Daniel 4 - Learning the Lesson...the Hard Way

Daniel 4

God helps a pagan king to see the light…by cutting him down a notch

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”  Daniel 4:37

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER

1. Introduction: King Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony (v. 1-3)
2. The King’s Dream (v. 4-18)
3. Daniel’s Fearful Interpretation (v. 19-27)
4. The Nightmare Becomes Real (v. 28-34a)
5. God’s Goal is Accomplished in the King’s Restoration (v. 34b-37)

THE MESSAGE – Reinforced by Repetition (beginning, end, and three times in between!)

The Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth;

All are called to acknowledge this and humble themselves before Him.

As in chapter 3, the message for God’s people is repeated throughout the narrative.  This time, however, the message is not only for God’s people, but also for the people of the world, especially the powerful and prideful (such as political/military leaders like Nebuchadnezzar).  In fact, this episode extends the prophetic judgment experienced by Israelite kings to a pagan/gentile/secular king.  All kings are under the Most High God’s authority, period.

King Neb’s Testimony

2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. 3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!  His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

King Neb’s Dream

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’

Daniel’s Interpretation

25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.

King Neb’s Real-life Nightmare

30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”  31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you…Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

King Neb’s Conclusion

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.  His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation…37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

LEARNING THE LESSON THE HARD WAY

1. God’s goal: that we acknowledge His sovereignty
2. The obstacle: The persistent pride of the powerful
3. The intervention: God cares enough to cut us down
4. The result: A hard-won testimony of praise

Question: Have you ever found yourself in this cycle?  Have you seen someone else experience it?  Share.

READING WITH CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD – suggestions gathered from Christopher J.H. Wright

Builders Beware!

Builders are tempted by pride, taking credit for what is produced.  And the truth is that we’re all building something: career, project, business, ministry, etc.  King Neb. said “I have built by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty” (4:29-30).  He built an empire, a culture, one of the world’s all-time great cities – Babylon.  He turned the gift of God to his own glory. 

WHAT TO DO?  Develop the “habit of the upward look,” offering flattery and credit up to God.  “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High…” (Daniel 4:34). 

QUESTIONS: 

• Might there be something of a Nebuchadnezzar in us?   
• Do you think there’s a universal tendency to take credit for the good, but blame others for bad?  
•  When might be a good time for you to exercise the habit of the upward look?

Confronting Power with Pastoral Concern and Prophetic Courage

Daniel responded to King Nebuchadnezzar with

• Pastoral concern: loving his enemy, Daniel was grieved by the prediction of Nebuchadnezzar’s suffering.  The instinct for revenge is strong, but Daniel didn’t go there.
• Prophetic courage: Daniel gives uninvited advice to a powerful person, calling a political leader to change: turn from sin, do what is right, be kind to the oppressed (and wherever there is prideful power, there are those oppressed by it).  “…Be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed…” (Daniel 4:27)

QUESTION: When have you or your church spoken to the powerful about the oppressed?