What does Daniel 4:12 mean?
Babylon was a beautiful city, as were the leaves of the tree Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream (Daniel 4:4–5). Nebuchadnezzar had undertaken many projects to enrich his capital. The tree was not only beautiful to look at but also highly productive. It bore abundant fruit that provided food for all. Nebuchadnezzar was regarded as a benefactor by countless thousands of people in his realm. These attributes reflect the meaning of this dream, as explained later by Daniel (Daniel 4:20–22).It has been suggested that in preparation for a siege, the city of Babylon could store enough supplies to last decades. Whether or not such claims are accurate, the city was certainly well-prepared for war and hardship. People in Babylon felt safe in the face of any enemy who laid siege. Also, the city contained wheat fields and hanging gardens. Nebuchadnezzar's symbolic tree provided shade for animals and safe nesting for birds. Babylon's citizens must have felt safe behind the city's strong walls. Also, the city had an abundant water supply because the Euphrates River ran through it from north to south.
Daniel chapter 5 relates that the Persian army captured Babylon, despite these preparations. History indicates the Persians diverted the river which flowed through the city, invading through the resulting gap in the wall.