Daniel 4 - Printer Friendly

What does Daniel 4 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

In the prior chapters, King Nebuchadnezzar was portrayed as a vain, violent, vicious man (Daniel 2:5; 3:15). This chapter begins with a radical shift in attitude. The king wishes peace to others and expresses a desire to explain "signs and wonders" done for him by God. Nebuchadnezzar proclaims the Lord's sovereignty before beginning to tell his story. What's recorded in this passage is still in Aramaic, rather than Hebrew (Daniel 2:4—7:28) and was likely composed with Daniel's help (Daniel 4:1–3).

Once again (Daniel 2:1), Nebuchadnezzar experiences a difficult dream and seeks out an interpreter. He summons all his wise men and advisors. None are helpful until Daniel arrives. Nebuchadnezzar addresses Daniel by the Babylonian name Belteshazzar and expresses confidence that Daniel can explain what the dream means. This comes across as a misguided belief that Daniel is in communication with a plurality of divine beings. Still, the king trusts his Hebrew counselor's ability (Daniel 4:4–9).

The king's dream features a massive tree. This tree is renowned all over the earth. It is not merely visible, but it is also profitable and valued everywhere. Critics sometimes prove a lack of context by suggesting this is an error in Scripture. On the actual, spherical earth, even the tallest tree cannot be seen from everywhere. Yet this is part of Nebuchadnezzar's nighttime vision, and a symbol which turns out to be prophetic. What the king describes has meaning which will become clear later (Daniel 4:10–12).

Next in the dream, an angelic being announces that the tree is to be cut down to a stump—though the roots are to be left intact. The angel's subject then shifts, subtly. The stump is to be bound among grasses, and then "he" or "him" is to be soaked with dew and living as an animal. The imagery has changed from the tree to a man, driven insane for "seven periods of time." While Daniel's prophecy often uses "times" as a euphemism for "years" (Daniel 7:25), it is possible he means something different here. This series of events is expressed as a sentence of judgment: a declaration spoken by heavenly beings. The purpose is to prove that the "Most High," meaning God, is the ultimate power and authority. (Daniel 4:13–18).

Daniel's reaction to this dream is a brief pause. It's possible he was simply stunned by what had been revealed. He may also have been concerned about how the infamously violent king would react to what he was about to say. Yet nothing suggests Daniel planned to speak anything but truth. He speaks carefully, even gently, wishing that the dream's meaning would apply to someone other than Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:19).

Nebuchadnezzar's dream is a personal prophecy. Like the impressive tree, the king of Babylon has become powerful and influential. Yet God has declared that Nebuchadnezzar will be humiliated with madness and loss of his mind. He will live with animals, eat like an animal, and be as unkempt and ragged as an animal. This judgment is to humble the arrogant king: he will recover, but not before coming to understand that "Heaven," here used as a name for God, is truly in control. Daniel then boldly pleads with Nebuchadnezzar to set aside his sins, and serve other people, in the hopes that God might delay this catastrophe (Daniel 4:20–27).

One year later, Nebuchadnezzar congratulates himself while looking out over Babylon from the roof of his palace. Suddenly, a heavenly voice declares that the moment of judgment has arrived. As promised, Nebuchadnezzar immediately descends into insanity. He is ostracized from other people, living with wild animals (Daniel 5:21) with his hair and fingernails grown ragged and long (Daniel 4:28–33).

As promised, this period of madness is temporary, lasting "seven periods of time." The king is restored to his former state, and rule. History records no other mention of Nebuchadnezzar's insanity, nor a temporary government. For this reason, some Bible scholars believe these "periods" were less than years: perhaps months. Scripture is vague on the exact timeline, emphasizing the more important point: that the king accepted the lesson which God intended. He humbles himself, acknowledging his frailty and limited nature in comparison to that of God. In fact, Nebuchadnezzar implies that the Lord God did the right thing in this instance. The king ends as he began, with an expression of God's perfect power and goodness (Daniel 4:34–37).

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 4:19–27 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 4:28–37 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).

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

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