Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

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Advice

It seems that several years (some say 30) have transpired  between the experience of Daniel’s three friends in chapter 3 and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and period of insanity in chapter 4. King Nebuchadadnezzar tells all people to prosper (v. 1). Although Nebuchadnezzar praised Daniel’s God, he still did not believe in Him completely or submit to Him alone (vv. 2-3). The king in his pride and arrogance, continued in his willful way until God spoke this third time. He certainly was not a man who was easily frightened but it brings fear to his heart (vv. 4-5). Although he knew Daniel and his ability to interpret dreams he goes first to the Chaldeans who again are found to be powerless (vv. 6-7). It is so easy, to turn to earthly solutions when new problems come rather than seeking the Lord.

When the others had failed Daniel was finally summoned (vv. 8-9). When people’s hearts are not right with the Lord they usually are not anxious to face a man of God. A description of the prophetic dream was given to Daniel (vv. 10-12). The dream was about a great tree, located in the most conspicuous place on earth. It grew until it reached heaven and could be seen by all the earth.

Then suddenly and unexpectedly there came an order that the tree be cut down, the branches removed, the leaves shaken from the branches and the fruit scattered (vv. 13-14). The stump was then subject to all the elements and to the beast of the field while the tree is referred to as a person (vv. 15-16). Clearly the tree represented a person who was to have his heart changed from a man’s to a beast’s and he was to remain like this for a period of seven years. The king now waited for Daniel to interpret this dream. He was trying to figure out how Daniel could interpret his dreams and the wise men in his kingdom couldn’t (vv. 17-18),

Application

When trouble comes, who do I go to for advice? I must recognize that trials often come my way as things that will cause me to grow spiritually (Romans 8:28).

Daniel 4:1-18 (English Standard Version)


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