Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 4 1 Daniel four is the climax of a long spiritual journey, for Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter two following the disclosure of the king’s other dream God is acknowledge as the God who stands out among the Gods. (v47). Nebuchadnezzar was most willing to acknowledge him as one of his gods but God’s demand is to be God alone. And till he is such one will never be saved. His unconverted heart is revealed again in chapter 3 as he lauds praise upon God calling Him the most high God but then revealing again his polytheistic heart by declaring, “there is no other God who can deliver like this.” (v29) Further evidence that prior to this chapter the king remains unconverted is seen in the fact that he still is looking to his magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans and soothsayers for spiritual insight (vv 6-7). He still proclaims allegiance to another God in verse 8. Thirdly, the fact that he viewed Daniel as nothing more than a magician even though he called hi the chief magician shows a mind still in the darkness of polytheism. All of that will change when we come to the end conclusion of the chapter. This is indeed a remarkable chapter. Remarkable for its testimony but even more so because it is an official Babylonians state document. The testimony that Nebuchadnezzar gives in this chapter is different from anything he has declared before. Nebuchadnezzar had spoken about the Most High God in chapters 2 and 3 but never in such terms as this chapter. In the second and third chapters Nebuchadnezzar, as it were, takes off his hat to God, stands and salutes Jehovah, acknowledging His mighty acts and His supremacy; but here in this chapter Nebuchadnezzar is doing more than that, he is bending his proud neck in submission to Daniel's God. So in this chapter we have the official state record of one of the great monarchs of all history, his own account of how he, a proud self- willed, ruthless tyrant, was brought to repentance and humiliation before God, and then was restored and- I believe regenerated by the God of all grace. Of course only God can change a human heart like this. Warren Wiersbe introduces this chapter with the following: “This is a unique chapter in the because it’s an official autobiographical document, prepared by the king of and distributed throughout his vast kingdom1 That Nebuchadnezzar should openly admit his pride, his temporary insanity and his beastly behavior, and then give glory to the God of Israel for his recovery, is indeed a remarkable thing. He learned an important lesson the hard way just as people are learning it the hard way today” “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18 NKJV)”2 I like the remarks of Geoffrey King. “Here we have the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar. Does that startle you and shock you? It was a conversion, for conversion means a turning round, and this was a turning round. Now if you ask me whether Nebuchadnezzar was saved or not, I do not know. Certainly he was true to the light God gave him: certainly he repented and humbled himself before God: certainly he became a changed man. And let me go so far as to say this, that it won't surprise me if I run across Nebuchadnezzar in Heaven!3 I might add that I will be surprised if I do not run across him. The proud and willful king of Babylon would never allow such a thing as is recorded in this chapter to be added to the official documents of the kingdom unless his heart has been changed and made new. As to when the events predicted in the dream occurred we are left in the dark though Leon Wood gives us some factors that might help us in determining a general time element. “The time of these events in Nebuchadnezzar’s reign is not indicated, but clues which exist point toward the close of his forty-three year rule. His extensive building operations in Babylon seem to have been concluded by the time (4:30), and possible references to Nebuchadnezzar’s illness from both Abydenus and Berosus… make it late in his life. The

1 Wiersbe Bible Commentary, Daniel 4 footnote Verses 28-33 were written by another hand, but Nebuchadnezzar picks up the narrative in verse 34. Daniel himself may have written verses 28-33 and inserted them in the official royal document. Luke followed a similar approach in Acts 23:25-30. Neither the Babylonian king nor the Roman officer was inspired by the Spirit when they wrote , but Daniel and Luke were led to include their writings in what we know as Holy Scripture. 2 Wiersbe bible Commentary, O.T., Daniel, Warren Wiersbe, p 1356, David Cook. 3 Daniel , Geoffrey R. King, P 93, Eerdmans Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 2 dream cannot be place later than his thirty fifth year of rule, however, for the insanity lasted seven years and he was back on the throne for at least a short time after the recovery. The factors together place the time of the dream likely between the thirtieth and thirty fifth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, when Daniel was between forty-five and fifty years old,…4 My only objection to the factors just presented is that the twelve month lapse between the dream and the commandment of its fulfillment does not seem to be factored in. (see v 29) herefore I would conclude the dream could not have occurred later than the thirty-fourth year of his reign. I. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DECLARATION 1-3 Verses 1-3 serve as a preamble to what follows. This preamble gives us a summary statement as why the proclamation is written. The remainder of the chapter gives us the substance leading to it being written. As Donald Campbell quips: The introduction is actually a conclusion! Chronologically, these opening words belong at the end of the chapter because they grow out of Nebuchadnezzar's experiences that are recorded in the following paragraphs. But the king was so overwhelmed by God's dealings with him that, humiliating though it was, he wanted the world to know about it.5 A. The People 1 “Nebuchadnezzar the king, - This gives force to everything that will be said. It also sets the tone for this written, for the most part, in first person. This is not being written about the king but by the king. To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: This proclamation is to all men without regard to their person, their nationality or their native language. This proclamation should remind us that we likewise have a proclamation that is to go to all men everywhere. We have been commissioned and commanded to preach and thereby make disciples from all nations. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20) Think about what he is saying. First, this is his royal proclamation, his personal witness of the saving hand of the Most High God. This is Nebuchadnezzar's "tract" if you will, of how his personal encounter with the one true and living High God. And He’s not only the God of one nation or one people, but He is also the Lord God, the mighty Sovereign and King of all the nations and of all the peoples of the world. Second, notice that he is not ashamed to share his conversion with others. Third, note that he is sharing his testimony with the entire world (all the peoples...in all the earth). One wonders how this was received by the pagan idol worshipping Babylonians, not to mention all the rest of the world. As we have alluded to before, the famous "wise men" from the East who worshipped at the foot of Christ's birthplace had to have heard about the Messiah from someone (Mt 2:2, 11). Given that Nebuchadnezzar's testimony is given in a way that gives God alone the glory, there is no doubt that God's Spirit used it to make significant impact on all the earth. Of course, all the earth clearly was not converted but this chapter suggests that they did at least have an opportunity to hear about the great and mighty Most High God Who is able to deliver one from darkness to light, from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18, Col 1:13-note, cp Heb 2:14, 15) and unto His everlasting kingdom and eternal dominion.6

4 A Commentary on Daniel Leon Wood, p 99, Zondervan. 5 Campbell, D. Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society - well written, practical, recommended) 6 Preceptaqustin.org/Daniel 4 commentary .htm Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 3 Peace be multiplied to you. Many have pointed out the fact that this opening sounds very similar to the greeting with which we are so familiar from the Apostle Paul. It appears to have been a common form of greeting in the ancient world. We find it occurring again in the is book in 6:25 spoken by . Other examples of this greeting can be found in both Old and New Testaments.7 B. The Purpose 2 I thought it good Please not again that the most of this chapter is written in the first person singular. (“I’ me” “my”8) and therefore it is essentially an autobiographical synopsis of his crown, conceit, chastisement, and conversion. It is always good to share the good things that the Lord had done for us and Nebuchadnezzar understood that. So he sets the stage for what will be shared in this document by expressing the fact that God had revealed Himself in supernatural ways and through supernatural acts in Nebuchadnezzar’s life. The rest of this chapter deals with the reason the king has experienced such a radical change in his worldview. His changed (repentant) mind is certainly evidence that he has experienced genuine conversion as a result of the divine humbling described in this chapter. to declare the signs - Archer says the word atohi means "`attesting miracles,' natural phenomena that because of their magnitude or timing decisively evidence God's intervention in judgment or redemption"9. and wonders Again Archer says the Aramaic word timhohi means "supernatural manifestations of divine intervention in the course of nature, cognate with Heb tamah, `be astounded,' `dumbfounded."10 One of the signs and wonders would surely include the fiery furnace deliverance in Daniel 3 as well as the king's dream and Daniel's interpretation in which led him to declare God to be a "Revealer of mysteries" (Dan. 2:47). However the most stupendous personal signs and wonders occur in this very chapter detailing the king's strange divine humbling and subsequent restoration to the throne. that the Most High God Rendered as the high God in verse 1 of KJV. But same Hebrew and in all other occurrences it is the MOST HIGH his is a key phrase in this chapter occurring 6 times in 6 verses. (2,17,24,25,32,34) From other portions of Scripture we learn that the Most High God: • Is Possessor of heaven and earth Genesis 14:19 • Divides the inheritance to the nations, set the boundaries of the peoples.” Deuteronomy 32:8 • Worthy of Praise Psalm 9:2 • Is awesome the great king over all the earth Psalm 47:2 • Performs all things for his people Psalm 57:2 • Rules over the kingdoms of men giving them to whosoever He will even to the lowest of men Daniel 4:17

7 For example: “ But he said, "Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.” (Genesis 43:23 NKJV) “ "And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have!” (1 Samuel 25:6 NKJV) “ "But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5 NKJV) “ elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” (1 Peter 1:2 NKJV) 8 I occurs 15 times,, me 14 times, and my 19 times. 9 Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament, Frank Gaebelein, Editor: Zondervan Publishing or Pradis = computer version 10 Ibid Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 4 • Lives forever: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:34 has worked for me. Nebuchadnezzar saw all the signs and wonders as God providential movement for Nebuchadnezzar’s benefit. The benefit being that of bringing him to the end of himself that he might be brought fully to God. C. The Praise 3 His praise is fourfold. 1. How great are His signs, Again those attesting miracles that God performed to manifest His sovereignty over men and his solitude as the one and only God. 2. And how mighty His wonders! His supernatural manifestations of divine intervention display his omnipotence.. Signs and wonder they work together in the plan purpose of God and the combining of the two simply reinforces each. 3. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar had been shown in these signs and wonders that while all the kingdoms of men had a beginning and an end there is one kingdom that will never end. 4. His dominion is from generation to generation. At that point in history Nebuchadnezzar was the :king of Kings” but his dominion would come to a end. But this Most High God would continue his sovereign rule from one generation to the next and the next and the next until infinity. Man’s rule is always finite but God’s infinite. Now beginning in the next verses we are going to see the evident work of God that will result, in my Opinion, in the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar. Even as he moves from 7 years of insanity to soundness of mind toward the end of this chapter he moves from a lifetime of darkness into the light of the glory of God. Joseph Alleine has observed: Conversion is a deep work—a heart-work. It goes throughout the man, throughout the mind, throughout the members, throughout the entire life. Conversion is no repairing of the old building; but it takes all down and erects a new structure. II. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM 4-18 A. His Dread 4-5 4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. All was right in the world for Nebuchadnezzar. It appears to be a time when there was no external or internal strife in the kingdom. W.A. Criswell in a sermon on Daniel 4 envisions this great king's self-satisfied and fully satiated state... “His army is at peace. He’s not a general any more. He’s not marching at the head of that ravenous, destructive, Chaldean horde. His enemies on the outside are all vanquished. And all of his fears on the inside are allayed. He is at rest. He has those great fortifications—one of the Wonders of the World, they’re all built—and he has a mighty army ready to rise at the blast of the trumpet in his defense. He is at rest in his house and flourishing in his palace. There is nothing wanting. Every goblet is filled with wine. Every corner of every room echoes with music. Every palace is a refuge from fear and terror. And he lays his head down on a pillow of down. And expects to dream dreams of affluence and wealth and luxury and splendor. He is at rest in his house and flourishing in his palace. Monuments, cities, fortifications: the glory of the greatest golden city the world ever knew, Babylon.” Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 5 “Nebuchadnezzar was in his magnificent palace, evidently in bed asleep. He had subdued nations after nation, never lost a battle, but now his battles were over. His official affairs were moving smoothly. He was a man experiencing personal peace as far the kingdom was concerned. But Nebuchadnezzar’s peace was a false one. That night he received a dream that filled him with dread and terror.”11 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. This great king who had never lost a battle, who had defeated all his enemies, who ruled as the king of kings, the head of gold...We would have thought fear and alarm would not be words in his personal vocabulary! Had it been an enemy force approaching his city, he would have called his mighty forces to arms. But a dream. How can one defend against a dream? Especially a dream sent by the Almighty? How quickly peace can turn to panic and prosperity to poverty. “There is a deceitful rest, a deceitful peace, which lulls many a soul into a false security (Je 6:14, 23:17, Lam 2:14, Ezek 13:22, 2Pe 2:1-note). To be untroubled is no evidence of safety. To be at peace does not prove that all is well. I once caught hold of a blind man and drew him back just in time to keep him from plunging headlong into an open cellar way. He thought all was well and was in peace of mind as he walked along, yet two more steps and he would have gone down! Be sure that your peace is founded on the blood of Christ shed on the cross (Col 1:19,20-note); then you will have that peace which is true and lasting (Ro 5:1-note). Every other is false and fleeting. The peace of God is that which comes from relying on the testimony of God and follows the confession of sins that have separated the soul from Him.” 12 B. His Decree 6-9 6 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. One can only ask why? What had happened over the intervening years to cause the king to once again believe that these “wise men” of Babylon had any abilities beyond that of simple deception. I would think that the king would have cut to the chase and simply called Daniel. Nonetheless all are summoned to the king’s palace. Can we not see in this a lesson to be learned. Natural man looks to natural man for answers. It is not the supernatural that many reject in our day. The occult and “spiritualism” is alive in our world. It is the revelation given by the true God they reject. But there is also a question that we need consider. Where do we first turn in times of difficulty? 7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, In response to command they came. What else could they do? But did they come with anticipation or with angst? and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. This time the king told them the dream but still they could not interpret it. Nor did they attempt to deceive through a conjured interpretation. They just stood there looking at one another shaking their heads and shrugging their shoulders. Once again we see the bankruptcy of Babylonian wisdom, which is surely a picture of all wisdom of fallen man as opposed to the incomparable wisdom of God. 8 But at last Daniel came before me Finally Daniel arrives to the relief of the king and perhaps even the other “wise men”. Given the fact that they understood all too well that the king did not like being disappointed when ask for the interpretation of his dreams they may have been sweating the future or lack thereof. Much conjecture has been given as to why Daniel arrived later than the rest of the wise men but it is all just that – conjecture.

11 Exploring the , Jerry Vines./&John Phillips, p68, Loizeaux Brothers 12 www.studylight.org Ironsides notes on selected books. Daniel 4. Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 6 (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; Here again is evidence that at the time of this dream Nebuchadnezzar was still a follower of Bel. The purpose in giving his Babylonian name is that this decree was going into all realms of the kingdom and it was by that name that most would know Daniel. in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), The king clearly recognized that there was something different about Daniel and that he was "set apart" from the pagan occultists. It has been observed that a man’s life always reflects what he truly worships. Daniel’s exemplary life made him a light to the pagan world around him. I wonder if our life is a light to our own pagan world by reflecting a holy ( not “holier than thou”) attitude. John MacArthur relates the powerful effect of a holy life, in the story of the famous duo, Stanley and Livingstone... “When Henry Stanley found David Livingstone in the heart of Africa, he stayed with him for four months. Stanley was a professed skeptic when he found Livingstone, but came away a Christian. Asked what Livingstone said that converted him, Stanley replied that it was what Livingstone was that brought him to Christ. According to Stanley's report Livingstone never asked him if he was a Christian, never preached to him, and never appeared to pray for his conversion. But Livingstone was so thoroughly a Christian that it dawned on Stanley that one who was not a Christian was something less than a Christian. Livingstone was a man of God who permitted the Lord to live through him. Consequently his life was one of victory and blessing. By the sheer influence and impact of his virtue Livingstone brought Stanley to Christ.” (see Henry Stanley's How I Found Livingstone, 1913]). Spirit of the Holy God -Some translations have this in the plural “spirit of the holy gods” And the Aramaic would permit either. I believe that the singular is the better translation. It may be a reflection of Nebuchadnezzar having come to faith in Jehovah. But there is also the possibility that the word holy is a reference to the fact that Nebuchadnezzar understood even before his conversion that Daniel’s God stood apart and above all other God, including his own. This note from the MacArthur Study Bible give additional insight. “The meaning here and in Da 4:18 (as well as Da 5:11,14) is rightly translated as “the Spirit of the holy God.” Wording for the true God in the Heb. of Josh. 24:19 is equivalent to the Aramaic here (which begins in Da 2:4). Some believe he meant “a spirit of the holy gods.” This is unlikely, since no pagan worshipers claimed purity or holiness for their deities. In fact, just the opposite was believed. And since Nebuchadnezzar was rehearsing his conversion, he could genuinely identify the true Spirit of God.” and I told the dream before him, saying: 9 "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, The king is quite free in lavishing sincere praise upon Daniel. Note what the king declares concerning Daniel. 1. Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians= He is at the top of the list when it comes to magicians. It could reference his official position as head of the magicians but I think it probably is a reference that Daniel excels over all them. 2. I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you =Has the Spirit of God in him. Note that the king said “I know”. Allow me to emphasize again how very important that others see God at work in our lives. (c.f. Matthew 5:16) 3. secret troubles you, Heis not perplexed by dreams. Difficult dreams are not difficult for Daniel to understand. explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation. Young's Literal translation reads "the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation, tell". I know you can do so now tell me about this dream and what it means. C. His Description 10-17 1. Centrality Of The Tree 10 "These were the visions of my head while on my bed:-Nebuchadnezzar begins to relate the dream to Daniel in detail. It is only after the illumination by way of Daniel’s interpretation that Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 7 we understand anything concerning this dream. So after we understand that the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar and by extension the kingdom of Babylon as he rules over it the dream begins to unfold. But still further illumination will be needed. In these verse I will comment only in brief and wait for Daniel to interpret further for us.. "I was looking,= Again Nebuchadnezzar’s role is that of an observer. and behold, A tree = At the very center of this dream is a tree. J. Vernon McGee comments that:... “In Scripture, a tree can represent a number of things. A tree can represent a man: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Ps 1:3; see also Jer 17:8; Isa 56:3). Also a tree can represent a nation (see Ezek 31:3-14; Mt 24:32,33). The mustard tree in Mt 13:31, 32 represents Christendom today. The olive tree represents both Israel and the Gentiles (see Ro 11:16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23 24). The tree here represents Nebuchadnezzar primarily and also his kingdom of Babylon—the king and kingdom are inseparable. “(Daniel 4:10-16 - Mp3) in the midst of the earth,= This tree occupied a central position in the dream but in the earth. Further this tree is not seen in a forest of trees but standing in singularity. Nebuchadnezzar was at the height of his power and prestige in the world. His kingdom is established and he is filled with pride over his accomplishments. Had the tree dream ended with verse 12 it would have been a most wonderful dream for Nebuchadnezzar to contemplate and most likely one the even he could have figured out. And its height was great = How this dream would have pandered to his pride if it would have concluded with verse 12. Observe that the tree is noted for its: . Strength = 11 The tree grew and became strong; - This suggests an enlargement through struggle. . Size= Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Can you not draw a mental image as the Word of God describes this massive tree. . Splendor=12 Its leaves were lovely, It is easy to look at things from an outward vantage point and see what we think is lovely when it is in reality loathsome. We can behold the splendor and miss the sinfulness. . Supply=Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. …. And all flesh was fed from it. The resources at the kings disposal were abundant. . Shelter=The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches,= All the known world was dependent on this kingdom. 2. Cry Of The 13 "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. The presence and proclamation changed the whole thrust of the dream. .(iyr eer ) This word is unique in Scripture (only in Daniel 4:13, 17, 23‘ ריע- Watcher - (Aramiac The word means watchman and comes from the verb meaning to be wakeful or on watch. The idea is a "waking one", one who is constantly alert. Nebuchadnezzar sees something about the watcher that further causes him to describe him as a "holy one", suggesting supernatural origin. Also “holy one” suggesting both the purity and purpose of the one he saw. Undoubtedly what Nebuchadnezzar saw was one of the myriad of holy angles who are described for us in Psalm 103:20-21. “20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.” ( NKJV) The writer of Hebrews asks rhetorically about the angels: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14 NKJV) If Nebuchadnezzar was indeed converted in Daniel 4 as I believe, we see that the watcher that brought him a frightful message, in effect functioned as God's minister or servant, to this pagan king who was soon to Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 8 inherit salvation! Further though it was a frightful message it would have fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:22 14 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.= Note the action words: Chop down … cut off … strip off … scatter get out. There can be little doubt that what is about to take place is dramatic and devastating. Abruptly and without warning the “watcher” cried aloud which literally rendered would be “cried with strength” (this would cause anyone to have a frightening night of sleep!). His cry was a command that the great tree which was seemingly indestructible is to be chopped down. The destruction would have been complete except for the next verse. . 15 Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze, In the tender grass of the field. =What is about to occur will be devastating but not final. While a great fall is indicated for the king, hope and mercy are also given. The stump and root speak of life still existing and the band of iron and bronze speak of protection and preservation. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, - This appears a forewarning of the existence that would be the kings over the nearby years. And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. , So the tree is definitely identified as a man at this point allowing us to begin seeing that it was not a what but who under consideration. 16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast. The Scriptures views our heart as our "control center" (thoughts, emotions, will, etc. As indicated already in Daniel Nebuchadnezzar could act with the cruelty of a beast and now he will think himself to be one. And let seven times pass over him.= Most Conservative scholars are agreed that “time” stands for one year, so seven periods of time would be 7 years. But the question that needs to be ask is: How do we know "time" equates with "year"? In :25 we read of the saints being given into the hand of the Antichrist for time, times and half a time. By comparing parallel passages in the Revelation (Revelation 12:6 and 12:14) we can deduce that time (singular) equates with one year and times (plural) equates with two years so that time, times and half a time is 3and ½ years. Thus a single time is one year. Seven- Speaks of completion or perfection, in this case that this time would be necessary to see this arrogant king repent and submit to the Most High God. 17 ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, -When compared with verse 24 we see that the decree is clearly that of the Most High God and the angels are His "heralds" proclaiming his decree, decision and command. 3. Cause Of The Vision In order that the living may know The king needed to know that his dream was of divine origin and not a bad nightmare brought on by indigestion. Natural man persuades himself that he and he alone is the master of his destiny. So this dream will reveal to Nebuchadnezzar and all men a threefold purpose. It was given so that man might know: . That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, - Nations rise and fall and the lesson that all history should teach is that God rules and overrules in the kingdoms of this world. . Gives it to whomever He will, -Paul tells us in Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (NKJV) . And sets over it the lowest of men.’- The lowest might be, as in the case of David ,one who would not be looked upon as a fit candidate for leadership. (c.f. 1 Samuel 16;1-13). The lowest could also refer to character. Men like Adolph Hitler in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy, Joseph Stalin in old Soviet union, Pol Pot in Cambodia. Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 9 These three purposes can be summarized in three words- GOD IS SOVEREIGN. These purposes become a reality check for us as we witness what is going on in our own nation. These should not lull us to sleep in our efforts to have the best government we can; but should enable us to slept at night confident that God has everything under control. D. His Demand 18 "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. – I have given you the dream details. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, -Tell me what it means since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; Interpreted this means my wise men are so wise. but you are able, I have full confidence that you to be able to tell me exactly what this dream means. He is about to affirm the inability of human wisdom to discern spiritual truth (c.f.1Co 2:14) for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.” Here is the source of Nebuchadnezzar’s confidence. It was not that Daniel was innately of a higher intelligence but that he had supernatural aid from the living God to help him in these matters. King says: “ Daniel recognizes, at once, you see, the serious and solemn import of the king’s vision and his concern is evident in his manner. I would think that part of Daniel’s concern was personal anxiety. I reckon Daniel had come to think a good deal of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had been very good to him, and Daniel had been his chief advisor for thirty years or more; and now Daniel saw that it was all going to end.”13 III. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DESTINY 19-27 A. Daniel’s Astonishment 19a Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. The reason for Daniel’s disconcertment was not his lack of understanding of the dream but the fact he understood all too well the meaning. The first dream of this pagan king had dignified him but this one would disgrace him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." The king saw in Daniel’s face a torment that was not the result of confusion but anguish at revealing the meaning of the dream. So the king says, in effect, don’t agonize over the dream just tell me what it means. Harry Ironside comments... “Nebuchadnezzar must have discerned the anxiety and sorrow in the face of his minister, for he speaks in a way to give him confidence to proceed with the interpretation. He did not want smooth words made up for the occasion. Little though he (the king) realized what was coming, he still desired to know the truth. It is a blessed thing for any soul to get to the place where he can say: "Give me God's Word, and let me know it is His Word, and I will receive it, no matter how it cuts, and interferes with my most cherished thoughts.”14 Joseph Parker eloquently paints the picture of Daniel's dilemma writing that... “It was like a blow struck upon the very centre of his forehead; when he saw what was going to befall the king he was struck, as it were, with a spear of lightning, his voice altered, as did the fashion of his countenance. He had a message to deliver, and yet he delivered it with tears that were hidden in the tone of his voice. He was not flippant; he was solemn with an ineffable solemnity. Never was he in such a position before. Only the Divine Spirit could make him equal to the responsibilities of that critical hour.”15 B. Daniel’s Answer 19b-26

13 Daniel Geoffrey R. King, p 103, Eerdmans Publishing 14 As quoted on Preceptaustin.org/ Daniel 4 15 IBID Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 10 Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies =Daniel’s heart for the King is revealed when he states I wish this dream were about those who hate you. 20 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, 21 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 — 22 it is you, O king, Daniel now does what he must do. Give the king the truth. Every messenger of God has had those moments when he would rather do most anything than deliver the message he knows must be delivered. But there is no recourse if he is to be true to his God. Leon woods says: “It is you O king” With these words, the interpretation proper began. The words are direct, in the vein of Nathan’s words to David years before: “You are the man” (2 Sam 12:7). With them Daniel settled the basic question in the king’s mind. Yes, the tree did signify him. The king had probably feared so, but now he heard it stated by this trusted interpreter.”16 Renald E. Showers comments that... “God’s representation of Nebuchadnezzar as a large tree that provided food and lodging for all was very fitting for at least two reasons. First, in several of his inscriptions Nebuchadnezzar had boasted about the peaceful shelter and abundance of food that he had provided for his subjects through Babylon. Indeed, in these boasts he used language descriptive of a tree when referring to his rule through Babylon. In one inscription he said, “The produce of the lands, the product of the mountains, the bountiful wealth of the sea within her I received. Under her everlasting shadow I gathered all men in peace. Vast heaps of grain beyond measure I stored up within her.” In another inscription he declared, “Under her everlasting shadow I gathered all men in peace. A reign of abundance, years of plenty I caused to be in my land.” Second, as a result of military campaigns that took him several times through the forests of Lebanon, Nebuchadnezzar became greatly captivated by the huge cedar trees of that land. This attitude was reflected in one of his inscriptions where he described the trees as follows: “mighty cedars, tall and strong, of costly value, whose dark forms towered aloft, the massive growth of Lebanon.” Indeed, in his inscriptions Nebuchadnezzar boasted that he personally had cut down some of these huge trees with his own hands. He even had a picture of himself cutting a cedar inscribed on stone. One gets the impression that the king exalted in the fact that he could cut down such a towering giant of strength.”17 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. Daniel reminds the king of all that he has accomplished. 23 And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, Chop down the tree- He who was great among men was going to become in his own mind not a man. God was going to “cut” Nebuchadnezzar down. This portion of Scripture brings to mind the little ditty I learned as a child. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall All the king's horses and all the King's men Couldn't put Humpty together again...... Nebuchadnezzar was on top but he was about to topple off the wall of his arrogance and find out that he was not the master of his destiny. One only need to read the remainder of the chapter to

16 A Commentary On Daniel , Leon Wood ,, p115, Regency Reference Library , Zondervan Pub 17 .The Most High God- A Commentary on the Book of Daniel, Renald E, Showers

Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 11 see how great his fall would be. And like Humpty dumpty all the resources available to the most powerful man on earth were powerless to do anything to change what would happen to him. But here is the good news! Unlike Humpty Dumpty God would put Nebuchadnezzar together again. Note the next portion: but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze This is one of the more enigmatic aspects of this description and commentaries offer a wide range of interpretation. Some see the band as figurative allusion to the king's being bound by mental illness. Others see it as a sign that the stump would be protected thus assuring its survival. I would place myself among the latter. I understand the band of iron and bronze to speak of a protective fence in which the king would dwell safely. Why would the king need this kind of protection? He needed protection because he was going to encounter a mental illness that left him vulnerable to all the political intrigue of those who would desire the kingdom. And during this time God would supernaturally preserve his kingdom so that it was awaiting his return to sanity. This view would seem to be confirmed by verse 26. 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, There actually are psychological conditions that mirror the kind of dementia that is described in our text. Lycanthrophy, Boanthropy and Zoanthropy are all recognized dementias in which the person thinks of himself as an animal and acts like one. till seven times pass over him; As shown in comments on verse 16 this refers most likely to seven years, 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: Daniel wants the king to know that God is in control and speaks of the decree as already in force. 25 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. I mentioned three different disorders that might well identify what the king will undergo Boanthropy seems particularly appropriate for what the king will undergo. With this illness a person thinks himself or herself to be an ox. His or her outer behavior is irrational, but the inner consciousness remains virtually unchanged. 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. Now before the kings sanity is returned to him there is a condition that first must be met. The king will come to know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. 26 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. And not only would his sanity return be returned upon meeting this condition but he would be restored to his kingdom, his position. You see, when he acknowledges God’s sovereign rule, he will be restored. C. Daniel’s Advise 27 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. Before the king acquires this mental illness, we see Daniel give him some wise counsel. Daniel concluded with a bold exhortation for the king. What God had revealed would happen unless Nebuchadnezzar turned from his sins, practiced righteousness, and showed mercy to the poor. Clearly Nebuchadnezzar ruled with a heavy hand as well as a proud heart. Perhaps the decree from God may be stayed if repentance takes place. Te reason would be that the king in his change of actions would be showing a change of heart whereby he acknowledged the sovereignty of God among men. IV. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DEMENTIA 28-33 “28 ¶ All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. Like many today the king heard the word and then ignored it. Therefore all came to pass in accordance with the Word of God. It is always so. “…Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.” (Isa 46:11 NKJV) Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 12 29 At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. How gracious is the Lord to give space for repentance. A full year passes before the Lord executes His Word in regard to Nebuchadnezzar. It was a day like many other days he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. 30 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?" One cannot read this verse without seeing the arrogance that remained in the heart of the king. 31 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! 32 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." 33 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.” No sooner had the king articulated his pride, than he heard a voice from heaven pronouncing the punishment that Daniel had warned might come upon him. Immediately something snapped in his mind and he became like an animal. "Hair as eagle feathers" pictures hair that is neglected and matted as well as long. He did not think to trim his fingernails and toenails, either. His judgment is a sobering reminder that we are all but a breath or a heartbeat from insanity, or death, but for God's grace. It is He who sustains us moment by moment (John 15:5; Col. 1:17). God’s judgment fell upon the king when he was boasting of HIS mighty kingdom that HE has built! But did the king have a reason to boast? Was his kingdom that powerful and secure? From a human perspective he did have the right to boast about his mighty kingdom. But from God’s eyes what he had was given to him by God. In Jeremiah chapter 27:6-11 we read: “6 ‘And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field I have also given him to serve him. 7 ‘So all nations shall serve him and his son and his son’s son, until the time of his land comes; and then many nations and great kings shall make him serve them. 8 ‘And it shall be, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and which will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish,’ says the LORD, ‘with the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand. 9 ‘Therefore do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who speak to you, saying, "You shall not serve the king of Babylon." 10 ‘For they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land; and I will drive you out, and you will perish. 11 ‘But the nations that bring their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let them remain in their own land,’ says the LORD, ‘and they shall till it and dwell in it.’"’"” (NKJV) That is the real power behind the kings mighty kingdom! But lets look a little closer at this kingdom and what it was all about. The city of Babylon extended for some 60 miles around, 15 miles on each side. The walls of the city were some 350 feet in the air and some 80 feet thick, extending some 35 feet below the ground so that their enemies could not tunnel in. On this wall they would have chariot races anywhere from 6 to 8 abreast. There were some 250 towers on top of the wall that extended another 100 feet in the air. They had another inner wall with a moat between the two walls. The Euphrates river almost divided the city into two equal parts with gates at the entrance and exit of the river, and the river supplied the city with a fresh water supply. They had enough food within the city to last them 20 years without ever opening the gates of the city. Now you know why he was so secure as he walked upon the walls of the city. There were also the hanging gardens of Babylon, which were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The gardens were built for the kings Median wife. There were several tiers of arches one over the other, each bearing a solo platform, 400 square feet of terraces and the top was covered with flowers, shrubs, trees and a garden roof, all watered from a reservoir at the top to which the water was raised from the river by hydraulic pumps. And at the top was also a temple to Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 13 the god Bel. Again, a very impressive sight to behold, and he felt secure, although he was warned not to be. V. NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DELIVERANCE 34-37 “34 ¶ 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. Notice the first thing that the king does, he looks up to heaven. And with that look sanity returns. This verse reminds us of the demoniac of the Gadarenes, of whom we read after his encounter with Jesus: “Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind….” (Lu 8:35 NKJV) May I assert that no one is truly in his right mind until he has come to Jesus. We too must look up to God and call upon Him if we are to be saved. No one can do that for us. When we do we will be received and brought into fellowship with Him. Our eyes will be open to the truths of God and we will have the wisdom of God imparted to us. The next step is praise and worship unto God. The king blesses God. When you are filled with the love of Christ in your heart there is a natural outflow of praise and worship unto God for what He has done in your life. That is what happened to the king when he encountered God! 35 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?" Out of the mouth of this newly converted king comes one of the grandest statements in Scripture concerning the sovereignty of God. He is in the words of the king the ruling one in heaven and on earth. No one can keep Him from doing what He determines he will do. And none have the right to question what he has done. 36 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. 37 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.” It was then and only then that his sanity returned to him and his position as king restored. The verbs praise, extol and honor speak of a continuing action in the kings life. It was not like the previous chapters where in the excitement of the miracle the king made an empty profession of faith. I think the king is saved! I hope that you see that no heart is too hard, that no person is beyond hope of turning to the living God and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Praise, exalt and honor - He cannot praise God enough, reflecting now not just a return of his reason but a liberation of his heart to worship the one true God. To say that this is just an intellectual response by the king and not evidence of genuine conversion seems to me to be ludicrous. Why else would he go to such lengths to heap word upon word in his exultation of the Most High! Those who walk in pride - This is Nebuchadnezzar's self-condemnation before the whole world that he walked in pride and for that he was justly humbled by God. Tony Evans says”... This is a sobering lesson for any of us who are tempted to develop a “theo-ego,” a God complex. Whenever you get so big that you don’t think you need God, people may as well get your room in the sanitarium ready, because you have already lost your mind. We need to say it again. God is in control. He sets up kings and He brings down kings. Listen to Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony. “He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:37). You and I are only what God allows us to be. 18

18 The Best Is Yet To Come, A.T.Evans,: Bible Prophecies, Through the Age Wednesday Studies EBC Started October 16, 2013 Daniel 4 14 As Wiersbe reminds us... No matter what position we have in life, God gave it to us, and He is sovereign. When man tries to take the place of God, he becomes like a beast. God still resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Pr 3:34).19 Jesus gave a similar warning.. ““"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:12 NKJV)

19 With the Word Bible Commentary- With the Complete Text Warren Wiersbe