IV. THE REALIZATION OF THE DREAM (vv. 28-33)
A. The Patience of God (vv. 28-29a)
“All this came upon the king, Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months.”
God is a patient, gracious God! He gave Nebuchadnezzar a year to respond to Daniel’s appeal and straighten out his life.
B. The Pride of Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 29b-30)
“He walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?”
His extreme pride manifested itself as he boasted about his Babylon, the largest and most powerful city of antiquity.
C. The Punishment by God (vv. 31-33)
“While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken. The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; they shall make thee to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar, and he was driven from men, and did eat grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagle’s feathers, and his nails like bird’s claws.”
What an incredible picture! The great king was outside where everyone could see him. He crawled about like an animal, eating grass. He became a raving maniac for seven years. His unkempt hair resembled the feathers of an eagle and his nails the talons of a bird.
Under such conditions, there were probably many underlings who wanted to take over Nebuchadnezzar’s rule. But God never let one ambitious noble lay a hand on his throne because He promised Nebuchadnezzar that he would have it returned. After Nebuchadnezzar’s death there was much political intrigue surrounding the throne. But for seven years while he was a raving maniac, no one took over Nebuchadnezzar’s throne. I believe God used Daniel to secure and control it until it could be given back to the king.
V. THE RESTORATION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR (vv. 34-37)
A. An Expression of Repentance (vv. 34-35)
“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
Nebuchadnezzar finally understood God’s message. What a transformation! God can save the high and the mighty if they humble themselves. God will humble everyone someday, so it is advisable to be humbled while having the opportunity to accept His grace.
B. An Explanation of Restoration (vv. 36-37)
1. His returned reason (v. 36)
“At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.”
After his reason had returned, he not only regained his former glory, but surpassed it as well. Even his counselors and lords sought him out and accepted him.
2. His right reaction (v. 37)
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways justice; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase [humble].”
I believe you’ll find Nebuchadnezzar in heaven. Clearly he learned that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Focusing on the Facts
1. Why is God alone to be worshiped and served? In spite of that, what does pride assert (see p. 1)?
2.What does Proverbs teach about pride (see p. 1)?
3.Explain how God responds to the proud and the humble (James 4:6; see p. 2).
4.Daniel 4 a warning against pride. To whom is it explicitly and implicitly directed (see p. 2)?
5.How had God been progressively working in Nebuchadnezzar’s life in the first three chapters of Daniel (see p. 3)?
6.Since Nebuchadnezzar essentially wrote Daniel 4 yet wasn’t divinely inspired, how could it be an accurate, trustworthy account (see p. 3)?
7.What was the condition of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom at the outset of his testimony (Dan. 4:4; see p. 3)?
8.Why did Nebuchadnezzar summon his wise men (see p. 4)?
9.What did Daniel possess that the other wise men didn’t (see pp. 4-5)?
10.How did Nebuchadnezzar know that the holy God resided with Daniel (see p. 5)?
11.According to Daniel 4:9, what was Nebuchadnezzar clearly convinced of? (see pp. 5-6)?
12.What is a legitimate clinical explanation for the divinely effected transformation that Nebuchadnezzar experienced (see p. 7)?
13.According to Daniel 4:17, why did Nebuchadnezzar become insane (see p. 7)?
14.Why was Daniel “perplexed” about the interpretation of the dream (Dan. 4:19; see p. 8)?
15.What was symbolic about the stump left in the ground (see p. 9)?
16. What was Daniel’s counsel to the king (Dan. 4:27; see pp. 9-10)?
17. How did God demonstrate his patience with Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:29; see p. 10)?
18. What was restored to Nebuchadnezzar after seven years (see p. 11)?
Pondering the Principles
1. We have seen that God used Daniel over a period of forty years to lead Nebuchadnezzar to faith in Him. Often by the time someone finally comes to Christ, many people will have influenced that person with spiritual truth. What people played a part in your progress toward salvation? Consider calling or writing them to express your appreciation for their concern. Are you currently seeking to influence others for Christ? If not, choose someone in your sphere of influence who needs to be introduced to the Most High God.
2.By the sheer influence and impact of his virtuous life, David Livingstone brought Stanley to Christ. Since actions speak louder than words, take some time to evaluate your actions. Do they reflect the righteousness of Christ? Are they easily understood as coming from pure motives? Do they express your faith in a risen Lord as well as your hope in a returning Lord? If not, determine ways that your life could communicate those things to your family, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone who sees you on a regular basis.
3.Daniel’s restraint in telling Nebuchadnezzar the bad news about his coming humiliation demonstrated his compassion. When you communicate the message of God’s salvation and judgment, do you do so out of love or out of bitterness to one who is indifferent to the gospel you preach? Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26. What qualities should you demonstrate as you share the good news with those who oppose God?
4. God demonstrated His patience in giving Nebuchadnezzar twelve months to repent. But Nebuchadnezzar had little regard for the kindness and patience of God that should have led him to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Having experienced God’s kindness and patience yourself, do you show those qualities towards others who have failed to respond to you in an appropriate way? If not, determine to be patient and kind to those in your life it is toughest to be that way toward. Think back on God’s kindness and patience that led you to repentance, and thank Him for His example.
“This article originally appeared here at Bible Bulletin Board.”
