Daniel 4:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation.

NIV: When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.

NASB: Then the soothsayer priests, the sorcerers, the Chaldeans, and the diviners came in and I related the dream to them, but they could not make its interpretation known to me.

CSB: When the magicians, mediums, Chaldeans, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not make its interpretation known to me.

NLT: When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant.

KJV: Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

NKJV: Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.

In ancient Babylon, the king employed various occultists and advisors to whom he could refer on various subjects. In this verse, these men are listed as magicians and enchanters. Likewise, the king's culture believed that stars and planets guided men's fates, so astrologers were kept on hand. The men designated "Chaldeans" were part of this team: the Chaldean culture was so associated with fortune-telling and astrology that the terms were nearly interchangeable. When, in the past, Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream, these were the men to whom he looked for answers (Daniel 2:1–2). As a combined group, the first men to whom the king speaks are involved in exorcisms, spells, and reading stars.

After the last incident (Daniel 2:8–11), one would expect the king to simply ask for Daniel. Yet Nebuchadnezzar has summoned all his wise men (Daniel 4:6), implying some who were not available immediately. Daniel was given great responsibility (Daniel 2:48), so he likely would not have been waiting by the king's side for such an event. While waiting for his Hebrew captive, the king seems to have let the court spiritists attempt to solve his problem. None of these men could give an answer.

The book of Ecclesiastes makes clear the folly of searching for the meaning of life anywhere but in God. Every search that excludes God is labeled "vanity." The Preacher in Ecclesiastes speaks of the importance of remembering our Creator when we are young (Ecclesiastes 12:1–8). The conclusion the writer of Ecclesiastes draws is that it is best to fear God and obey Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

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.