Archives for 2024

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

King Belshazzar’s feast (v.1-4)

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

King Belshazzar hosts a great feast for his nobles, during which he arrogantly orders that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought for his guests to drink from. This act defiles the sacred items as they toast to their gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Handwriting on the wall (v.5-9)

5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.6 Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.      

Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and writes on the palace wall, terrifying Belshazzar. He calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable. This further distresses the king, leaving his nobles equally baffled and terrified.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel the interpreter (v.10-17)

10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

The queen mother suggests Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniel is brought before the king, who promises him great rewards for interpreting the writing. However, Daniel refuses the rewards and agrees to interpret the message.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

The judgment: Daniel interprets the writing (v.18-28)

18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel chastises Belshazzar for not learning from Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation at the hands of God due to his arrogance. He explains the writing: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN,” meaning God has numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end; he has been weighed and found wanting; his kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

The fall of Babylon (v29-31)

29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Despite the grim prophecy, Belshazzar honors Daniel. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom.

Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Themes

Divine judgment and punishment.

Folly of arrogance and pride.

Interpretation of divine messages.

Recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Consequences of blasphemy and idolatry.

Topics

Defilement of holy items.

Supernatural events.

Interpretation of signs.

Transfer of power.

Moral accountability.

People

King Belshazzar.

Queen mother.

Prophet Daniel.

The Babylonian nobles.

Darius the Mede.

Locations

Babylon.

King Belshazzar’s palace.

 (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

Handwriting on the wall (v.5-9)

5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.6 Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.      

Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and writes on the palace wall, terrifying Belshazzar. He calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable. This further distresses the king, leaving his nobles equally baffled and terrified.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

King Belshazzar’s feast (v.1-4)

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

King Belshazzar hosts a great feast for his nobles, during which he arrogantly orders that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought for his guests to drink from. This act defiles the sacred items as they toast to their gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Nebuchadnezzar humbled, blesses God (4:34-37) 

³⁴ And 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 that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:³⁵ 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?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. ³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Finally, Nebuchadnezzar “lifted his eyes to heaven” silently acknowledged the sovereignty of God (vv.34-35). The king’s mind was restored, and he immediately started praising and honoring God. Nebuchadnezzar had seen God’s power displayed several times during his life, but it never had a lasting impact until now. We may recognize God’s existence and credit Him with wondrous miracles, but until we make Him our Lord, he will not change us.  

Miraculously, Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne (vv. 36-37). In his sovereignty, God had preserved the kingdom for him during his years of madness. Daniel probably played an important role in this. This is a lesson to us, just as it was to the Jews back then, that no matter who you are, no matter how much power or wealth you possess, God has the power to take it all away and the power to restore it all back again.

Once more, King Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the Lord. He could see that God had been right and just in his treatment of him. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom he receives.” (Heb. 12:6). We will meet Nebuchadnezzar in heaven someday. His trial was what he needed to come to faith. The king’s final remark was a warning. Those who walk in pride will be humbled. “But he gives more grace. Therefore, he says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.’” (Jam. 4:6). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzar-restored/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Judgment follows Nebuchadnezzar’s pride (4:28-33)

²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.³⁰ The king spake, 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?³¹ 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.  ³² 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 as 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.³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision eventually happened just as predicted (v. 28). God in his grace gave an additional year before judgment came (v. 29). The king may have humbled himself at first, but he eventually became fatally prideful once again. One day when Nebuchadnezzar was strutting around his palace displaying arrogance and pride, he directly challenged God by taking all glory to himself (v. 30). Nebuchadnezzar had a lot to be proud of. He was victorious in battle to be sure, but perhaps his greatest accomplishments were in his building projects. Ancient Babylon would have truly been a wonder to behold. Imagine it: His palace with its famous hanging gardens; his city with its walls and gates; the Euphrates River running through the city; the ziggurat; iconography of all the gods of Babylon visible everywhere you looked. All of it either build or restored according to his will. “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?” (v. 30).

Immediately, before he had finished speaking, the proud king heard a voice from heaven. The words of the vision were repeated to him, and Nebuchadnezzar was reduced to the level of a beast (vv. 31-33). Minutes before his fall he wore the royal robes of a ruling monarch; then he was found crawling on all fours in an open field, eating grass like an ox. For seven years he lived like an animal. 

 (https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-humiliation/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Nebuchadnezzar reports God’s dealing with him (4:1-3)

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.² I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.³ How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

The Lord’s dealing with Nebuchadnezzar was remarkable. The Lord had given him the dream of the great statue in ch. 2, and Daniel interpreted the dream. Then God gave Nebuchadnezzar the experience of these three men in ch. 3; and in ch. 4, the Lord gave him “signs” again in a remarkable way. In v. 3, we see how much Nebuchadnezzar had learned about God and about His coming kingdom on earth.

 (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 916)

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree (4:4-18)

⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

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), 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (4:19-27)

¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

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). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/daniel-explains-nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Judgment follows Nebuchadnezzar’s pride (4:28-33)

²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.³⁰ The king spake, 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?³¹ 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.  ³² 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 as 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.³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision eventually happened just as predicted (v. 28). God in his grace gave an additional year before judgment came (v. 29). The king may have humbled himself at first, but he eventually became fatally prideful once again. One day when Nebuchadnezzar was strutting around his palace displaying arrogance and pride, he directly challenged God by taking all glory to himself (v. 30). Nebuchadnezzar had a lot to be proud of. He was victorious in battle to be sure, but perhaps his greatest accomplishments were in his building projects. Ancient Babylon would have truly been a wonder to behold. Imagine it: His palace with its famous hanging gardens; his city with its walls and gates; the Euphrates River running through the city; the ziggurat; iconography of all the gods of Babylon visible everywhere you looked. All of it either build or restored according to his will. “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?” (v. 30).

Immediately, before he had finished speaking, the proud king heard a voice from heaven. The words of the vision were repeated to him, and Nebuchadnezzar was reduced to the level of a beast (vv. 31-33). Minutes before his fall he wore the royal robes of a ruling monarch; then he was found crawling on all fours in an open field, eating grass like an ox. For seven years he lived like an animal. 

 (https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-humiliation/)

Nebuchadnezzar humbled, blesses God (4:34-37) 

³⁴ And 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 that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:³⁵ 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?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. ³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Finally, Nebuchadnezzar “lifted his eyes to heaven” silently acknowledged the sovereignty of God (vv.34-35). The king’s mind was restored, and he immediately started praising and honoring God. Nebuchadnezzar had seen God’s power displayed several times during his life, but it never had a lasting impact until now. We may recognize God’s existence and credit Him with wondrous miracles, but until we make Him our Lord, he will not change us.  

Miraculously, Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne (vv. 36-37). In his sovereignty, God had preserved the kingdom for him during his years of madness. Daniel probably played an important role in this. This is a lesson to us, just as it was to the Jews back then, that no matter who you are, no matter how much power or wealth you possess, God has the power to take it all away and the power to restore it all back again.

Once more, King Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the Lord. He could see that God had been right and just in his treatment of him. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom he receives.” (Heb. 12:6). We will meet Nebuchadnezzar in heaven someday. His trial was what he needed to come to faith. The king’s final remark was a warning. Those who walk in pride will be humbled. “But he gives more grace. Therefore, he says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.’” (Jam. 4:6). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzar-restored/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (4:19-27)

¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

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). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/daniel-explains-nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Nebuchadnezzar reports God’s dealing with him (4:1-3)

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.² I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.³ How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

The Lord’s dealing with Nebuchadnezzar was remarkable. The Lord had given him the dream of the great statue in ch. 2, and Daniel interpreted the dream. Then God gave Nebuchadnezzar the experience of these three men in ch. 3; and in ch. 4, the Lord gave him “signs” again in a remarkable way. In v. 3, we see how much Nebuchadnezzar had learned about God and about His coming kingdom on earth.

 (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 916)

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree (4:4-18)

⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

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), 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Nebuchadnezzar Honors the True God (v 26-30)

²⁶ Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.²⁷ And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.²⁹ Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses a fourth figure in the fire and recognizes the divine protection over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Upon their miraculous survival, the King praises their God and promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon.

What We Learned:

Daniel 3 presents a dramatic showdown between a defiant king and three men of unwavering faith. The chapter vividly recounts the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking their lives in a blazing furnace, and in turn, showcasing the power of God.

In summary, Daniel 3 showcases the power of faith, God’s miraculous intervention, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that our God is able to save us, no matter the circumstances.

Themes

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

The Faithful Jews are Safe in the Great Furnace (v19-25)

¹⁹ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.²⁰ And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.²¹ Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ²² Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.²³ And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.²⁴ Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.²⁵ He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Enraged, the King orders the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. He then commands Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown into the furnace. The soldiers who carry out this order die from the intense heat.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com