Daniel 4
-The “in and out” relationship, or maybe a better word is
acknowledgement, between Nebuchadnezzar and the LORD comes full circle in this
fourth chapter of Daniel. The chapter begins with the king’s declaring God’s
peace in the aftermath of His divine encounter with Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed-nego. Nebuchadnezzar is also proclaiming “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 (Daniel 4:1-3).”
-Then, at what seemed like the peak of his authority and
recognition of God as a legitimate force, the LORD sends another dream upon
him, which mystifies both him and his enchanters. Finally Daniel is called in
before the king to interpret once again by the grace and power of the Almighty.
He is cordial to the sovereign king wishing him no trouble, but he is honest in
reflecting what is about to come upon the leader of the known world at that
time. Nebuchadnezzar’s tree of power had grown large and was visible to the end
of the whole earth. It was a fruitful kingdom and provided for creation. God
had set up this kingdom, and He deserved the appreciation of it. What the LORD
forecasted was that Nebuchadnezzar would take all the credit for his rise and
receive the glory unto himself rather than giving credit to the Sovereign King
of the universe. The king would be cut down, given the mind of an animal, live
outside, and become totally unkempt with his glory absolutely gone for seven
periods of time (years). This happened 12 months after Daniel had interpreted
the disturbing dream to the king. Walking on the roof of his palace (much like
King David before he fell into sin, 2 Samuel 11-12), the king gets conceited in
his accomplishments saying, “Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have
built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?”
While he was still speaking these prideful words the LORD declared that “sovereignty
has been removed from you.” God further stated that Nebuchadnezzar’s abilities
would be taken completely away until he recognized “that the Most High is ruler
over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes (Daniel 4:4-32).”
-But, after seven years of torment and disaster for the
former glorious king, he came back to his senses and reason when he raised his
eyes toward heaven and blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who
lives forever (Daniel 4:33-34a). God’s Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom from
generation to generation doing all that He desires according to His will. No
one can ward off His Hand or say to Him, “What have You done (Daniel 4:34b-35)?”
The king’s glory and splendor were returned to him and he regained his
authority with his people. Surpassing greatness was even added to him as he
acknowledged the God of Heaven (Daniel 4:36). His final quote in Scripture is apropos,
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of Heaven, for all His
works are true and His way just, and He is able to humble those who walk in
pride (Daniel 4:37).”
-*Application* How many times do we forget to recognize in
our own lives that God is in complete control? How would it change our approach
to life if we would simply acknowledge the LORD and give Him the complete glory
and praise for what He rightly deserves? We are the sheep of His pasture (Psalm
100:3-5). Follow Him and give Him acknowledgement. He raises up those whom He
desires and lowers those whom He wishes. The recent NBA finals between the
Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers was an excellent example of
this if one paid close attention to what the players were saying and giving
credit to.
Verse to Memorize:
Daniel 4:37
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