Lesson 10D Nebuchadnezzar Dreams Again! 4:1- 18

What God Has done for the King of Babylon 4:1- 3

English Standard Version Chapter 4

4  King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. 3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation

It’s so refreshing to see how Daniel has captured the words of the pagan king of Babylon who took time to put his thoughts down in permanent form. Here it is everlastingly permanent. Nebuchadnezzar probably never thought about being a major character in God’s book of books. But here he is and the simplicity of what he recorded and then rerecorded by Daniel makes us appreciate something that is well said. For a heathen king, this is well spoken. I can imagine his speaking into a tape recorder in his bedroom one night these few thoughts as a reminder for the next day. These thoughts are now paving the way for his future and now carry an eternal significance.

Notice how the King is thinking like the imposing statue of his dream with the head of gold in chapter two. It was a dream that the interpretation found that he had a mighty kingdom but would someday be put down. Nebuchadnezzar addresses the reader / listener with the fact and imagination that he has the attention of all people, nations, and languages in all the Earth. He sure does believe he is the grand ruler of the ages. And this grand ruler has been shown the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for him. It’s an extreme privilege to be shown anything of significance by Nebuchadnezzar and yet has seen the miraculous hand of God on more than one occasion. The name “Most High God” has been used before in Daniel but here is flows from Nebuchadnezzar’s mouth.

He is not being exact in his praise and we conclude he is just a respecter of God. In order for us to think he is a believer we need more proof from his lips but we are thankful he does say something. He cannot be completely quiet. It must be recorded officially and then after that, it’s here for all eternity. We must be careful as men of God, because our praise can go further than you think. “How Great, how mighty, are your signs and wonders.” Then some prophetic words about the condition of the kingdom that he is residing in and at peace on the inside. He wraps up this section with the actual truth of his all power and authority being based on this Mighty God we serve. Where will this confession of sorts take this king with a head of Gold?

What happens when a man starts to change in his heart and he begins to lean in God’s direction? The Psalmist said that it is extremely indicative of his future relationship with the Lord. here is Psalm 50:23 in a few versions and either way it shows us what happens when starts to come forward in God’s direction:

First up is the King James version:

23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: And to him that orders his conversation aright, Will I show the salvation of God.

Next is the Lexham English Bible:

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 50

23 He who sacrifices a thank offering honors me, and he who orders his way; I will show him the salvation of God

The Amplified Bible gives us a third reference:

23 “He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me: And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”

Perhaps this is the way that that God got your attention as you were wooed by the Holy Spirit. And not only will you feel better being around the Savior and His people, it will help every relationship:

Proverbs 16:7- “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

This verse then demands that we add the truth about what it takes to please God:

Hebrews 11:6- “ But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.”

Before we move on, this needs to be added to those who are all at a distance from the Lord. It’s time to move: James 4:8- “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hand ye sinners and purify your hearts you double-minded.”

No matter where your walk with God is headed at this moment, it is going to pay you greatly to get up close to the Savior and you will find rest for your soul!

Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams just keep on coming 4:4-12

English Standard Version Chapter 4

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. 5 I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. 6 So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. 8 At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream, saying, 9 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation. 10 The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

As vivid as the dreams are, they are getting more colorful and exact. This dream made the wise king very uncertain and afraid.-vs.1 He was just minding his own business, enjoying the splendor and luxury of what his palace afforded and whammo! This dream has several aspects but the most important is that Daniel gets involved from the “get-go.” And here we will conclude. This dream is where we will start next week as we see God Himself and God’s men, change the course of a nation in captivity and the the nation that held them captive. At no time are God’s men without help for the situation.