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Chapter Four of the Book of Daniel can be broken up into
the following sections:
V 1-3
Introduction.
V 4-18
The king recounting his dream.
V 19-27
Daniel interprets the dream.
V 28-30
The pride of the king (boasting).
V 31-33
The king's madness.
V
34-37 His restoration by God and his testimony to
the goodness, power and sovereignty of God.
Nebuchadnezzar had a known medical condition called
lycanthropy. Medical men have written papers on this disease and they say
that its symptoms are such that they can only be described by an eye witness.
Nobody but an eyewitness could have given account of the story in Daniel chapter
4. This substantiates the validity of the book of Daniel.
While he was literally mad for a period of 7 years it also
symbolises seven prophetic times when spiritual, political and economical
madness
would grip the leadership of the earth's kingdoms and countries. (In the
context of this chapter we will discuss just exactly what a prophetical
"time" is).
The whole Gentile order, out beyond the Israel nations,
would be gripped by a spiritual madness which ultimately would lead them to
their destruction.
This chapter is a letter written by the king,
Nebuchadnezzar. It is most likely that Daniel simply transcribed it from
the palace records. Nebuchadnezzar begins in verse one.
Daniel 4:1
Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell
in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
"Peace be multiplied unto you", this is a
statement being made by many world leaders today. This expression is only found
in two other places. Peter wrote his two epistles from Babylon.
1 Peter 1:1,2
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of
God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of
the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
2 Peter 1:1,2
Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have
obtained
like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus
Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and
of Jesus our Lord
I believe that Peter went to the literal Babylon to search
out the remnant of Israel and it was from there that his two letters were
written.
Nebuchadnezzar expresses a vague desire for peace but,
unlike Peter, he doesn't know the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ. Peter supplied the missing link.
Daniel 4:2,3
I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has
worked for me. How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His
kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to
generation.
Nebuchadnezzar was happy enough to testify of what God had
done for him. It's a good thing to testify of what God has done for you.
Daniel 4:4,5
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. I saw
a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my
head troubled me. He was troubled again in his sleep He was a man who was
troubled.
Again, he sent for the astrologers. He hadn't learnt his
lesson.
Daniel 4:6-9
Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me,
that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the
magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I
told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the
name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream
before him, saying: "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because
I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you,
explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its
interpretation."
Nebuchadnezzar still calls Daniel by his pagan name 'Beltshazzer'
but he then goes on to refer to Daniel with these words - ".... in whom is
the spirit of the Holy God." and this phrase is repeated several times
through the chapter. This pagan could see the spirit of the Lord in
Daniel. Daniel lived a life and operated in a realm that heathens recognised as
the power of God.
Whenever non-Christians (and I might add a lot of
Christians) need help the first people they will turn to are their local doctor
or therapist, who-ever they think is an 'expert' in their area of need.
People try this specialist and that specialist until they are ready to give up
all hope. But there comes a time when there is nowhere else to turn.
Nebuchadnezzar continually turned to his own group of experts. At his
lowest point he could see the spirit of the Holy God existent in one of his own
court officials. We must maintain our faithfulness. There is going
to come a time when the people of this world will be crying out for help.
Will they see the spirit of the Holy God in you?
Daniel 4:10-12
"These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and
behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The
tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, and it could
be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit
abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under
it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from
it.
A tree that grew so high that it reached the heavens and
it filled the whole earth. It was a fruit bearing tree, covered with
leaves and foliage and it had the ability to feed all who sheltered under its
branches. Verse twelve says all flesh was fed from it.
This was a great empire and under its covering and
protection all the races and nations of the world had come to dwell. The
dream that Nebuchadnezzar had was very similar to Ezekiel's vision and the
parable that Jesus gave of the mustard seed (Ezekiel 17:22, Mark 4:30-32,
Matthew 13:31,32), that Israel would be a great nation and would be a blessing
to all the nations of the earth.
Here we find the Babylonian system is the counterfeit to
God's system. The symbolism is the same. A great tree refers to a
great nation or a great empire. If you haven't seen it yet I hope you can
see it now. Babylon, in attempting to create a one world system is only
trying to imitate God. God is going to bring in His own one world system.
Daniel 4:13
"I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher,
a holy one, coming down from heaven.
The Watcher and Holy One are one person not two people as
has been thought by some. The term 'Holy One' denotes the nature of the
Watcher. That Person is Jesus.
Daniel 4:14,15
He cried aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under
it, and the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and
roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of
the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the
beasts On the grass of the earth.
The Watcher, the Holy One, cuts down the tree but is
commanded to leave the roots in the ground and to bind the stump with a band of
iron and brass. "Let him graze with the beasts on the grass of the
earth".
Daniel 4:16
Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a
beast, and let seven times pass over him.
'Seven times' - is not just 7 years, but a period of 7
prophetic times.
At this stage I would like to explain what a prophetic
time is. The next four verses that we will look at come from the Book of
The Revelation. You will see that a 'time' is equal to a period of 360
days.
Revelation 11:2
"But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure
it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city
underfoot for forty-two months.
Any good centre margin reference will direct you from the
forty-two months in this verse to the 1260 days in The Revelation 12:6.
Forty-two months and 1260 days are the same period of time. We will take
in verse one as well to keep it in context.
Revelation 12:1
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon
under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
Revelation 12:6
Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God,
that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
For forty-two months to be the same as 1260 days each
month would have to consist of 30 days each. When verse fourteen of this
chapter is taken into context with the earlier verses we see that both of the
afore mentioned time periods are equal to a time, times and half a time.
Revelation 12:14
But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a
time, from the presence of the serpent.
The ancient Israelites had their months consisting of
30 days each also. These 30 day months ran in a cycle of twelve.
If you haven't made any calculations yet I'll help you. Twelve months of
30 days each would equal 360 days. To count out 1260 days would be
the same as three and a half years. Time (singular) is 1, times (plural)
is 2 and half a time is obviously half. So we have 1+2+1/2 = 3 1/2.
Three and a half years. A time is equal to one year consisting of 360
days. The ancient Israelites also used this period of time to count a
year. It is referred to as the mean year. It is half way between the
lunar year of 354 days and the solar year of 365 1/4 days.
If one time is equal to 360 days then 7 times would be
2520 days. When God wants to show us something He often uses days to equal
years. Here are four Scriptures were you can see that this is the case.
Gen. 29:27; Num. 14:33,34; Dan. 9:24 and the final
one I have printed out for you here.
Ezekiel 4:6
"And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you
shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a
day for each year.
So we see now that in prophetical cases such as this God
will use one day for each year. Now our 7 times or 2520 days becomes 2520
years. This period is also evident in the Book of Leviticus where we read
of Israel's punishment if they disobeyed God's commandments.
Leviticus 26:18
'And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you SEVEN TIMES
more for your sins.
Leviticus 26:24
then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet SEVEN TIMES for
your sins.
Leviticus 26:28
then I also will walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you
SEVEN TIMES for your sins. (Emphasis added by author)
The House of Judah did disobey God and in 604 BC they
were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. Seven times or 2520 years
later Jerusalem was released from Gentile domination. That year was 1917.
Isn't that incredible! Right to the very year 2520 years later Jerusalem
was freed. God keeps His word!
The following chart will show you the different periods of
time that Jerusalem was under the domination of the Gentiles.
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Nebuchadnezzar
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Babylon
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2.5 years
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Judah's main captivity
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Babylon
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68
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Under Medo/Persia
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200
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Under Greeko/Macedonian
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304.5
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Under Rome
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26 BC -
638 AD
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666
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Under the king of the South (Saracens)
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879
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Under the king of the North (Turks)
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400
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TOTAL
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2520 years
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Seven times was not just the number for Israel's
punishment it was also the number for Babylon's dominion. While Israel was
suffering the consequences of their punishment some one else had to be in
control.
'Let seven times pass over the roots of the tree' is what
the verse said and Babylon in one form or another - progressively would continue
in the affairs of the nations for a period of 2520 years before it would begin
to come to its final destruction.
We are at the point of time in prophecy of the pulling up
of the roots. The seven times have been progressively running out since
1917. Babylon will be uprooted and burned, cast into the fire and brought
to total destruction.
Daniel 4:17-18
'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of
the holy ones, In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the
kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of
men.'
"This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you,
Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom
are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the
Spirit of the Holy God is in you."
'The Spirit of the Holy God is in you.' Here we see
those very important words again.
Daniel 4:19
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his
thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not
let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and
said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its
interpretation concern your enemies!"
Daniel had served Nebuchadnezzar for 40 plus years.
He would have struck up a relationship with Nebuchadnezzar. He knew what the
dream meant and he didn't want to tell him. Nebuchadnezzar sensed this.
Daniel said, "May this dream be to your enemies." It had such a bad
meaning! Then Daniel begins to explain.
Daniel 4:20-22
The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the
heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and
its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the
field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home; it is
you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and
reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.
Just as Daniel said in chapter 2, "You, O king are
the head of gold", so the whole tree from the root right up through the
trunk and to the many branches of the tree refers to the whole Babylonish
system. Not just to Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, but to the whole order.
Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Pagan Rome, Papal Rome and right up to the One
World Government that is being planned right now.
The Babylonish order is spoken of in chapter 2 under the
symbol of minerals, in chapter 7 under the symbol of animals and in chapter 4
under
the symbol of vegetables. Just as a tree puts out many branches Babylon
has many manifestations.
In verse 23 to 25 Daniel gives the judgment of God. His
judgment always comes with the promise of restoration upon repentance. The
purpose
of God's judgments are not to destroy but to correct. It is remedial (to
remedy) not penal (to penalise or give a penalty).
Daniel 4:23-25
And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and
saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the
earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field;
let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the
field, till seven times pass over him'; this is the interpretation, O
king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the
king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of
the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with
the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the
Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
The furnace of affliction is to purify not to destroy.
God creates for a purpose and that purpose is His glory. Verse 26 gives
the promise of restoration.
Daniel 4:26
And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree,
your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.
The roots being left there were not just to show that
Nebuchadnezzar would return but that for the 7 times, or 2520 years, Babylon
would continue in existence and not just end in 538 BC when the ancient city of
Babylon fell. It was from that root left in the ground with a band of iron
and brass that there sprang forth Papal Rome. When Babylon was destroyed
its priesthood fled to the city of Pergamos. Revelation 2:13 says that
that is where Satan's seat or throne is. It was overturned then from
Pergamos to Pagan Rome and the Roman emperor was given the Divine title of
Supreme Pontiff. Then it was overturned a third time and the Popes took
the title that Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzer had, that of, 'The Supreme
Pontiff' of the mystery religion.
Over-turned 3 times it counterfeits Britain's royal
throne, the throne of David where we see in Ezekiel that it was to be overturned
three times also.
Ezekiel 21:26-27
'thus says the Lord GOD: "Remove the turban, and take off the crown;
Nothing shall remain the same. Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted.
OVERTURNED, OVERTURNED, I will make it OVERTURNED! It shall be no longer,
Until He comes whose right it is, And I will give it to Him." ' (Emphasis
added by author)
The throne of David was transferred from Palestine to
Ireland. Then from Ireland to Scotland and finally from Scotland to
England where it the Stone of Destiny rests under the Coronation Chair in
Westminster Abbey.
Daniel 4:27
Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by
being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there
may be a lengthening of your prosperity."
See here in verse 27 that God gave Nebuchadnezzar a chance
to repent. God will not let anyone go without giving them a chance to
repent.
Daniel 4:28-29
All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar At the end of the twelve months he was
walking about the royal palace of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar was given 12 months grace to change his
way. He didn't! Some people don't get a whole year!!! Nebuchadnezzar
could have had council with Daniel at any time through that year. He chose
not to.
Daniel 4:30
The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a
royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honour of my majesty?"
He had a proud and haughty spirit! King Solomon has
some advice for people with proud and haughty attitudes. It comes from the
Book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
He heard, but he didn't heed! In The Revelation
there are a number of Scriptures which tell of the end time judgement of
Babylon, that is the Babylonian system. I'll give you a list of them but
we will just have a look at a few here. Revelation 14:8, 16:19, 18:2,3a,
18:10,21
Revelation 14:8
And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that
great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of
her fornication."
Revelation 16:19
Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations
fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the
wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
Every time you hear the term 'Great Babylon' or 'Babylon
the Great' used it is in regard to God's judgment on the city.
Daniel 4:31
While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven:
"King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from
you!
While the word was still in his mouth!!! Just look at the
speed of God's retribution. While Nebuchadnezzar was still boasting.
Proverbs 29:1 says,
Proverbs 29:1
He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and
that without remedy.
There is such a thing as 'stepping over the line', in
regard to God's corrective judgment upon you and Nebuchadnezzar had done
just that.
Daniel 4:32-33
And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of
the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass
over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and
gives it to whomever He chooses." That very hour the word was
fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like
oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like
eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Remember these things when you recall this account of
Daniel chapter 4, -7 years for Nebuchadnezzar was 7 times in prophecy.
Babylon's reign was from 604 BC to 1914 AD when it began to run out).
God took peace from the world and there has not been world peace since.
There has been a conflict somewhere in the world every year since 1914.
Daniel 4:34-37
And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my
understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and
honoured
Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His
kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are
reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And
among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him,
"What have You done?" At the same time my reason returned to me, and
for the glory of my kingdom, my honour and splendour returned to me. My
counsellors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and
excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol
and honour the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways
justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
Was Nebuchadnezzar finally converted? I believe he
was. In verse 34 he said, "I bless the Most High". There
is a contrast to be seen in this chapter and it is that Nebuchadnezzar's
judgment ended in restoration but the present Babylonish system, God's judgment,
will end in the destruction of that system. Not necessarily of the people caught
up in it but of the `system'. Nebuchadnezzar as a man repented, but
Babylon, the Bible says, has repented not of her works. She's added to her false
doctrine and blasphemies and strong is the Lord who judges her.
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