Chapter 4

“The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:8

I.     Daniel 4:1-3

      A. A grateful King praises the God of the Hebrews…

      B. using a Hebrew greeting “peace”

      C. using a Hebrew Name for the “Most High God”   Gen. 14:18-22 and throughout Psalms

      D. in the manner of Hebrew prophets       Daniel 2:44; John 20:30; Hebrews 1:1; Psalm 29:10-11

II.     Daniel 4:4-9

A.                                 Déjà vu!

B.                              His first dream causes him to be unreasonable in his demands for meaning.

C.                               Now he is older, wiser and perhaps even mellower!

D.                              The magicians still can’t interpret the meaning.

E.                              Finally, Daniel!

F.                               Though Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God as the “Most High,” (3:26), he is not a proselyte! He is still pagan with his other beliefs, his other gods and with his own pride.

G.                               Daniel’s reputation as a revealer of mysteries was well known  Ezekiel 28:3

III.    Daniel 4:10-18

A.                                 Another amazing, terrifying and baffling vision comes to the King by night.

B.                              From a great tree to a wild animal with the swing of a Holy Axe!

C.                               Until he acknowledges the “Most High is Ruler.”      Daniel 2:21; 1 Samuel 2:4-8

IV.    Daniel 4:19-27

A.                                 The interpretation is already in the mind of Daniel as his own thoughts appall him.

B.                              Fondness for the King causes hesitation.

C.                               Nebuchadnezzar needs to know.

D.                              The meaning:

1.   The Tree is Nebuchadnezzar (v 21) and his kingdom (v 26).

2.   His reign has brought in a glorious and prosperous time for all people.

3.   Like a tree standing firm, His authority is recognized in Heaven (from which it was bestowed) and especially by all people on earth (v 20).

4.   Nobody can take it away from Nebuchadnezzar (v 22) except…

5.   God will remove him for awhile (vs 23-25).

6.   God as the Supreme Ruler will preserve the kingdom for him (v 26).

E.                              Daniel pleas for Nebuchadnezzar to behave righteously for the benefit of everyone.

V.     Daniel 4:28-33

      A. Only one year later and the King forgets the dream and boasts of himself.

      B. See the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs 11:2; 16:18; 29:23.

VI.    Daniel 4:34-37

A.                                 Through humility comes wisdom!

B.                              Nebuchadnezzar praises the Most High God.

C.                               Nebuchadnezzar is restored as promised by the Lord.

About this same time that Nebuchadnezzar sees this vision (perhaps 570 BC), Ezekiel had received a vision of the New Temple (572 BC). Read Ezekiel 40-43 for your homework.