Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Nebuchadnezzar reports God’s dealing with him (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.³ 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.

The Lord’s dealing with Nebuchadnezzar was remarkable. The Lord had given him the dream of the great statue in ch. 2, and Daniel interpreted the dream. Then God gave Nebuchadnezzar the experience of these three men in ch. 3; and in ch. 4, the Lord gave him “signs” again in a remarkable way. In v. 3, we see how much Nebuchadnezzar had learned about God and about His coming kingdom on earth.

 (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 916)

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree (4:4-18)

⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

When the others had failed Daniel was finally summoned (vv. 8-9). When people’s hearts are not right with the Lord they usually are not anxious to face a man of God. A description of the prophetic dream was given to Daniel (vv. 10-12). The dream was about a great tree, located in the most conspicuous place on earth. It grew until it reached heaven and could be seen by all the earth.

Then suddenly and unexpectedly there came an order that the tree be cut down, the branches removed, the leaves shaken from the branches and the fruit scattered (vv. 13-14). The stump was then subject to all the elements and to the beast of the field while the tree is referred to as a person (vv. 15-16). Clearly the tree represented a person who was to have his heart changed from a man’s to a beast’s and he was to remain like this for a period of seven years. The king now waited for Daniel to interpret this dream. He was trying to figure out how Daniel could interpret his dreams and the wise men in his kingdom couldn’t (vv. 17-18), 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (4:19-27)

¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

Having been told all the details of the dream, the king asked Daniel to interpret them (v. 19). Daniel understood the meanings of the dream but because of the severe judgment that was about to come to the king, he dreaded telling him and just stood speechless for one whole hour. Despite all his faults, Nebuchadnezzar had been kind to Daniel.

Daniel indicated to the king that he would rather see the judgment of this dream fall on his enemies than to come to Nebuchadnezzar himself (v. 19). Upon the insistence of the king Daniel proceeded by repeating the description of the greatness of the tree and then explained that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself (vv. 20-22). He went on to explain how the falling of the tree meant that the king would be driven from his throne and made to dwell among the beasts of the field for seven years (vv. 23-25). He would actually go insane and become as an animal for a set period of time. No matter how powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life and cause them to forget God.

Nebuchadnezzar in his pride and self confidence had come to believe that it was his own strength and ability that had gotten him his high position. He had to be humbled until he was willing to confess that he was nothing and God was all. Even today God cannot and will not use any person to the fullest until he is ready to make this same confession. Daniel concludes with some sound spiritual counsel by exhorting the king to renounce his sins. This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is genuine repentance (vv. 26-27). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/daniel-explains-nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Judgment follows Nebuchadnezzar’s pride (4:28-33)

²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.³⁰ 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 honor of my majesty?³¹ 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.  ³² And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision eventually happened just as predicted (v. 28). God in his grace gave an additional year before judgment came (v. 29). The king may have humbled himself at first, but he eventually became fatally prideful once again. One day when Nebuchadnezzar was strutting around his palace displaying arrogance and pride, he directly challenged God by taking all glory to himself (v. 30). Nebuchadnezzar had a lot to be proud of. He was victorious in battle to be sure, but perhaps his greatest accomplishments were in his building projects. Ancient Babylon would have truly been a wonder to behold. Imagine it: His palace with its famous hanging gardens; his city with its walls and gates; the Euphrates River running through the city; the ziggurat; iconography of all the gods of Babylon visible everywhere you looked. All of it either build or restored according to his will. “The king spoke, 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 honor of my majesty?” (v. 30).

Immediately, before he had finished speaking, the proud king heard a voice from heaven. The words of the vision were repeated to him, and Nebuchadnezzar was reduced to the level of a beast (vv. 31-33). Minutes before his fall he wore the royal robes of a ruling monarch; then he was found crawling on all fours in an open field, eating grass like an ox. For seven years he lived like an animal. 

 (https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-humiliation/)

Nebuchadnezzar humbled, blesses God (4:34-37) 

³⁴ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?³⁶ At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. ³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Finally, Nebuchadnezzar “lifted his eyes to heaven” silently acknowledged the sovereignty of God (vv.34-35). The king’s mind was restored, and he immediately started praising and honoring God. Nebuchadnezzar had seen God’s power displayed several times during his life, but it never had a lasting impact until now. We may recognize God’s existence and credit Him with wondrous miracles, but until we make Him our Lord, he will not change us.  

Miraculously, Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne (vv. 36-37). In his sovereignty, God had preserved the kingdom for him during his years of madness. Daniel probably played an important role in this. This is a lesson to us, just as it was to the Jews back then, that no matter who you are, no matter how much power or wealth you possess, God has the power to take it all away and the power to restore it all back again.

Once more, King Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the Lord. He could see that God had been right and just in his treatment of him. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom he receives.” (Heb. 12:6). We will meet Nebuchadnezzar in heaven someday. His trial was what he needed to come to faith. The king’s final remark was a warning. Those who walk in pride will be humbled. “But he gives more grace. Therefore, he says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.’” (Jam. 4:6). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzar-restored/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (4:19-27)

¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.

Having been told all the details of the dream, the king asked Daniel to interpret them (v. 19). Daniel understood the meanings of the dream but because of the severe judgment that was about to come to the king, he dreaded telling him and just stood speechless for one whole hour. Despite all his faults, Nebuchadnezzar had been kind to Daniel.

Daniel indicated to the king that he would rather see the judgment of this dream fall on his enemies than to come to Nebuchadnezzar himself (v. 19). Upon the insistence of the king Daniel proceeded by repeating the description of the greatness of the tree and then explained that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself (vv. 20-22). He went on to explain how the falling of the tree meant that the king would be driven from his throne and made to dwell among the beasts of the field for seven years (vv. 23-25). He would actually go insane and become as an animal for a set period of time. No matter how powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life and cause them to forget God.

Nebuchadnezzar in his pride and self confidence had come to believe that it was his own strength and ability that had gotten him his high position. He had to be humbled until he was willing to confess that he was nothing and God was all. Even today God cannot and will not use any person to the fullest until he is ready to make this same confession. Daniel concludes with some sound spiritual counsel by exhorting the king to renounce his sins. This points out the principle that any announced judgment may be averted if there is genuine repentance (vv. 26-27). 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/daniel-explains-nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 4 deals with the Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. He dreams about a great tree. Daniel interprets the dream. Nebuchadnezzar is deposed, humbled, made to live as an animal, and then his kingdom is restored.

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride

Nebuchadnezzar reports God’s dealing with him (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.³ 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.

The Lord’s dealing with Nebuchadnezzar was remarkable. The Lord had given him the dream of the great statue in ch. 2, and Daniel interpreted the dream. Then God gave Nebuchadnezzar the experience of these three men in ch. 3; and in ch. 4, the Lord gave him “signs” again in a remarkable way. In v. 3, we see how much Nebuchadnezzar had learned about God and about His coming kingdom on earth.

 (The Rice Reference Bible, 1981, pg. 916)

Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree (4:4-18)

⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

When the others had failed Daniel was finally summoned (vv. 8-9). When people’s hearts are not right with the Lord they usually are not anxious to face a man of God. A description of the prophetic dream was given to Daniel (vv. 10-12). The dream was about a great tree, located in the most conspicuous place on earth. It grew until it reached heaven and could be seen by all the earth.

Then suddenly and unexpectedly there came an order that the tree be cut down, the branches removed, the leaves shaken from the branches and the fruit scattered (vv. 13-14). The stump was then subject to all the elements and to the beast of the field while the tree is referred to as a person (vv. 15-16). Clearly the tree represented a person who was to have his heart changed from a man’s to a beast’s and he was to remain like this for a period of seven years. The king now waited for Daniel to interpret this dream. He was trying to figure out how Daniel could interpret his dreams and the wise men in his kingdom couldn’t (vv. 17-18), 

(https://www.family-times.net/commentary/nebuchadnezzars-second-dream/)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Nebuchadnezzar Honors the True God (v 26-30)

²⁶ Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.²⁷ And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.²⁹ Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses a fourth figure in the fire and recognizes the divine protection over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Upon their miraculous survival, the King praises their God and promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon.

What We Learned:

Daniel 3 presents a dramatic showdown between a defiant king and three men of unwavering faith. The chapter vividly recounts the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking their lives in a blazing furnace, and in turn, showcasing the power of God.

In summary, Daniel 3 showcases the power of faith, God’s miraculous intervention, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that our God is able to save us, no matter the circumstances.

Themes

Topics

People

Locations

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

The Faithful Jews are Safe in the Great Furnace (v19-25)

¹⁹ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.²⁰ And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.²¹ Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ²² Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.²³ And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.²⁴ Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.²⁵ He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Enraged, the King orders the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. He then commands Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown into the furnace. The soldiers who carry out this order die from the intense heat.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol (v.1-7)

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.² Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.³ Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.⁴ Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,⁵ That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:⁶ And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.⁷ Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

King Nebuchadnezzar creates a giant golden statue and orders that all must bow down to it. The royal officials, including satraps, prefects, and governors, obey this command, demonstrating widespread idolatry.

Three Hebrew Children Refuse to Bow Down to the Idol (8-18)

⁸ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.⁹ They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.¹⁰ Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image:¹¹ And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.¹² There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.¹³ Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.¹⁴ Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?¹⁵ Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.¹⁷ If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Some astrologers report Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s defiance of the King’s decree. The King confronts them, giving a chance to obey his command. However, they refuse, showing their unwavering faith in God, even when threatened with the fiery furnace.

The Faithful Jews are Safe in the Great Furnace (v19-25)

¹⁹ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.²⁰ And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.²¹ Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ²² Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.²³ And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.²⁴ Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.²⁵ He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Enraged, the King orders the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. He then commands Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown into the furnace. The soldiers who carry out this order die from the intense heat.

Nebuchadnezzar Honors the True God (v 26-30)

²⁶ Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.²⁷ And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.²⁹ Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses a fourth figure in the fire and recognizes the divine protection over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Upon their miraculous survival, the King praises their God and promotes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon.

What We Learned:

Daniel 3 presents a dramatic showdown between a defiant king and three men of unwavering faith. The chapter vividly recounts the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refuse to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking their lives in a blazing furnace, and in turn, showcasing the power of God.

In summary, Daniel 3 showcases the power of faith, God’s miraculous intervention, and the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful reminder that our God is able to save us, no matter the circumstances.

Themes

Topics

People

Locations

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Three Hebrew Children Refuse to Bow Down to the Idol (8-18)

⁸ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.⁹ They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.¹⁰ Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image:¹¹ And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.¹² There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.¹³ Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.¹⁴ Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?¹⁵ Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.¹⁷ If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Some astrologers report Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s defiance of the King’s decree. The King confronts them, giving a chance to obey his command. However, they refuse, showing their unwavering faith in God, even when threatened with the fiery furnace.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 3 deals with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. He commands all his high ranking officials to bow down to it. What will the three Hebrew children do? Will they bow or stand? Remember every decision we make in life has consequences. This one was life or death.

Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol

Nebuchadnezzar’s Giant Idol (v.1-7)

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.² Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.³ Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.⁴ Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,⁵ That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:⁶ And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.⁷ Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

King Nebuchadnezzar creates a giant golden statue and orders that all must bow down to it. The royal officials, including satraps, prefects, and governors, obey this command, demonstrating widespread idolatry.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,   

Today we continue our study in the book of Daniel. This week we look at Chapter 2.

Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon-The first world empire (37-38)

³⁷ Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.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.

Second and third world empires: Medo-Persia and Greece (39)

³⁹ And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

Rome’s world empire (40-43)

⁴⁰ And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.⁴¹ And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.⁴² And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.⁴³ And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.

Christ’s kingdom after the restored Roman empire (44-45)

⁴⁴ And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.⁴⁵ Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Nebuchadnezzar honors the true God (46-49)

⁴⁶ Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors unto him.⁴⁷ The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.⁴⁸ Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.⁴⁹ Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

What we learned:

In the second chapter of the Book of Daniel, we find a profound exploration of faith, revelation, prophecy, and the enduring sovereignty of God. The narrative unfolds with King Nebuchadnezzar’s unsettling dream, prompting a desperate quest for understanding, which only Daniel, by divine wisdom, can provide. This chapter presents the shifting sands of human kingdoms and the unshakeable rock of God’s dominion.

Upon hearing Daniel’s interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the supremacy of Daniel’s God. Daniel and his friends are rewarded with high positions in the king’s court. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries) 

Themes

Divine Revelation

Faith and Trust in God

Human Limitations and Divine Supremacy

Prophecy and Fulfillment

God’s Sovereignty over Rulers and Kingdoms

Topics

Nebuchadnezzar’s Disturbing Dream

Daniel’s Prayer for Interpretation

The Interpretation of the King’s Dream

God’s Sovereign Plan for Future Kingdoms

People

King Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel

Arioch (the king’s captain)

The Wise Men of Babylon

Locations

Babylon

King Nebuchadnezzar’s Palace

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,   

Today we continue our study in the book of Daniel. This week we look at Chapter 2.

Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

God shows Daniel the meaning of the dream (19-30)

¹⁹ Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.²⁰ Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:²¹ 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:²² He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.²³ 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.²⁴ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.²⁵ Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.²⁶ The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?²⁷ Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;²⁸ But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;²⁹ As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.³⁰ But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dreamed image (31-36)

³¹ Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.³² This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,³³ His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.³⁴ Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.³⁵ Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.³⁶ This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.

Once God reveals the dream and interpretation to Daniel, he acknowledges God by praising Him. He then goes to the King, explains that the God in heaven will interpret his dream. Then Daniel tells the King his dream and the interpretation. Daniel takes no credit for being able to interpret the King’s dream.

Who gets credit in our live?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com