PROMOTION

Daniel 4

NEBUCHADNEZZAR

The Bible declares that kings come through the direct providence of God.

Psalm 75:6 “For promotion cometh neither from the east, Nor from the west, nor from the south.”

Daniel 2:19-23: “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: For wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, And the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, Who hast given me wisdom and might, And hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: For thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.”

Romans 13:1: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

However, how these kings interact with God’s will and God’s Word dictates the duration and success of their throne. Promotion AND demotion come from God. In May, we are going to look at four kings to see how they responded to the God who promoted them.

Don’t Let Your Greatness Get to Your Head

CHAPTER 2

In Daniel chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he could not get off of his mind. So, he called for his magicians and soothsayers to interpret the dream. None of them could. So, he finally called for Daniel— a Hebrew. Daniel knew exactly what the dream meant.

The dream was of a great image— like a majestic soldier— which represented the great kingdoms of world history.

Head of Gold- Babylonian Empire- ruled for less than 75 years

Breast and Arms of Silver- Medo-Persian Empire- ruled for nearly 200 years

Belly and Thighs of Brass- Greek Empire- ruled for nearly 300 years

Legs of Iron- Roman Empire- ruled for nearly 700 years

Feet of Iron and Clay- Federation of Divided Nations in the End Times

The greatness of Nebuchadnezzar, according to this dream, was unparalleled. He was the head of gold!

Daniel 2:38: “And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.”

CHAPTER 3

In Daniel chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar self-perpetuates the dream. He erects a statue on the plains of Dura which was 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide. He gathered together six types of officers and instrumentalists numbering to 6. And at the appointed time, the music was to be played, and everyone was to bow to this image.

The most logical explanation is that Nebuchadnezzar built a bust of himself. He wanted the glory. After all, the Almighty told him that he was the head of gold— you might as well act like it!

This story concluded with the death sentence of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who refused to bow to the image. They were cast into the fire but did not die. God was with them in the midst of their persecution, and He delivered them from death.

CHAPTER 4

In Daniel chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar has yet another dream. He dreams of a great tree which reached unto the Heavens. In it, the birds took refuge and under it the beasts found shade. It yielded fruit for all. He watched, however, as a watcher commanded the tree to be chopped down— yet the stump and roots were to be retained.

Then, the watcher and the holy ones gave commandment that he be driven out and given a beasts heart— til he came to know that the glory, honor, and praise belongs to YHWH and not unto men.

Once again, Daniel was called to interpret. He came and was astonished for one hour, for the interpretation prophesied of the downfall of the head of gold! Nebuchadnezzar was the tree. He would be hewed down, be driven from men, be in such a case for a period of time until he recognized that YHWH is Lord and King.

Don’t Let God’s Warnings Go Unheeded

What do you think Nebuchadnezzar is going to do with his pride? Surely, this warning from God would prevent him from ever seeking to own his own glory!

Daniel 4:28-31: “All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.”

What happened to Nebuchadnezzar?

he was driven from men

he ate grass as an oxen

hid body was wet with the dew of heaven

his hair was as long as an eagle’s feathers

his nails were as long as talons

He was driven from the people from whom he derived his worth and value. He was forced to look to the ground, rather than to consider his celestial greatness. There are no courtesans to care for his image— to serve his physical needs.

Proverbs 29:1: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Don’t Let God’s Judgment Overshadow His Mercy

Steps to Wholeness:

He lifted up his eyes to Heaven

his understanding/reason/sound mind returned to him

it could be argued that he lost he mind long before God’s judgment fell on him

he blessed & honored the God of Heaven

bless- praised (34)

praised- lauded

honored- glorified

he placed God in His rightful place

God lives forever

He recognized that God eternally rules and reigns over everything

He recognized that men are as nothing (35)

God’s army obeys His commands, and His will is done in earth. None can stay His hand. (35)

After this gracious prayer of confession and soundness of mind, God blessed Nebuchadnezzar. God had a purpose for this heathen king to serve.

Jeremiah 27:6: “And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.”

Daniel 4:37: “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”

PHARAOH-

HEROD THE GREAT- The Emperor and the Baby

NAMAAN- Doing What God’s Word Says