Today’s Passage: Daniel 4:19-27
(See the Intro to Daniel here)
19 “Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’
“Belteshazzar replied, ‘I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you! 20 The tree you saw was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 21 It had fresh green leaves and was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. 22 That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth.
23 “‘Then you saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, “Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live with the animals of the field for seven periods of time.”
24 “‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king. 25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. 26 But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.
27 “‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’
Background/Insight:
- It appears Daniel has become fond of the king and the kingdom overtime as his fear over the dream has more to do with is care for the king than his dread in giving him bad news.
- The cutting down of the tree and the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar is a reminder that it is ultimately God who governs all not men. (timely reminder in the wake of a national election)
- The king would not be restored until he acknowledged that Yahweh is the most high authority, ruler and God.
- Read through and reflect on the text again. Have you ever put yourself in the place of authority over God?
- What events or circumstances changed that perspective?
- What does this passage say about and to the rulers of our own nation?
- Spend some time in confession and prayer.
Feel free to share any additional insights and prayers with everyone by commenting.
