Daniel 4

Hope in a hostile world
Part 4

While this passage might seem very relevant to today; a world leader completely losing his grip on reality; this passage is more about what Nebuchadnezzar learned from his experience rather than the experience itself.

The crux of it is: God is King and He rules througout all generations for eternity.

What difference does that make?

This is the question we should be asking about this passage (and all passages).

This King's Dream

Once again, Nebuchadnezzer had a dream. And so he called on Daniel again to interpret. At a glance this first part is quite idyllic, but then the disturbing part arrived. The glorious tree is destroyed by an angel. From the words of the angel, there is an idea that this tree has symbolism of a person - it is referred to as a "He".

It may not surprise the reader to learn what Daniel's interpretation was - God the most high is king over all - even Nebuchadnezzar. He then clearly explains that the tree is the king, and that if he regards himself as higher than God; than the King of Kings; he will be cut down.

This dream is a warning to the king. God is graciously offering a chance for him to prevent the judgement due upon him.

Hints from the past

We see similarities to the Babylon of Daniel's time & the ancient city of Babel (which was the same nation as Babylon many year prior).

The people of Babel had so much self-imortance that they wanted to protect themselves, and make a name for themselves. Nebuchadnezzar had the same pride, and the same fears. Just like Babel was scattered across the world, Nebuchadnezzar would be cast out.

Both the ancient tower builders and Nebuchadnezzar were sidelining God and putting themselves at the centre. This is an issue that we often fall into. We forget that this kingdom belongs to God and that He is King over it all. We were meant to rule over creation, as a reflection of God - but not His equal. When we are in positions of power we must remember who were are, and who puts us where we are. All glory must go to God.

When we lose sight of God we become less than what we were created to be - we become dehumanised like Nebuchadnezzar was (both before and during his punishment). We become beasts who crush others and crave power and oppression.

God's Judgement

God's response to Nebuchadnezzar seems cruel. Yet God's judgement is designed to save him! He was on a self-destructive path, and so God was calling him back out of grace and mercy. Daniel picked up on this and called for Nebuchadnezzar to listen and learn early. Of course he didn't listen and we see after 12 months (again God's grace at work, delaying the judgement) he still had not acknowledged God and humbled himself.

And so God acted. He drove Nebuchadnezzar mad, and pushed him out of society to live with the animals. God's judgement is about stripping all away so that Nebuchadnezzar would see that all he had belonged to God.

Sometimes God uses difficult things in our lives to humble us and show us what we need to do with our life. That may be so, but it is not always the case. Whatever circumstances are in our life God is speaking to you. But do not jump to conclusions about what in your life might need changing. Quiet yourself and reflect on God's Word and He will reveal to you what His purposes are for you. Do not harden your heart to God's warnings.

A faithful God

Eventually, Nebuchadnezzar simply looked to heaven. He looked to God and acknowledged His kingship.

God was faithful. He responded with mercy and restored his sanity, wealth, and position back to him. It can be the same for us. All we need to do is humble ourself and acknowledge God as King and we will be saved. People who are in Christ - who have been "put to death" from the world and been reborn are called to be new kinds of people, and enabled by the Spirit we can be renewed in the image of Christ and put aside our self-centred attitudes. For what purpose? To show to those around us the changing power of the God who saves. We become the image of God in the world - and that is the challenge! How can we be the image of God if we have Nebuchadnezzar's in our heart. Seek out where in your life you are self-centred and proud, and humble yourself - attributing it all to God.