STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL.

May 12, 2021

Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony to the glory of God… Dan. 4:1-37. Key: 4:17, 25

“Nebuchadnezzar was one world leader who decided he could get more cooperation from the people he conquered by letting them keep their gods…When he conquered the little nation of Judah, he met a God who demanded exclusive worship—not just his share among many gods. In a sense, Nebuchadnezzar had always been able to rule the gods. This new God was different; this God dared to claim that he had made Nebuchadnezzar all that he was. One of the great conquerors in history was himself conquered by his Creator.” LASB

  1. Dan. 4:1-3. “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.”
  2. “Nebuchadnezzar. This is a regular decree, and one of the most ancient extant; and no doubt contains the exact words of Nebuchadnezzar, copied out by Daniel from the state papers of Babylon, and preserved in the original language, unto all. ch. 3:4, 29; Es. 3:12; 8:9. Peace. ch. 6:25, 27. Ezr. 4:17; 5:7. Ro. 1:7, 1Ti. 1:2.” TSK
  3. the nations, the peoples and languages Representative of the whole empire see 3:4, 7, 12.
  4. the whole earth A claim of universal rule. Given the strength and size of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire, this statement is warranted.
  5. May your prosperity increase The Aramaic word for peace or prosperity is related to the Hebrew word shalom. It conveys the idea of overall welfare and health.
  6. 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.”
  7. How great. ch. 6:27. De. 4:34. Ps. 71:19, 20; 86:10; 104:24. Is. 28:29. Ro. 11:33.
  8. ‘His kingdom his an everlasting kingdom’ Dan. 2:44-45; 7:23-14, 18, 27, Is. 9:6-7, Lk. 1:21-33, Rev. 11:15.
  9. ‘His dominion is from generation to generation.’ Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5.
  10. Dan, 4:4. “ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:…” ‘After he had successfully finished his wars, improved, build Babylon, and he enjoyed uninterrupted peace and in his palace. Ps. 30:6, Is. 47:7, 8; Eze. 28:2–5, 17, Lu. 12:19, 20.’ TSK
  11. Dan. 4:5I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head ch. 2:1; 5:5, 6, 10; 7:28. Ge. 41:1. Job 7:13, 14.