Daniel 4:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived —

NIV: with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—

NASB: and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the animals of the field lived and in whose branches the birds of the sky settled—

CSB: and whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant—and on it was food for all, under it the wild animals lived, and in its branches the birds of the sky lived—

NLT: It had fresh green leaves and was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.

KJV: Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

NKJV: whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home—

Daniel is repeating the dream which bothered King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:4–5). This vision included a massive tree with wonderful leaves and valuable fruits (Daniel 4:10–12). As Daniel continues, he will confirm that this tree symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar, himself (Daniel 4:22). The dream as a whole warns that the king will suffer insanity and humiliation (Daniel 4:22–27).

King Nebuchadnezzar was known for his efforts to make Babylon glorious. He rebuilt and beautified the temple of Bel-Marduk. He also beautified the Nebo temple. Further, he devoted time and means to repair and construct sites in Ur, Larsa, Sippar, Erech, and Kutha. He built new streets in Babylon and strengthened the city's walls. Excavations uncovered the Ishtar Gate that was adorned with a series of bulls and dragons in enameled colored brick. Also adorned in enamel brick was Nebuchadnezzar's throne room, which featured geometric designs. His hanging gardens were among the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The tree's beautiful leaves and provision of food for all certainly pictured Nebuchadnezzar. And just as the animals took refuge under the tree and the birds took shelter in the tree, so Nebuchadnezzar's subjects took a measure of security from his rule. However, the dream included the tree being cut down (Daniel 4:13–15).

Daniel 4:19–27 provides Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's recent dream (Daniel 4:4–5). Daniel briefly hesitates, perhaps wondering if Nebuchadnezzar will lash out in anger over what he is about to say. As the king likely feared, his dream means he will suffer humiliation and insanity for seven periods of time. Daniel acknowledges that this is terrible news. He appeals to the king to set aside sin, to at least delay the fulfillment of this judgment.

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.