Daniel 4:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules.

NIV: The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

NASB: And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will remain as yours after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules.

CSB: As for the command to leave the tree’s stump with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

NLT: But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.

KJV: And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.

NKJV: “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.

Following a dire prediction of insanity and humiliation (Daniel 4:24–25), King Nebuchadnezzar receives some good news. In his dream, the king was symbolized as a tree cut down to a stump (Daniel 4:10–14). Yet the stump's roots were left intact, so that it could one day begin to sprout new growth (Daniel 4:15).

As Daniel now explains, the tree's surviving stump and roots indicate that Nebuchadnezzar's isolation and animal-like existence will end. He will not only survive this madness, but he will rule his kingdom once again. This return to sanity will only happen once the king comes to appreciate that he is merely a man: he is not divine. True power is not found in Babylon, but in Heaven. The supreme Lord is not Nebuchadnezzar, but the Lord God. The context of Daniel's comment suggests that "heaven" is being used as a euphemism for God, which is why many translations capitalize the term as "Heaven(s)."

In His grace and mercy God would limit the two punishments. Nebuchadnezzar's insanity would last only a limited time. Some Bible teachers suggest that Daniel took Nebuchadnezzar's place as king, but this is purely speculation. There is no biblical or secular mention of Daniel ruling Babylon. Indeed, it is an unlikely occurrence. If Daniel had occupied such a powerful position, he probably would have restored the captive Hebrews to their homeland. In fact, there is no other record of Nebuchadnezzar suffering in this way. A possible reason is that a temporary government was established—likely in secret—until the madness had passed.

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.