Daniel 4:1-37 From The Palace To The Pasture
I. The King In His Palace. v.4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
a. He was Secure. I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house
Nebuchadnezzar was the King of Babylon. He was the King who conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the people of the Jews captive to Babylon. Nebuchnezzar would reign for 43 years and his empire stretched from Egypt to Western Iran, and from Syria to Saudi Arabia It was the greatest empire of the world at that time.
b. He was Successful. and flourishing in my palace
Babylon contained two of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 1. The hanging gardens of Babylon, which Nebuchadnezzar constructed. 2. And he built the wall of Babylon, which was so thick that there was enough space on top for a four horse chariot to turn around.
3. Nebuchnezzar also constructed many temples to his various gods.
c. He was Strong. and flourishing in my palace
The most powerful King in all the world at that time. He ruled the World.
II. The King on His Pillow. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
a. His Dream. I saw a dream
Jacob dreamed fleeing for his life (Gen. 28:10-22). Bethel
Pharaoh dreamed (Gen. 41:14-24).
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed (Dan. 4:19-37).
Joseph dreamed, Peter dreamed, Pilate's wife dreamed.
Job 33:14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
b. His Dread. V. 5, which made me afraid
John 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
1Kings 18:39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.
c. His Decree. V.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.
He brought in all the wise men from his empire. He Recognised :-
The Vitality Of The Voice, The Virtue Of The Voice, The Value Of The Voice
III. The King In The Prophecy. V.20-27
Daniel interprets the dream for Nebuchadnezzar.
a. His Displacement was foretold.
Nebuchnezzar like the tree shall be displaced. He shall be brought low !
b. His Derangement was foretold. 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,
c. His Dwelling was foretold. and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field
d. The Duration was foretold. and seven times shall pass over thee,
Seven years shall he be in this condition? or Seven Seasons? 1 3/4 year
IV. The King In His Pride. V.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 honour of my majesty?
a. The Possibility Of Grace. V.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 tranquillity.
Daniel counsel the King that he repent of his sins, and shew mercy to the poor.
b. The Patience Of Grace V 29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
Eccl 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
c. The Profligacy Of Grace. V. 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 honour of my majesty? Hymn 327 - Depth Of Mercy
V. The King In The Pasture. V. 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.
(a) It Was Sudden While the word was in the king’s mouth
(b) It Was Sovereign there fell a voice from heaven
(c) It Was Singular O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken;
(d) It Was Severe The kingdom is departed from thee
VI The King In His Praise. V.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 honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
For 7 times he had his head bowed to the ground eating grass like a beast.
a. Notice the Return. V. 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven,
b. Notice the Reverence.34 and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
c. Notice the Restoration. 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
d. Notice the Record 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.
