Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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Anger
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Analytical
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Conscientiousness
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Tone of specific sentences
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Once again, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that he cannot interpret.
He summons Daniel to interpret the dream.
The main issue in this chapter is pride.
We will see that the dream is a warning to Nebuchadnezzar concerning his pride.
In such a lofty position, it would be easy to forget God in favor of thinking that you are in control.
This passage is a clear reminder of the proverb:
1. Nebuchadnezzar decree ()
Nebuchadnezzar made progress in his understanding of God.
Chapter 3 concluded with Nebuchadnezzar praising God and this chapter opens with a clear statement of praise.
We should be mindful that Nebuchadnezzar was a polytheist.
It would have been no big deal to simply add another god to be worshipped.
A. Nebuchadnezzar gave an official proclamation of praise to God. (4:1-3)
This is not a spontaneous outburst.
This had the feel of an official proclamation.
He wanted everyone to know this God and what was done for him by God.
B. Nebuchadnezzar highlights God’s sovereignty and interaction with the world (4:2-3)
God performed signs and wonders.
He has an eternal kingdom.
He is over all.
The next part of the chapter continues from Nebuchadnezzar’s perspective.
2. The dream and search for meaning ()
A. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and brought the wise men in to find the meaning.
(4:4-6)
B. The wise men couldn’t figure out the dream (4:7)
Unlike the previous dream in chapter two, apparently, he tells them the dream, but they still can’t make sense of it.
Unlike the previous dream in chapter two, apparently, he tells them the dream, but they still can’t make sense of it.
C. Daniel is summoned to interpret the dream (4:8-9)
Notice in verse 8, Nebuchadnezzar says that Daniel was renamed after “my god”.
Nebuchadnezzar has not acknowledged Yahweh as the only God.
He spoke of Daniel as having “the spirit of the holy gods in him.”
Notice in verse 8, Nebuchadnezzar says that Daniel was renamed after “my god”.
Nebuchadnezzar has not acknowledged Yahweh as the only God.
He spoke of Daniel as having “the spirit of the holy gods in him.”
D. Nebuchadnezzar recounts the contents of the dream (4:10-18)
i.
The main feature of the dream is a large tree.
The tree is a symbol of fertility, growth, and prosperity.
The tree provides sustenance and protection to the animals.
ii.
A “watcher” ordered the tree to be dismantled.
All that is to be left is the stump.
The tree is be cut down, but the roots are left intact and protected by a metal band.
iii.
The tree becomes one of the wild animals for 7 periods of time.
iv.
The beast w
iv.
The motive is clearly stated in verse 17.
With the dream’s content laid out before Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar waits to hear the interpretation.
3. The Interpretation ()
A.
Up to this point, the chapter has been in the first person, but now the perspective shifts to third person.
A. Daniel hesitated to give the interpretation (4:19a)
He took no pleasure in what he was about to say to the king.
It is also amazing of the relationship between Daniel and king Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar had taken him captive and destroyed Jerusalem, yet Daniel was not vindictive or full of anger toward Nebuchadnezzar.
He actually cared about Nebuchadnezzar’s well-being.
B. The tree is Nebuchadnezzar.
(4:19b-25)
He provided protection, stability, and sustenance to everyone in his vast empire.
As the tree, Nebuchadnezzar is the one who is under judgment.
He will be desolated.
He will be reduced to a wild animal.
C. The judgment can be avoided.
(4:26-27)
If Nebuchadnezzar will humble himself before God, perhaps God in his mercy will not act in judgment against Nebuchadnezzar.
Be humble or God will humble you.
4. The fulfillment ()
A. Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful statement (4:28-30)
About a year later, Nebuchadnezzar forgot the warning.
It seems as if he complied for a time, but eventually returned to his old ways.
The other option is that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t change, but God in his mercy waited a full year.
Nebuchadnezzar had much to admire about Babylon.
The Hanging Gardens were an ancient wonder of the world.
The walls were another ancient wonder of the world.
It is said that the walls of Babylon were so think they had enough space to enable a 4-horse chariot to turn around and they went on for 8 kilometers.
We know he had great wealth.
He gave orders and paid the bills.
His pride led him to lose sight that it was God who had given his power and ability.
B. The sentence is executed (4:31-33)
5. Restoration and Conclusion ()
A. At the end of the 7 periods of time, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s supremacy.
(4:34-35)
Nebuchadnezzar looked toward heaven which is obviously meant as an acknowledgement of God’s supremacy.
He now understands his place.
He is powerful, but he is not all-powerful.
B. Nebuchadnezzar is restored (4:36-37)
Nebuchadnezzar learns his lesson.
God is able to humble those who walk in pride.
Are we to conclude that Nebuchadnezzar was converted?
Let this be a warning to us of the dangers of pride.
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