What we have here in Daniel 4 closes off a three part series since chapter 2. In these three chapters (Daniel 2, 3, 4) there is particular attention given to God working on King Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian ruler is given a chapter’s worth of attention here. This is shocking to say the least. After all, the Old Testament considers the life of the people of Israel. Why does Nebuchadnezzar have this chance to articulate his thoughts? Or perhaps everything spins on its head when we consider Karl Barth’s words, “The content of the Bible is not at all formed by right human thoughts about God but by the right divine thoughts about men.” This is not a Babylonian king parading in Israel’s Scriptures. It is God’s Word to Israel from a king who was responsible for besieging Jerusalem and being used by God to bring about Israel’s exile. For Nebuchadnezzar to have a lengthy chapter spanning 37 verses is surprising. Further to learn this is first person speech is shocking, even alarming! What follows is why this chapter could be one of the finest pieces of human confession in the entire Bible. Nebuchadnezzar the king is compelled in the opening verses to give an account of the Most High God’s deeds. This serves as a hinge from chapters 2 and 3. Nebuchadnezzar has had a dream sent from God and the encounter at the fiery furnace as two occurrences of the glory of God. In both accounts the king confesses that Daniel and Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah’s God is the true God and deserving of exclusive praise (see Daniel 2:47; 28-29). The other opening part to mention of chapter 4 is the king’s confession of God’s kingdom enduring from generation to generation (4:3b). This serves as a preparation for the following Babylonian monarch, Belshazzar’s arrival. This will be Nebuchadnezzar’s final words in the Bible. It is Nebuchadnezzar’s re-telling of what God the Most High did. God sent a dream to him that scared him. No one in his court could interpret the vision except Daniel. The king’s characterization of him is one whom the spirit of the gods dwells in. An apt description that preserves Nebuchadnezzar’s polytheistic understanding of reality. The Bible doesn’t seem to censor the otherwise contrary thoughts of this despotic ruler. Surprisingly, Nebuchadnezzar is the one telling the dream to Daniel without needing to reveal what it is to him. Rather Nebuchadnezzar states the dream as it is and Daniel interprets it. Before that however, Daniel is dismayed for a period of time. This will not be the last time that Daniel will be morbidly affected by dreams (only difference is he will be the recipient of the dreams). Daniel starts off saying that he wishes this dream is for his enemies. The dream is about a tree that is lofty in size that is chopped down by an otherworldly being’s command. But the tree’s stump is to be secured until seven times pass over him. Daniel tells the king he is the tree that will be cut down until you know that the Most High is God of heaven and gives kingdoms to whomever He pleases on earth. Sure enough, Nebuchadnezzar loses his mind (as close an example we have of mental illness today) and becomes animal like grazing in the field with unkempt hair. His reason returned to him when he lifted up his eyes to heaven and honoured the God of heaven and earth as Lord. What is this re-telling all about? It is concerning Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation that leads to the discovery by God’s grace that God humbles the proud and none of us are outside of God’s domain to do as He pleases that we might know who He is. God is God and we are not. It is a starling witness of God’s grace that a ruler of Nebuchadnezzar’s ilk could be humbled and confess that God is Lord. Does this not suggest something of a transformation? Could this hold out hope that a powerful world leader can be reached by God? Yes it does. And if God reaches the loftiest and proud and can humble them, then He will reach us and show us what He is really like. Look to Jesus Christ today and humble yourself under His mighty hand. Amen.
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A Word from the PastorGreetings to all of you in Christ's name. This blog is for you to consider in your walk with God. Shalom. Archives
November 2016
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