Pride is perhaps the most destructive force in the universe. It breaks the commandment to have no other gods before God. Pride asserts that man is above God. God will not tolerate a usurper. See Proverbs 16:5, 18; 8:13; 29:23 & 11:2. It is a serious sin that leads to fall and shame. The higher the pride the bigger the fall! See James 4:16. God fights against the proud. In this chapter the great King Nebuchadnezzar will be resisted in his pride by God. Then God shows grace when he humbles himself to God.

1 – Introduction (vs. 1-3)

The chapter is written by Nebuchadnezzar and recorded by Daniel as part of the inspired scripture. Nebuchadnezzar is giving his personal testimony. He testifies that God’s kingdom is greater than his own kingdom.

2 – The reception of the dream (vs. 4-8)

The empire was going well, Things were “green”. Things were growing well. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and so he brings in the same losers from 25 years ago, who still can’t figure it out! The world does not have the answers. The wise men go around and around in circles. Daniel comes in last after the fakes have given up. Daniel has answers because the Spirit of the Holy God dwelt within him. Nebuchadnezzar understood about this Holy God from the holy life of Daniel.

3 – The recitation of the dream (vs. 9-18)

Daniel appears to have worked separate from these faking losers. Daniel had incredible knowledge and wisdom. He was did not get flustered. He was a man for a crisis. Daniel sees a glorious tree. A tree often represents great rulers in the Bible. This glorious tree is enjoyed by the whole world. An angel (watcher/holy one) declares that the tree is to be cut down apart from the stump and roots. The judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar is that he will behave like a beast for seven years. (Wolf-man!)

4 – The revelation of the dream (vs. 19-27)

Daniel takes some time before giving the revelation of the dream. Is he afraid? It more likely he is showing his compassion. From this point, Nebuchadnezzar can no longer speak in the first person as the illness/affliction comes upon him. Daniel cared about Nebuchadnezzar. It hurt to tell him about this judgment upon the king. It is like the president of the US becoming a raving lunatic for seven years.

Nebuchadnezzar would not die but get his throne back after seven years, when he would get better. Nebuchadnezzar must learn a lesson. God is above all. If Nebuchadnezzar had repented then perhaps the judgment would have been held off.

5 – The realisation (vs. 28-33)

Nebuchadnezzar had been given 12 months to sort his act out. With the flood God was patient for 120 years! God is incredibly patient. It was Nebuchadnezzar’s pride in his empire and city that was the last straw for God. God strikes him and he becomes like a wild beast.

No one lays a hand on the throne. This is likely due partly to Daniel being in a high position. It was God who said that he would get it back after 7 years. He does not lie and no one could take the throne!

6 – The restoration (vs. 34-37)

It comes back to the first person. Nebuchadnezzar is sane again. What a message Nebuchadnezzar has about God! It could be put to song! Nebuchadnezzar did it the hard way. He had to be broken by God. He was accepted again as if nothing had happened. Nebuchadnezzar may well be in heaven as it appears he was genuine in his conversion to God.

Categories: Daniel