabonidus (553-536 B.C.) led the army to
Palestine and Northern Arabia, leaving his son Belshazzar as co-regent
in Babylon. Nabonidus’ decision to stay in Arabia resulted from his
unpopularity at home as much as from his desire to found a settlement
there with exiles from Palestine.
