• In the first verses of this chapter we find Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the providence of God to the people. He had reigned many years, had seen much and experienced a great deal but now he admires God’s signs and wonders. In verse 3 he confesses “How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.”
Vs. 1-3 A declaration directed to all people, etc.
A salutation – Peace be multiplied to you
Spoken by the King, in his own words
vs. 2 true God
NOTE: We should give glory to God not only by praising him for his mercy, but by confessing our sin and accepting punishment
Shows the guidance and care of God (signs, wonders)
King brought to the place he admired God
God’s kingdom everlasting – generation to generation (not like his)
The King tells of the warning he received and then tells of the judgment of God because of his pride
• At this point in time, Nebuchadnezzar had lately conquered Egypt, this completed his victories, ended his wars and this was about the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth year of his reign. It was during this period he had this dream that caused him to fear, become uneasy and troubled.
• Nebuchadnezzar had seen God do some miraculous things. However, he was still full of pride and he had not submitted to God, so God deals with his pride through a dream. He remembers this dream and again the magicians, astrologers, the Chaldeans and soothsayers are called by the King. The King was disappointed again because they could not interpret the dream.
• The King believes that God gives Daniel the ability to understand dreams and he comes in after the others. Nebuchadnezzar compliments him highly, acknowledges his abilities and recognizes him as the master of the magicians.
• The King shares the second dream with Daniel. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that he saw a very tall tree grow, get stronger, and reach to the heavens. This tree was seen by all on earth, it had lovely leaves, abundant fruit, and had food for all. Beast dwelt under it and birds lived in it.
NOTE: vs. 23 Root preserved – Tree bound – shows mercy of God and future plan (Job 14:7-9)
• Interpretation: This was the King that grew and became strong. The stately flourishing tree represented the King who reigned in Babylon; his dignity was represented by the height of the tree that was exceedingly great. This tree was pleasant to the eye and also contained food. The leaves represented the pomp and splendor of his court. The tree was for protection, shelter and provision.
• The King saw watchers (angels on special appointment from the Lord) coming down from heaven, saying chop the tree down and leave the stump and roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze in tender grass wet with dew. His heart would be changed from a man’s and be given the heart of a beast. He was to graze with the beast in the field until seven times passed over him. This decree of the watchers was so the living would know the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He will and will set over it the lowest of men.
• Interpretation: The dream troubled Daniel by the dream and the thought that he had to share the meaning to the King. He was concerned to the point that his hope was the dream pertained to Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies. He was encouraged by the King to share the interpretation. The King would be removed from the throne, driven from men, deprived of his reasoning, be given the heart of a beast, and driven out to live with the beast of the field and eat grass. He would live out in all types of weather, be wet with dew, seven times would pass over him until he knew the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses. After the King realized that Heaven rules he would be restored to his kingdom.
• Daniel humbly, respectfully and tenderly advised the King to turn from sin to righteousness and from iniquity by showing mercy to the poor in hope that he might continue to be blessed.
• Nebuchadnezzar was given a period of time to turn from his sinful ways and it appears he did not. One year later the King was in the palace boosting of his power when he heard a voice from heaven speak to him in regards to his dream and immediately the dream came to past. He loses his honor as king and his honor as a man. His reasoning, understanding and memory are lost. He was driven out, he ate grass, and dew fell on him until his hair grew like eagle’s feathers and his nails like birds claws. (Nails grow about one and a half inches a year and a one inch nail starts to look clawish.)
• After seven years, Nebuchadnezzar looked to God for mercy. His understanding was restored and he glorifies God and humbles himself. He acknowledged God’s dominion, kingdom, strength and will. The King’s reasoning returned, his honor and kingdom was restored and the Lord blessed him.
NOTE: King – humble acknowledgement and adoration of God as Lord of All
• Nebuchadnezzar was now old and reigned about two years after his restoration and died in his forty-fifth year.
NOTE: Those that walk in pride, God is able to humble.
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