Daniel 4:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth,

NIV: The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth,

NASB: The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth,

CSB: The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, whose top reached to the sky and was visible to the whole earth,

NLT: The tree you saw was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.

KJV: The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

NKJV: “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth,

At Nebuchadnezzar's prodding (Daniel 4:19), Daniel begins his interpretation of the king's recent frightful dream (Daniel 4:4–5). What he describes in the next few verses effectively duplicates the description given by Nebuchadnezzar in the prior passage (Daniel 4:10–17). Daniel first focuses on the image of the which grew strong and could be seen from all points of the kingdom. He will go on to point out that this image represents the king, himself (Daniel 4:22).

Nebuchadnezzar became a strong ruler, who reigned over everyone in the kingdom. It was clear to all that he was in charge. Evidence of his strength is seen in his summoning all the wise men in Babylon to the palace and commanding them to interpret his first dream (Daniel 2:2) or be torn limb from limb and have their houses leveled (Daniel 2:5). His immense power is seen, also, in his construction of a huge image of gold that he set on the plain of Dura (Daniel 3:1–5). He commanded everyone to worship the idol. Failure to do so incurred the penalty of execution by fire (Daniel 3:6).

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.

Accessed 5/6/2024 5:32:19 AM