Daniel 4:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,

NIV: Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,

NASB: Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon.

CSB: At the end of twelve months, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon,

NLT: Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon.

KJV: At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

NKJV: At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon.

One year after receiving the interpretation of his dream (Daniel 4:24–26) Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the huge flat roof that covered the beautiful palace he had built. God's judgment had not yet fallen on Nebuchadnezzar. Perhaps God was giving him time to repent as Daniel had advised him to do (Daniel 4:27). But God's grace cannot be spurned forever. Judgment was about to fall (Daniel 4:30–33).

Several biblical stories show how graciously God delays judgment so that the guilty may repent. First Peter 3:20 recalls that God waited patiently in the days of Noah. He also gave the Canaanites centuries to turn to Him from paganism, providing for them the witnessing of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He gave Nineveh an opportunity to repent (Jonah 3). Second Peter 3:9 explains the last two millennia: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." However, no one should think they have unlimited time to change their mind and repent (Proverbs 27:1; 2 Corinthians 6:2; James 4:14).

Daniel 4:28–37 records the fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which Daniel had faithfully interpreted (Daniel 4:4–27). As God said would happen, the king's arrogance is judged with humiliation and insanity. Only when Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the supremacy of the Lord is he restored to his right mind. The passage returns to where the chapter began: with the king's praise for God's power and majesty (Daniel 4:1–3).

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.