Today we continue on with our series from Daniel and are up to chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar’s 2nd dream.
If you remember in chapter one, Daniel and his friends were part of the elite in Israel who had been taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar over 1000 km away as the crow flies to Babylon. They were only teenagers but were forced indoctrination into the Babylon culture and religion, even having their names changed to to honours the gods and idols of Babylon. Daniel had made a vow not to defile himself and they had stood firm in refusing food from the king, an incredibly courageous thing to do, especially as teenagers.
You will remember chapter 2 and Nebuchadnezzar’s 1st dream of the statue of gold, silver, bronze, iron and clay and its interpretation, how 4 kingdoms have already passed but a 5th is to come, relevant to us today while we wait for Jesus to come again. We can see in Chapter 2 that God is already at work in Nebuchadnezzar’s life but he wasn’t converted yet, his heart had not yet been changed even though he had witnessed a miracle.
In fact he had seen 2 miracles. He had also witnessed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walking around safely in a fiery furnace with a 4th man who looked like a god.
Even though he had witnessed these 2 great miracles, his heart was not changed. He rejected the interpretation of the dream. You will also remember Sean’s message from chapter 3 and Nebuchadnezzar’s response to his dream was to build a fully gold statue as a monument to himself and require everyone to worship it. Jesus reminded people that their hearts are desperately wicked. Though people may hear the truth, even experience a great miracle, it is not enough to convert someone. Don’t be surprised by a friend who is given proof of God but quickly forgets. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and we see the evidence in a changed life.
Chapter 4 is written at least 7 years after chapter 2, maybe as many as 20 years after. Chapter 4 is the only chapter not written by Daniel, it is written by Nebuchadnezzar himself. It is Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony of a changed heart. Isn’t it wonderful when someone we least expect is converted and has a changed life ? We all love to read about what happened to change their life. I remember my brother telling me how he related to this particular story of Nebuchadnezzar and it was why they came to name their eldest Daniel.
You will notice in his language a different person, someone who had been humbled and changed. He starts off by wishing everyone in the world peace and praising God in Heaven. He’s no longer the dictator bellowing out instructions.
Daniel 4:1-3
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.
When everything is right with the world, we wish everyone peace and happiness to share in our joy. And we especially want to tell everyone what the Lord has done for us !
The structure of the letter is very engaging, it’s no longer dictatorial. Someone taught me the French way to write a relational letter. You. Me. You and Me ! There’s still a lot of « me » in Nebuchadnezzar’s letter but it is a humbled « me ».
Instead of orders, he writes « I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. »
It is good to declare what the Lord has done for us ! Our testimony is powerful and along with the blood of the Lamb, defeats the Devil as we heard in last week’s Easter message from Revelation 12. No one can deny your testimony as a Christian. This is how you overcome. Recall all the things the Lord has done for you and don’t keep it secret, declare it ! The Lord deserves our praise for what he has done for us.
Daniel 4:4-7
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
Nebuchadnezzar was by his own confession, flourishing. Interesting way to describe yourself. “How are you?”. “I’m flourishing, thanks”. Nebuchadnezzar had had great success, he was at the peak of his powers but that was the moment that God chose to bring him down so that he would know that Heaven rules, not him.
He had everything the World had to offer, he had absolute power, wealth and success but his heart was troubled. Many people today have a nice home, a good job, a large pension fund but they aren’t happy because those things without the Lord cannot satisfy.
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.
When people experience hard times, where do they turn first? Often anyone or anything but God. Nebuchadnezzar called on his trusted wise men.
But there is evidence of a change in him. This time Nebuchadnezzar asks the wise men of Babylon only for the interpretation and not for the dream as well. He also doesn’t threaten to cut them into pieces if they can’t tell him.
Daniel 4:8-12
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),
Notice he was still following his god but he did acknowledge the Spirit of the Holy God in Daniel. Quite like many Hindu’s recognise Jesus as a God amongst their gods. Jesus calls us to leave it behind and follow him. Separate ourselves from the World and it’s idols.
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.
Others can recognise when the Lord is with is. Nebuchadnezzar really respected Daniel and was ready to wait this time. He had already been a witness to Daniel’s courage with the first dream about the statue and of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego standing up for their faith. We often don’t realise the impact our faith and courage can have on others.
“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.
The dream sounds very good so far. But it doesn’t stop there, it becomes macabre.
Daniel 4:13-17
“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.’
Yes, Heaven is watching us. If you think all these cameras around the city and in our homes are intrusive, you’d better know that the Lord in Heaven is watching you and recording all your actions. Big Brother is watching you. Nebuchadnezzar was used to being the highest authority in his Empire, he had absolute power and he may have sensed that he was the great tree in the dream. But what would have unnerved him about this dream was there was a judgement issued by a watcher, a holy one coming down from Heaven to cut down the tree. Was his Kingdom about to end, he remembered his 1st dream many years ago and its interpretation very well. The end of a kingdom means only one thing, the death of the King. Was his life about to end ?
He had learned of his frailty as a man and declared in v17;
That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’
He repeats this same statement in v25.
Who is the watcher, the holy one coming down from Heaven? We know that is Jesus, who is God in the Flesh.
In Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
At this point in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, he knew there was a God in Heaven above him, who he feared terribly but he had not repented of his sins and the Lord was not the Lord and King of his life. One day everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father whether they are in Heaven, on the Earth or under the Earth in Hell. We can either make and confess Jesus Lord and King of our lives now in this life but if we don’t and end up in Hell, we will still, with terrible regret, confess him as Lord.
Daniel 4:18-21
“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.” 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 little detail in this passage confirms it is Nebuchadnezzar writing the chapter because he calls Daniel by the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
Nebuchadnezzar had been an evil man and Daniel had every reason to hate him but instead Daniel is very concerned for Nebuchadnezzar. If someone refuses to repent, we know that God is going to deal harshly with them, we should also be concerned.
“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—
Daniel 4:22-26
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:
Nebuchadnezzar had made decrees over others in his life, but now the tables were turned and the Most High God, whom he feared, was making a decree over him.
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.
While Nebuchadnezzar had been merciless with his decrees in the past, here we see the kindness of the Lord. Yes, Nebuchadnezzar was going to go through a hard time but he would be restored after 7 years. In Nebuchadnezzar’s case, he lost his mind. He lived like an animal in the fields for 7 years. Does this sound a little like the story of the prodigal son who ended up eating with the pigs. The Lord disciplines the ones he loves. 7 years is a long time but it would come to an end once he had learned that Heaven rules. Once he had been humbled, the discipline would end. I think we can all accept that we need to change but it is human nature to think it can be done quickly. God’s work in reshaping us can take many years. Nevertheless, he is faithful to his promises. Nebuchadnezzar would be restored.
Daniel 4:27-33
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.” All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel gave Nebuchadnezzar the best advice he could give. Repent. Stop giving in to evil and start doing good. Show mercy to the poor. To repent is to humble yourself before God. To admit our way is the wrong way is humbling. Faithful preachers and evangelists tell sinners to repent. Today is the day of salvation. There must be some action to show your heart has been changed. Words aren’t enough. A prayer at the front of the church is not enough. Some people know all the right words, they know the Bible, but there is no evidence of a changed heart, they have not repented of their sins. That’s the bottom line. The clock is ticking. would Nebuchadnezzar listen? The answer was no.
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?”
Nebuchadnezzar was given 12 months and there was no change. He credited the success of Babylon to himself, he gave no credit to God.
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.
You don’t know how long the Lord will give you. Heaven is watching, judgement is coming. Could it be today that your time is up ? How long has New Zealand got ?
Heaven is watching and waiting for sinners to repent and come home. Today is the day of salvation. God will be merciful to you today.
Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way. 7 years of insanity. 7 years wasted. Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind and became like a beast for 7 years. I suppose in that time God took care of him as a man takes care of an animal. Living on the streets can teach you there is a God in Heaven who looks after you when no one else does. Like the prodigal son, Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses. He realised he had a home.
Luke 15:17-19
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’
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.
At the end of the 7 years, Nebuchadnezzar comes to his senses and goes home with a humble and grateful heart. Nebuchadnezzar praises God but this time it’s from his heart, there has been a lasting change. In his final statement he acknowledges that pride was his downfall, that the Lord is able to bring down those who walk in pride. When someone mighty falls, it is a sign that God is in Heaven. The Church belongs to Jesus, it is not our Church. He sets how things shall be, not us.
If there is hope for someone who had been as evil as Nebuchadnezzar, then there is hope for each of us.
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Isaac Watts 1707
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