Daniel Explains Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

Daniel 4:19–27
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Having been told all the details of the dream, the king asked Daniel to interpret them (v. 19). Daniel understood the meanings of the dream but because of the severe judgment that was about to come to the king, he dreaded telling him and just stood speechless for one whole hour. Despite all his faults, Nebuchadnezzar had been kind to Daniel.

Daniel indicated to the king that he would rather see the judgment of this dream fall on his enemies than to come to Nebuchadnezzar himself (v. 19). Upon the insistence of the king Daniel proceeded by repeating the description of the greatness of the tree and then explained that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself (vv. 20-22). He went on to explain how the falling of the tree meant that the king would be driven from his throne and made to dwell among the beasts of the field for seven years (vv. 23-25). He would actually go insane and become as an animal for a set period of time. No matter how powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life and cause them to forget God.

Nebuchadnezzar in his pride and self confidence had come to believe that it was his own strength and ability that had gotten him his high position. He had to be humbled until he was willing to confess that he was nothing and God was all. Even today God cannot and will not use any person to the fullest until he is ready to make this same confession. Daniel concludes with some sound spiritual counsel by exhorting the king to renounce his sins. This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is genuine repentance (vv. 26-27).

Application

I have been in a position where I knew I should talk to someone about their sin but because I liked them so much I hated to talk to them about it. If it happens again I need to go to Proverbs 27:5 which says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.”