Daniel 4:1-37
Q.1. What was the substance of the dream that terrorized the king? Why did the dream frighten Daniel? (Dan.4:4-19)
Through the dream, God prophesied the future empires from the time of Nebuchadnezzar. All would crumble and fall, including the king and his kingdom – … In order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men (Dan.17). The impulsive king soon forgot the terror of his vision. Daniel was deeply affected by the message that God was delivering to the king of the world’s greatest empire up to that time. Daniel was loyal to the king and was doubtless amazed that Nebuchadnezzar could suffer such a fate.
Q.2. What was the meaning of the dream? For whom was the message? (Dan.4:19-27)
The dream transcended the history of men. Kingdoms will rise and fall. However, one kingdom will endure for eternity. Because God visited Nebuchadnezzar this way, all the world can benefit from His warnings. God, in His mercy, was pleading through His servant – Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity (Dan.4:27).
Q.3. Why was Nebuchadnezzar struck with insanity? What lesson did the king learn and proclaim? (Dan.4:1-3, 28-37)
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon’ were considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Therefore, it is perhaps understandable that Nebuchadnezzar mused – … 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? (Dan.4:30). However, in that moment, God visited the king with insanity and removed his rule over the empire. At God’s predetermined time, He restored Nebuchadnezzar, who then declared – 34 … I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, `What have You done?’ (Dan.4:34-35). Happy is the person who has thus recognized the sovereign power of God over his, and all other lives. This was the substance of his communique to all the nations – 2 It has seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders which the Most High God has done for me. 3 “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 (Dan.4:2-3).