Daniel Lesson 14

b. The Dream revealed 4:4 -12

The Setting vs:4-5

We can draw some conclusions about Neb from these verses.

#1 He felt secure; "..was at ease"

#2 He is prosperous; vs:4 "and flourishing in my palace."

#3 When the pressure is on, he is insecure and he becomes shattered; "made me fearful"

In vs:6 We see what Neb did; his reaction to the dream.

In Vs:7 He finds out what he should already know.

3:8 "But finally" says it all.

In vs:9 An interesting admission.

Observations from vs:8-9

1. uses of both of his names; Daniel and Belteshazzar; Why?

2. Notice what he adds after the name Beltesahzzar in vs:8;

Plural of "gods" - what is the reference?

See the dream, it revolves around a Tree 4:10-12

vs:10 - its location

vs:11 - its growth

vs:12 - its coverage

Ø Principle: As man's progress and rulership gets greater God is recognized less. When you elevate man you inevitably debase God.

c. In this next section we see some action that is to take place, first relative to the tree; and then action relative to the king himself.

First the tree itself! 4:13-15

What about the "angelic watcher" in vs:13.

Moving into the 4:16-17 the focus is clearly on Nebuchadnezzar.

The Lesson that Nebuchadnezzar is to learn. Vs:17

- That all men might know; That God is God!

2. In 4:19-27 we find Daniel's interpretation of the dream.

Some Observations:

1. Again Neb uses both names of Daniel;

2. His reaction upon learning the interpretation is that he is in a state of perplexity for a period of time.

3. The king recognized his perplexity, reassured him not to let the dream trouble him.

4. There's clearly a rapport between these two men.

5. His statement that the dream should apply to Neb's enemies really shows his compassion here, Daniel knows what the dream means, he is not going to compromise that, but he is saying I wish it wasn't this way, I wish I didn't have to say what I'm about to say, but I'm going to give you the truth.