Daniel 4:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.

NIV: It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

NASB: I am pleased to declare the signs and miracles that the Most High God has done for me.

CSB: I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and wonders the Most High God has done for me.

NLT: 'I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.

KJV: I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

NKJV: I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.

In this verse Nebuchadnezzar reveres the true God, whom he calls "Most High." It's likely that, in Nebuchadnezzar's beliefs, the Lord of Israel was the most prominent or powerful of a pantheon of lesser deities. He is probably not speaking of God as the one and only God and Creator. Yet the king recognizes the power and influence of the Lord worshipped by men such as Daniel (Daniel 2:47; 3:28).

Commentators suggest this chapter's contents were composed shortly before Nebuchadnezzar's death, after he had recovered from the judgment described in his dream (Daniel 4:5). That humbling experience dramatically changed his perspective. Earlier, Nebuchadnezzar boasted about his own great power (Daniel 3:15). Here, he gives credit to God for doing great things. Further, Nebuchadnezzar perceives that these signs were done for him, as lessons or messages from the Lord. Whether the king considered Daniel's first dream interpretation (Daniel 2:36) or the miraculous rescue of three Hebrew captives (Daniel 3:24–25) as part of those signs, he does not specify.

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.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:13:23 AM