4
The morning sun gleamed with promise
as King Nebuchadnezzar dictated to his scribe.
Many things had changed since the last time
he had made a grand announcement to all the
people, and this one especially took thought.
It was time for the king to share how the Most
High God had been working in his life. The
remarkable transformation began, like many
others, with a dream.
He wills, and sets over it the lowest of men.
WAIT! READ DANIEL 4: 19-33 FIRST
Daniel, the only wise man who could
explain the dream, was troubled. “Belteshazzar,” Nebuchadnezzar urged, “do not let the
dream or its interpretation trouble you.”
“My Lord,” Daniel answered sadly, “may the
dream concern those who hate you, and its
interpretation concern your enemies!”
WAIT! READ DANIEL 4: 1-18 FIRST
The meaning of the dream was poignant and
profound. The lofty tree represented the king,
A strong, beautiful tree grew in the
who had grown powerful and confident in his
center of the earth. Its tall branches brushed
reign. But his retribution was swift. He must
the sky, and its leaves reached to the ends of
be driven from men to live with wild beasts of
the earth. Its fruit fed everyone on the earth.
the fields. Grass would be his food every day,
Animals rested in the comfort of its shade,
and his body would be wet from the earth’s
birds made their nests in its branches. Yet
dew. Not until Nebuchadnezzar recognized
this scene was disrupted by a holy one from
God’s authority was he to be released. Yet God
heaven, who came down and shouted, “Chop
in His mercy would also preserve the domindown the tree and cut off its branches. Strip
off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts ion for the king after his 7-year lesson.
Despite Daniel’s urgings to cast away sin and
get out from under it, and the birds from its
indulge in mercy towards others, the king
branches. Nevertheless, leave the stump and
fell prey to the great snare of pride. One day
roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron
and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let whilst admiring the luxury of his palace and
kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar remarked, “Is not
it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him
graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal
dwelling by my mighty power and for the honLet his heart be changed from that of a man,
or of my majesty?” Then a voice spoke from
let him be given the heart of a beast, and let
seven times pass over him.” The decree of the heaven, banishing the king to the fields for
watchers, according to the dream, was given to the next seven years. The king grew hair “like
show all the living that the Most High rules in eagle’s feathers and nails like bird’s claws”
the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever
. WAIT! READ DANIEL 4: 34-37 FIRST
This humbling and degrading experience taught King Nebuchadnezzar that God
was in charge of the universe, not himself.
After the seven years were complete, the king
lifted his eyes towards heaven and regained his
understanding. Then he blessed God and spoke
words of praise.
“And His kingdom is from generation to generation.
“All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as
nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of
heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, “What have You done?”
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and
extol and honor the King of heaven, all of
whose works are truth, and His ways justice.
And those who walk in pride He is able to put
down.”
Activity & Discussion
1.) It’s not only Babylonian kings who struggle with pride and selfishness. Virtually every
modern person does as well. In the box below, draw examples of ways that you can combat this
struggle and help others. Do your best to fulfill this activity at least one day this next week.
(examples: writing an encouraging note for someone, doing a chore for your parents or a
friend with no strings attached, presenting a lonely person at church with a small gift or quality time etc. )
2.) Simply answer and discuss each question.
1. Although what happened to Nebuchadnezzar was not necessarily plan “A”, God
used that situation to teach the him the lessons he needed to learn. What trials
have you passed through that, looking back, you can see that it was God’s hand
leading you through to make you a better person?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. God will do whatever it takes to save us. Many times as we’re passing through a
trial we can’t see what good it could possibly be doing for us, but when it’s all over
and we see the big picture, we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Sometimes it is necessary for us to pass through trials so that we can be a witness to others of God’s
mercy and compassion. When you pass a test of faith, God can then use that experience to strengthen others. Have you ever been able to help someone through
a hard time because you had passed through a similair struggle? What are some
instances of this?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________