Introduction: This chapter could be entitled "Nebuchadnezzar's Tract," because it contains his personal testimony of those events which led him to repentance (WGB). Back in Daniel 3:29 he issued a decree and expressed a conviction. Here he gives a personal testimony. There it was a decree; here it is a decision. There it was a conviction, and here it is conversion. Chronologically, this testimony should come at the end of the chapter because it grew out of his experience recorded here (McGee).

I. The Dream Received (vv.1-18).
1. Nebuchadnezzar's official proclamation (vv.1-3).

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. 3 How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

A. Daniel recorded an official proclamation made by Nebuchadnezzar which was circulated throughout his realm (BKC).

B. God had shown the king that He is able to deliver and preserve those who trust and obey Him (BKC).

1) Here in this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar declared that through God's miraculous signs he had learned of His power and that God is sovereign and exerts His will in His eternal kingdom.

2) Earlier Nebuchadnezzar believed it was his own power and wisdom that had consolidated the kingdom under his authority, but now he has learned that it is God who rules according to His will and uses those He chooses as His instruments.

2. Nebuchadnezzar's dream (vv.4-18).

A. His dread (vv.4-5).

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

1) The tree-dream of Nebuchadnezzar occurred probably during the thirtieth and thirty-fifth year of his reign (WGB).

A) Daniel was around forty-eight at the time.

B) Some twenty-eight years had elapsed since the fiery furnace event.

2) This dream, like the one years before, terrified the king (2:1, 3), though the king was contented and prosperous, he was afraid (BKC).

- The word troubled literally means terrified (NIBC).

B. His decree (vv.6-7).

6 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. 7 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.

1) Though all the wise men of Babylon had been discredited previously because of their inability to interpret the king's first dream (2:10-12), the king once again summons them and ordered them to interpret the dream which he told them about (BKC).

2) Once again, these worldly wise men were unable to tell the king what the dream meant.

C. His decision (vv.8-9).

8 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: 9 "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.

1) Nebuchadnezzar once again had to consult one who worshiped Yahweh (BKC).

A) However, the king still acknowledged his own god (perhaps Bel, alias Marduk) as he referred to Daniel by his Babylonian name (Belteshazzar) which included Bel's name.

B) The word "finally" or "at last" suggests that some time passed before Daniel went into the king's presence.

(1) Obviously Daniel was not among the wise men who had first been summoned to interpret the dream (4:6).

(2) Because of the impression made on Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel's previous interpretation (2:46) it is not likely that the king had forgotten about Daniel's ability to interpret dreams.

D. His dream (vv.10-18).

10 "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. 11 The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. 12 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. 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. 14 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. 15 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. 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. 17 '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.' 18 "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."

1) He saw a large and leafy tree increasing in size until it reached the heavens and was viewed by all (vv.10-12: WGB).

- The wild animals and birds were shaded and sheltered by its leafy branches and the entire world was fed from its generous fruit supply.

2) Suddenly a heavenly figure appeared and ordered the tree cut down and its fruit scattered (vv.13-16: WGB).

A) Only the stump was to be left, banded with a chain of iron and brass.

B) This felled tree represented a man who would be given the mind of an animal and remain in this pitiful condition for seven years.

3) This all was to be done so the entire world might know of God's authority and sovereignty over Nebuchadnezzar who in pride had exalted himself above God. (v.17: WGB).

Transition: Now the king went to the right person, he will get his answers. . .

II. The Dream Revealed (vv.19-27).
1. The details revealed (vv.19-23).

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! 20 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, 21 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 -- 22 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. 23 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';

A. Whereas Daniel had no problem interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's first dream (2:27-45), he now was reluctant about interpreting his second dream because it degraded him (BKC).

- The king saw Daniel's reluctance, but encouraged him not to be alarmed but to share its meaning with him.

B. Daniel repeated the description of the greatness of the tree (vv.20-21) and then explained that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar (v.22).

1) Daniel tactfully gave the good news first!

A) Like the tree, Nebuchadnezzar had become great and strong, and his kingdom had been expanded and consolidated under his rule.

B) His kingdom had become greater than any kingdom up to that time.

2) Then came the bad news.

- The cutting down of the tree--a decree from the Most High--meant that Nebuchadnezzar would be removed from his position of authority in the kingdom.

2. The Interpretation revealed (vv.24-26).

24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 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. 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.

A. Nebuchadnezzar would be turned out of the palace (driven away from people) and would live like an animal among the wild animals until seven years would pass by.

1) The word "times" means a year.

2) Thus Daniel predicted that Nebuchadnezzar would live in a demented state for seven years.

A) There is a mental illness known as zoanthropy or boanthropy (an illness observed in modern times) where a person thinks of himself as an animal and acts like one.

- This may have been the disease Nebuchadnezzar had. Daniel then referred to the purpose of this experience, which the messengers had announced in the dream (v.17).

B) Through this illness Nebuchadnezzar would come to acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes.

B. The fact that the stump was not to be uprooted (but was to be secured and left in the field (v.15) indicates that the king would be restored to the throne.

- However, that restoration would not take place till Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God's sovereign right to rule (that heaven rules).

3. The Advise revealed (v.27).

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."

A. Daniel concluded by exhorting the king to renounce his sins.

- This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is repentance (Book of Jonah).

B. Daniel urged Nebuchadnezzar to turn from his sinful pride and produce fruits of righteousness (doing what is right and being kind to the oppressed)--acts which stem from a heart that is submissive to God.

- Had Nebuchadnezzar done so, he would have averted his seven years of insanity.

Daniel did his job and delivered a harsh message, and was free to go. In doing so, Daniel set a good example for us by using the occasion to give a personal admonition to the king. It was a bold act, pointing out the king's sin and urging him to change his ways. Believers today should take advantage of every opportunity to warn people of their sins and of God's forgiving mercy (DBG).

Transition: Now let's look at. . .

III. The Dream Realized (vv.28-37).
1. Nebuchadnezzar's famous last words (vv.28-30).

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. 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 honor of my majesty?"

A. The revelation given to . . . Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel's interpretation was soon forgotten and Daniel's exhortation was ignored (BKC).

B. Nebuchadnezzar continued in his sinful pride and failed to repent as Daniel had advised him to do (BKC).

1) His egotism controlled him.

2) He considered the city of Babylon itself as his personal possession and as a reflection of his power and glory (v.30).

2. Nebuchadnezzar's correction (vv.31-33).

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! 32 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." 33 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.

A. God endured Nebuchadnezzar's pride for 12 months (BKC).

1) God, in His grace, gave Nebuchadnezzar the time and opportunity to turn to Him in repentance.

2) But when Nebuchadnezzar ignored Daniel's exhortation, God, who had given Nebuchadnezzar his authority, announced the interruption of his rule.

B. What had been predicted was no longer postponed and judgment came on Nebuchadnezzar, in keeping with Daniel's interpretation (BKC).

- As the king was boasting of his accomplishments while walking on the roof (apparently a flat roof, common in those days) of his royal palace (v.29), a voice . . . from heaven (v.31) announced his judgment.

Transition: But there is no guarantee that God will give you a second chance like He did with Nebuchadnezzar. . .

3. Nebuchadnezzar's confession (vv.34-37).

34 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 honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35 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?" 36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor 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.

A. When the 7 years had transpired Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored by God (BKC).

B. Nebuchadnezzar, who had sought honor and glory for himself, now was willing to acknowledged that the Most High God lives forever (BKC).

1) Nebuchadnezzar confessed and acknowledged God's sovereign authority.

2) Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God's irresistible will, that is, God does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.

3) Nebuchadnezzar also confessed that man is answerable to God, not God to man, for no one can stop God and no one has a right to question Him (Job 33:12b-13; Isa. 29:16; 45:9; Rom.9:19-20).

C. In verses 36-37, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God's right to rule (vv.34-35) and this brought about the restoration of his sanity (v.34) and the restoration to his throne (BKC).

1) The king now praised, exalted, and glorified the King of heaven.

A) These verbs indicate continued action, suggesting that Nebuchadnezzar did these things habitually.

B) These verbs embody the ideas of reverence, respect, honor, admiration, and worship.

(1) Since Nebuchadnezzar said that these attitudes characterized his life, many have concluded that he experienced regeneration, becoming a child of God. -- Nebuchadnezzar confessed that God's judgment was right and just.

(2) This is certainly not acknowledged by one who continues in rebellion against God.

2) The king also admitted that he had walked in pride (5:20) but had been humbled by his experience.

- This too would testify to a transformation in Nebuchadnezzar's character through a newfound knowledge of God.

Invitation:
1. We are reminded here, of several truths.

A. We are reminded of how our pride can get in the way of God's message and plans.

B. We are reminded of how we are to put God first, and be obedient to Him regardless of the personal/physical consequences that we may face.

C. We are reminded of how we are to be witnesses to God's truth, both in our walk and in word.

A. What will be on your lips when God's judgment falls upon you?

B. May I recommend that you try these words, given to use by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:9-11, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."