What does Daniel 4:3 mean?
This declaration of praise is part of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's official statement (Daniel 4:1–2) about his humbling experience (Daniel 4:37). Earlier, in the case of the burning fiery furnace, the king observed God's miraculous power (Daniel 3:24–25). Before that, God's power was demonstrated in Daniel's interpretation of a troubling dream (Daniel 2:36). Many Bible interpreters believe Daniel assisted in writing Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation or recorded it on the king's behalf.In the incident of the first dream, Nebuchadnezzar was presented as the ruler of a massive, powerful kingdom (Daniel 2:37–38), which would eventually be overtaken by other, lesser nations (Daniel 2:39–40). Here, however, the king speaks of God ruling a kingdom without end. This description resembles Psalm 145:13. The realm mentioned here does not seem to be the future messianic kingdom which Jesus will rule on earth. Rather, this verse speaks of God's universal kingdom which includes heaven and earth. As sovereign over the universal kingdom, God rules over the affairs of human beings and nations. Romans 13:1 exhorts: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instated by God."
Daniel 4:1–18 introduces another of Nebuchadnezzar's mysterious dreams (Daniel 2:2–3). As before, the king summoned his wise men to interpret the experience. They failed, but Nebuchadnezzar also spoke with Daniel (Daniel 2:46–47). This time the king told his wise men and Daniel what he had dreamed. This sets the stage for Daniel's interpretation and the fulfillment of another prophecy.
Daniel 4 opens with a proclamation in which Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar, declares what God has done for him. He recalls yet another frightening dream (Daniel 2:1). He sees a tree cut down to the stump, and a man made like an animal. Once again, only Daniel could interpret the dream's meaning. The news is terrible: the king will be driven insane for "seven periods of time" until he learns humility. A year later, this happens. Also as promised, Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself and regains his senses and his throne. He praises God for this miraculous work.
