What does Daniel 4:5 mean?
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon recalls having a frightening dream. This is the second time Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream. Daniel chapter 2 describes the first experience. Both dreams portrayed future events (Daniel 2:29; 4:24–25).The Bible presents several instances in which dreams transmitted divine revelation. God issued warnings to Abimelech and Laban (Genesis 20; 31:24), and Pilate's wife's dream was the basis for her warning Pilate to have nothing to do with Jesus (Matthew 27:19). He communicated this way to Jacob (Genesis 28:12; 31:10–13), to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), and to Joseph, Mary's husband (Matthew 1:20). With the completion of the New Testament, dreams are no longer necessary means for God to communicate His will. Second Timothy 3:16–17 indicates that the written Word, the Scriptures, are inspired by the Lord and useful for everything we must know about Him. They teach believers what they ought to believe and how they ought to live. As believers study and obey the Scriptures, they develop spiritual maturity and become effective servants of God. God can, of course, still communicate to people in dreams. But it is important to base one's understanding of any dream on the revealed truth of Scripture.
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.
