Who Rules in the Kingdoms of Men? Daniel 4

Introduction In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar posed a challenge for someone to tell him his dream and interpret the dream –God, through Daniel, does that and even more, telling the king what he was thinking about before he had the dream –The king acknowledged God as the revealer of secrets (Dan 2:47)

Introduction In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue of himself and commanded all to worship it –When the 3 young men refused, Nebuchadnezzar said there was no god who could save them –God did save them –Then the king acknowledged that God is the only God who can save His servants (Dan 3:28- 29)

Introduction But just because God can reveal secrets and save His servants does not mean that God has any say or power over Nebuchadnezzar –The king is not a servant of God –He has simply acknowledged God in a couple areas, and has agreed not to get in God’s way by trying to act against His servants

The King’s Proclamation Dan 4:1-3 –Addresses to all peoples –Proclaims God as the Most High God –Proclaims God’s signs and wonders as great and mighty –Proclaims God’s kingdom (which he knows from Dan 2 won’t be established on earth until many generations later) as everlasting and enduring –Proclaims that God did all His works for King Nebuchadnezzar – “the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me” In his mind, he sees God as working for him! And now he tells the whole world

Another dream Dan 4:4-7 –The king has another troubling dream Doesn’t initially call Daniel, even though he knows Daniel’s God is a revealer of secrets –Perhaps the king understood the dream, but wanted a different explanation –Calls for all the wise men again, but tells them the dream In Dan 2, he wouldn’t tell the dream because he knew they could make up a pleasing explanation –Then the king wanted the truth –This time the king wants to be pleased The wise men can’t think of an interpretation that they were willing to tell the king

The call for Daniel Dan 4:8-9 –As a last resort, the king calls for Daniel But the king reminds Daniel that he is now named Belteshazzar (prince of Bel) and is now chief of magicians –Not that Daniel was or ever claimed to be a magician, but the king appointed him to that office after his earlier interpretation Perhaps subtly asking for a nice interpretation –Acknowledges, again, that Daniel does have the Spirit of God, the revealer of secrets

The Dream Dan 4:10-12 –A great tree in the midst of the earth Seen by all Beautiful and beneficial

The Dream Dan 4:13-16 –A holy watcher proclaims, the tree... To be cut down, leaving only the stump and roots Bound with a band of iron and bronze Wet with the dew of heaven To graze with the beasts of the earth Heart changed from that of a man to an animal And let seven times pass over him

The Dream Dan 4:17 –The purpose of decree is for the living to know: The Most High rules in the kingdom of men Who gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men Dan 4:18-19 –The king then repeats that he knows Daniel can interpret the dream –Daniel sits in stunned silence King assures Daniel that he should just tell the meaning and not be bothered by its meaning Daniel’s reply is his personal wish that this was not for the king (though it obviously is)

The Interpretation Dan 4:20-26 –The tree which became strong and tall represents Nebuchadnezzar –The king shall be driven from men, dwell among beasts and eat grass like oxen Seven times will pass over him Till he knows that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, giving it to whomever He chooses –The kingdom shall be returned to Nebuchadnezzar Indicated by the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree Once he comes to know that Heaven rules

A time for repentance Dan 4:27 –Daniel suggests the king take this as a warning to repent and acknowledge God’s supremacy Perhaps if he becomes more righteous Perhaps if he becomes more merciful Then God may put off the fulfillment Dan 4:28-30 –A year passes and Nebuchadnezzar has not changed “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”

The Fulfillment Dan 4:31-33 –A voice speaks from heaven proclaiming the fulfillment –The king becomes insane, thinking himself an animal and acting as one Eating grass (plants of whatever sort) Sleeping in the open His hair and nails grow long and unkempt –For seven “times” (means a designated length: day, week, month, season, year) So could be a week, to several months to several years

The Fulfillment No mention is made in Babylonian records of a period of insanity –But wouldn’t expect it either Kings generally did not allow negative material to be recorded –If the insanity only lasted a week or a few months, there may not have been any reason to make it widely known

The Result Dan 4:34-35 –“At the end of the time” (a different word; lit. days) Leans toward a shorter period of insanity –He blesses and praises the Most High, who lives forever –Acknowledging His everlasting dominion and kingdom –Acknowledges that God does according to His will in the army of heaven and among inhabitants of the earth, and none can restrain or say "What have You done?"

The Result Dan 4:36-37 –Returned to his former position as king with all the prerogatives of his position As promised by God in the dream –But He praises God for … His truth and justice –He said what He would do (truth) –He said why He would do it (justice) His ability to control even the most prideful (kings like Nebuchadnezzar)

Conclusion Rom 13:1-4 –God still reigns over the kingdoms of men 1 Tim 6:11-16 –Like Daniel encouraged the king, we would do well to remember who is truly Lord and King and live accordingly Are you walking humbly and obediently with God? –If not, why not begin now?