Daniel 4:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "I saw in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven.

NIV: "In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven.

NASB: ‘I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven.

CSB: "As I was lying in my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

NLT: '‘Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

KJV: I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

NKJV: “I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

Nebuchadnezzar is describing his dream (Daniel 4:4–5) which included an image of a massive, productive, respected tree (Daniel 4:10–12). Next, the king observed a heavenly being. Religions like those common in Babylon included a council of deities who watched over the world. While Nebuchadnezzar would understand "holy" to simply mean "godlike," Daniel understood it to mean something separated unto God for His service. Although Nebuchadnezzar would have assumed the spirit he saw was a god, Daniel would know this was an angel. The modern term "angel" derives from a Greek term, and in both Greek and Hebrew, the term for an "angel" is literally "messenger." The Hebrew concept of angels saw them as those who served God and brought His messages, rather than as fully-independent spiritual beings.

Revelation 14:10 refers to God's holy angels as witnessing the punishment of whoever worships the beast and his image in the tribulation period. An angel is seen in the role of messenger as he speaks to Mary concerning the Son who would be born to her (Luke 1:26–33). Angels served as God's messengers by heralding to shepherds the good news of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8–14).

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.

Daniel chapter 1 depicted Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar as powerful. Chapter 2 showed his vindictive nature. His extreme vanity was on display in chapter 3. Daniel chapter 4 records his submission, repentance, and return to prominence as the King of Babylon, all under God's humiliating judgment. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 continue to speak about Gentile rulers and related prophecies.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.