Study notes

Daniel 4

Introducing DanielWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

2:1–6:28

This section contains stories and dreams from the experiences of Daniel and his friends in Babylon. Daniel used his special gift to understand dreams and showed great skill in the study of literature and science (Daniel 1:17). Chapter 2 provides a broad overview of history until God's kingdom appears (Daniel 2:44–49). Daniel 3–6 describes the fall of Babylon and the rise of Persia. History is moving toward a clear goal. That goal is the everlasting kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44; 4:2–3, 34; 6:26).

4:1–37

King Nebuchadnezzar was full of pride and believed he had built Babylon by himself (Daniel 4:30; see Genesis 11:1–9). He ignored the warning from the Most High God (Daniel 4:24–27). He had not learned the lesson that God was teaching him, that the God of Daniel exists beyond time and space, and no human is his equal. So, God's judgment came upon Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:17, 25–26; see Proverbs 16:18).

4:1–5:31 Section

Nebuchadnezzar wrote a letter to the people he ruled over. It told a story about him being made humble.

Once again Daniel explained to Nebuchadnezzar a dream that had confused the king. The large, strong tree was a sign for Nebuchadnezzar’s rule. Wild animals lived safely under the tree’s branches. But instead of remaining a strong tree Nebuchadnezzar would become like a wild animal. This would happen if he didn’t follow Daniel’s advice.

Daniel’s advice was like the message that prophets spoke to the leaders of God’s people. Amos and Isaiah had warned the leaders to stop treating others badly. These warnings were recorded in Amos 5:10–15 and Isaiah 1:21–28. These prophets warned the leaders to do what was right and fair. This would show that the leaders recognised who God is. It would show that they understood how God wants people to live. That is what Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar to do as well.

But Nebuchadnezzar remained full of pride. He claimed that he had success because of his own power and majesty. Because of this, God brought judgement against him. Instead of living like human rulers should live Nebuchadnezzar lived like a wild animal.

When the time of judgement was over, God showed mercy to Nebuchadnezzar. This led Nebuchadnezzar to be humble. He gave God glory. This means that Nebuchadnezzar honoured God instead of honouring himself. Nebuchadnezzar understood that God has complete authority in the heavenly world and on earth.

Belshazzar was a ruler after Nebuchadnezzar. He knew the story about Nebuchadnezzar being made humble. But Belshazzar chose not to honour and respect God. This was clear by the way he used the cups taken from the temple in Jerusalem. The written message that Daniel explained was a message of judgement against Belshazzar. Belshazzar didn’t ask for mercy or show that this message made him humble. God used the Persian government as his tool. God used the Persians to bring the judgement he had announced against Belshazzar.

4:4

God did not let the king remain in the comfort and prosperity of his palace. Injustice and oppression were in the city (Daniel 4:27), and the king was very proud (4:30).

4:5

Nebuchadnezzar's dream disrupted the false peace and calm in the king's misguided life.

4:7

The professionals could not interpret the dream, even though it was explained to them this time (compare Daniel 2:1–11). Their dream manuals did not help (see study note on Daniel 2:4).
astrologers: See also Daniel 2:5, 10; 3:8; 5:7, 11, 30.

4:8–9

at last: Nebuchadnezzar first asked his Babylonian advisers for help. Even though Daniel held a high position, he was an exiled Jew, and the king turned to him only as a last resort.
in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: See Daniel 2:47; compare 5:11. Despite his past experiences with the Most High God, Nebuchadnezzar still believed in many gods. In Egypt, Pharaoh said the same thing about Joseph (Genesis 41:37–38).
The Most High God helped Daniel (Daniel 4:24). However, the great king's statement that Daniel had the spirit of the holy gods showed great respect and explains why Daniel was not harassed (see Daniel 3).

4:11

The top of the tree reached high into the sky. This might refer to the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9).

4:13

a holy one: The word holy is not widely used in Semitic languages outside the Bible. In those contexts, it usually refers to something unusual or nonhuman. Nebuchadnezzar was most likely using the word in this sense here.

4:14–17

The messenger had complete authority as God's representative to announce God's decrees and demand that they be fulfilled.

4:16

Seven periods of time might mean seven years (compare Daniel 7:25; 9:24–25).
mind of a beast: See Daniel 4:31–33.

4:17

the Most High rules: God gives kingship and kingdoms to anyone he chooses, even the lowliest (for example, Joseph, Genesis 41:41–57; David, 1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 5).

4:22

The tree provides food, rest, and safety for the world (compare Genesis 2:15–17; Revelation 22:14).
your greatness has grown to reach the sky: Compare Genesis 11:1–9.

4:23

Cut down the tree: They must cut down the tree because of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride (Daniel 4:27–30).

4:25–26

until you acknowledge that the Most High rules: God’s purpose was for people to see and acknowledge God’s rule.

4:27

Break away from your sins by doing what is right: Righteousness and justice make a nation strong and help keep a king’s rule stable. When righteousness and justice are missing, a nation will fall. Daniel humbly pleaded with the king to change his ways.
showing mercy to the oppressed: This was required by God's law (Exodus 23:6–11; Deuteronomy 15:10–11; Proverbs 29:14; 31:9) and Babylon's. Hammurabi was a former great king of Babylon. He ruled from about 1792 to 1750 BC. Hammurabi claimed to have been charged by his god Marduk to shepherd and protect the orphaned, the widowed, and the oppressed.
Perhaps: Daniel understood that God could choose to act or not (compare Daniel 3:16–18). Because God is merciful, he might pity the condemned king (compare Exodus 32:30; 1 Samuel 14:6; 2 Samuel 12:22; Joel 2:14; Amos 5:15; Zephaniah 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:25).

4:28–33

Because the king did not listen to Daniel’s warning, the dream came true.

4:30

The city of Babylon had magnificent walls adorned with royal blue ceramic tiles and gold-colored lions and dragons. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon added to the city's splendor, along with the bright and impressive Ishtar Gate. The king saw all of this as a reflection of his own glory and power, not as a gift from the Most High God.