Daniel 4 - Introduction

SERMON NUMBER FOUR

DESPOT'S DISGRACE

Text: Daniel 4:1-37

INTRODUCTION

I.

DIFFERENCE IN ATTITUDE IN NEBUCHADNEZZAR NOW THAN IN THIRD CHAPTER

A.

In chapter three the mighty king of Babylon made an image (perhaps resembling himself somewhat)

1.

Everyone was to bow down and worship it

2.

But the Hebrew children wounded his pride by refusing to do so

3.

He arrogantly condemned them to the fiery furnace

4.

But God delivered them

B.

Now, nothing but thoughts of peace are in his heart

1.

Now he extols and praises the God of Heaven

2.

And Neb. is an old mannot easily changed

II.

THIS CHAPTER IS REMARKABLE ALSO IN THAT IT IS A BABYLONIAN STATE DOCUMENT

A.

This is a Statutory Declaration by the king

1.

Obviously quite different in its terms from anything Neb. has declared before

2.

He spoke about Jehovah-God before in Chapter s 2 and 3 in a sort of respectful salute, as he would any other god

3.

This, however, is a universal, official document with the king publicly bowing his proud neck in submission to Daniel's God

4.

So, here in this 4th chapter, we have this State Document from the archives of Babylon. the personal testimony of one of the great monarchs of all history, his own account of how he, a proud self-willed, ruthless tyrant, was brought to repentance before God, and then was restored by the God of all grace.

B.

This incident is also remarkable in that it shows the amazing patience of God with even a stubborn pagan ruler

1.

God spoke twice before to Neb. in chapter 2 in the dream of the image

2.

God spoke again in the deliverance of the Heb. children from the furnace

III.

THIS IS THE KIND OF THING GOD DOES FROM TIME TO TIME IN HISTORY

A.

From time to time God, in history, has reminded the whole human race forcibly of Himself

The flood, Tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, Pharaoh Exodus 9:16

B.

The preamble to this declaration (Daniel 4:1) is interesting

1.

It is beneficent, Peace be multiplied unto you.

2.

It is voluntary, It seemed good to me. it is his own idea

3.

It is experimental. The moment Neb. has had this transforming experience he wants to tell everybody else about it. If you have a full heart your mouth will speak, and if your mouth doesn-'t speak then your heart is empty.

4.

It is enthusiastic, How great are his signs

DISCUSSION

I.

THE DREAM DECLARED, Daniel 4:4-18

A.

Its effect on Nebuchadnezzar at the first

1.

He was at ease in his house when it happened

a.

This is going back 8 years to the old Neb. in circumstances of security and luxury

b.

Beware of ease and plenty. It is difficult to be prosperous without being proud (later he represents himself boasting about Babylon which he built)

c.

Prosperous and proud, at rest and flourishing, but a stranger to God

d.

THERE IS A DECEITFUL PEACE. GOD ALONE CAN GIVE PEACE, BUT THE DEVIL CAN GIVE A COUNTERFEIT OF GOD'S PEACE AND THERE IS A DECEITFUL PEACE THAT LULLS THE SOUL INTO A FALSE SECURITY:

e.

TO BE UNTROUBLED IS NOT EVIDENCE OF SAFETY: TO BE PROSPEROUS DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL IS WELL.

2.

The dream disturbed him (lit. petrified with fear)

a.

How easily our peace and ease can be disturbed!

b.

Guilty men, of course, are easily frightened.

c.

Shakespeare rightly says, Conscience doth make cowards of us all

d.

And, though Neb. did not know what his dream meant, it destroyed his false peaceIT WAS GOD IN MERCY HELPING HIM OUT OF A FOOL'S PARADISE

3.

What is he going to do?

a.

He turns to the wrong peoplehow human this story is!

b.

Men get troubled; their hearts fail them for fear; but they don-'t go to the messengers of GodTHEY RUN TO THE POLITICIANS AND THE PSYCHOLOGISTS, OR THEY TURN TO ANY QUACK WHO HAS ANYTHING TO SAY ON A SOAPBOX

c.

Popular songs Aquarius and books by the 1000 are hawking the wares of the mystic revolution all over the 20th century world. One weekly U.S. news magazine estimates that 10 million Americans are hard-core adherents to astrological forecasting. Another 400 million dabble in the subject. In astrology, says the president of a well-known astrological organization, the earth is at the center of the universe and the individual is the center of attention. Everybody's favorite topic is himself. THIS IS WHY PEOPLE WILL GO TO EVERY SOURCE BUT THE BIBLE. BECAUSE THE BIBLE DOES NOT FOCUS ON MAN, EXCEPT TO TELL HIM HE IS A SINNER, IT FOCUSES ON GOD AND HIS SON! (cf. John 3:19-20)

B.

Content of the dream

1.

The tree

a.

Trees were used to symbolize greatness in world rulers (cf. Ezekiel 31)

b.

This is a tremendous tree, a miracle tree, a skyscraper of a tree, so big that all the earth can see it

c.

One cannot help remembering the image Neb. set up in the plain, gold, gleaming, everybody able to see it. All life is dependent upon this tree

d.

Herodotus relates a dream of Xerxes, who, ready to set out against Greece, beholds himself crowned with an olive shoot, the branches of which stretch out over all the earth. Coroesus also dreamed that he would destroy the men of Lampascus like a fir since this tree when cut down, sends forth no fresh shoots, but dies outright, etc.

2.

The watcher (a divine vigilante) (watching over the affairs of men)

a.

Hew down the tree and watch the hangers on scatter

b.

Leave a stump, possibility of the tree being revived

c.

Bound with band of iron probably refers to withdrawal of free-self-determination through the fetter of madness

d.

In a book entitled Dictionary Of Psychological Medicine are these words, the complete loss of personal identity, and the conviction of being changed into one of the lower animals, accompanied frequently by a corresponding belief on the part of the beholders, is one of the most remarkable facts which the psychological history of the race of man reveals. In the same book a well-accredited case is cited of a man who imagined himself to be a wolf, and attempted to act like one. This phenomenon of man imitating animal is a state of mental illness is called lycanthropy. To all intents and purposes he behaves as a beast would, thus it is expressed as being changed in heart from a man to a beast.

3.

The purpose

a.

It is decreed by the watchers, it is no idle and meaningless fancy or an upset stomach

b.

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. etc. (cf. Isaiah 10:5 ff; Jeremiah 27:5-7)

c.

IT IS A LESSON FOR ALL MEN OF ALL AGES, INSCRIBED IN THE ARCHIVES OF HISTORY, THAT THERE IS ONE RULER WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE HIGHEST AMONG MENTHE MOST HIGH GOD. THIS WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE TO INSCRIBE IN THE MEETING ROOM OF THE UNITED NATIONS THAN WHAT THEY HAVE THERE! ONE WOULD LIKE TO DECLARE THIS IN THE MIDST OF THE KREMLIN!

II.

THE DREAM DIVINED, Daniel 4:19-27

A.

Thou art the man!

1.

Daniel was not too anxious to have to tell the king what it meant

2.

Neb. had treated him justly and had even promoted him, so Dan. might even have been attached to him

3.

Daniel was a man who would not violate his conscience at the king's command; but neither would he be unloyal to the king when it was not a matter of conscience

4.

Men like Daniel, though they may refuse to comply with the sinful commands of rulers, will be the first to weep for them and pray for them!

5.

Daniel dares to confront the world's mightiest potentate with the judgment of Godlike Nathan confronted David

B.

You shall be driven from among men

1.

Neb. was to dwell with the beasts of the field, and made to eat grass like an ox, and this for a determined time by God

2.

The most important part of Daniel's revelation is the focus or purpose of the king's insanity. The intent of the matter is to give mankind, specifically this heathen king and his subjects, and the captive covenant people of God, a proof that the fortunes of kings and empires are in the hand of Jehovahthat His providence perpetually interposes in the affairs of men, distributing thrones and empires, always for the good of the faithful, but according to His will. Our God is in the heavens; He hath done whatsoever He pleased Psalms 115:3; The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all Psalms 103:9

C.

Break off your sins

1.

It is possible that Neb. rule might be restored to him

2.

Conditioned upon his repentance

3.

Cease to do evilbegin to do good (break off your sins by practicing righteousness), cf. 1 John 3:7-8

4.

IT IS BECAUSE OF SIN THAT GOD'S CHASTENING MUST COME. WHAT A PITY WE TALK SO LIGHTLY OF SIN VERY OFTEN, WHEN THE BIBLE MAKES SO MUCH OF IT!

5.

Here, with Daniel and Neb., is an example of how God would have preachers preach to sinners

a.

Preach to men out of a heart full of concern

b.

Interpret the ways of God to thempoint out their sin if need be

c.

Extend the mercy of God upon His conditions and terms

III. THE DREAM DEMONSTRATED, Daniel 4:28-33

A.

Nebuchadnezzar was not impressed

1.

The accuracy of Neb. boast has been remarkably confirmed. Ancient historians wax eloquent about the grandeur of old Babylon. The East India House inscription, now in London, has six columns of Babylonian writing telling of the stupendous building operations which the king carried on in enlarging and beautifying Babylon.

a.

He rebuilt more than 20 temples

b.

Directed construction work on the docks and defenses of the city

c.

Most of the bricks taken out of Babylon in archaeological excavations bear the name and inscription of Neb. stamped thereon

2.

He had no sooner bragged than the judgment of God fell

B.

He was driven from among men

1.

He lost his right mind to such an extent that he did not even know to come in out of the damp nights

2.

He ate grass in his deranged state

3.

He was evidently unattended until his hair grew long (always thought long hair in men and insanity were to be associated) and his nails were long like birds claws

4.

Although he was insane and physically grotesque, he was evidently not exposed to the curious gaze of the multitudes, harsh treatment, or derision. He was, no doubt, confined in the precincts of the royal palace. There he acted like an animal, eating grass, sleeping out on the palace ground. The affairs of state were, no doubt, carefully taken in hand by his wisemen, princes, and perhaps even his son. A number of historical parallels could be cited to such temporary measures.

C.

Critics attack this miracle as unhistorical

1.

They say other O.T. historical books do not mention the insanity of Neb. and, there is no record of this event among heathen writers of antiquity

2.

First, there are 1000s of events, of not only Neb. life, but 100s of other important persons concerned with Israel which are not recorded in the historical books of the O.T. None of these books pretend to be complete in every detail even of the history of Israel. An argument from the silence of other O.T. books is no argument at all against the record of Daniel

3.

Second, the argument from the silence of profane historians is no argument against the record of DanielONLY IF THERE WERE PROFANE WRITERS STATING THAT SUCH AN EVENT NEVER HAPPENED WOULD THERE BE AN ARGUMENT AGAINST DANIEL

4.

As a matter of fact, there are two historians of antiquity who mention certain events in the life of Neb. which support the historicity of Daniel's record: Berosus and Abydenus. Berosus, a Chaldean priest in the time of Alexander the Great. Abydenus (268 B.C.) was a pupil of Berosus. Berosus wrote: Nabuchodonosor, after he had begun to build the forementioned wall, fell sick and departed this life whe he had reigned 43 years, whereupon his son, Evil-Merodach, obtained the kingdom. Abydenus tells of a prediction of Neb. about insanity for one of his enemies after which his enemies after which Neb. disappeared for a time.

CONCLUSIONDaniel 4:34-37

I.

THE MIGHTY POTENTATE FINALLY SURRENDERS TO HIS SOVEREIGN

A.

There is no reason at all to question the statement of facts made here

1.

The sincerity of his motive will have to await the final judgment when all the secrets of men will be revealed

2.

One thing seems almost certain, Neb. is convinced of the omnipotence of Daniel's God!

3.

He admits God's sovereignty in both the unseen and seen worldand that universally so!

4.

It also seems certain that the king is thanking Daniel's God for the restoration of his sanity and his kingdom.

B.

Does God's restoration of Neb. indicate some acceptable manifestation of conversion by this pagan king?

1.

It would seem proper to believe that God was pleased with the faith of Neb., however immature and limited it may be

2.

Ed. J. Young lists the following in favor of Neb. acceptance of God

a.

There is discernable a progress in his knowledge of God (cf. Daniel 2:47 with Daniel 3:28 and with Daniel 4:34-35)

b.

The king acknowledges the utter sovereignty of God with respect to his own experience

c.

The king utters true statements concerning the omnipotence of the true God (Daniel 4:34-35)

d.

The king would worship this God, whom he identifies as King of heaven.

3.

To what extent God will accuse or excuse Neb. at the judgment is solely God's business. Neb. was as responsive it would seem as the king of Nineveh at the preaching of Jonah.

II.

Graham Scrobbie writes:

Here we take leave of Nebuchadnezzar. How does he bid us farewell? Not only as a sane man but as a converted man. The last thing related of him is the humble public confession which he made, and the noble testimony to the true God, which, for the benefit of all men, he delivered in the edict contained in this chapter. With the restoration of his reason and his kingdom came the regeneration of his soul. There is nothing in this Book more sublime than this testimony of Nebuchadnezzar'S. To him light came at eventide, and he turned his throne into a pulpit, and his State papers into sermons, that his erring subjects might learn the wonders of Omnipotence, be led to honor the Most High, and have peace multiplied unto them through His Name. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony is the political message for all earth's kings and rulers until Christ shall comeGOD RULES. This is the king's final message to the world. Those that walk in pride He is able to abase. LET US REMEMBER THAT WHEN IT SEEMS TO US THAT THE WICKED PROSPER AND THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER. THE LORD REIGNETH. REJOICE! AMEN!

EXAMINATION FOUR

REFUTATIONS
(Answer the following by giving the argument which will correct the statement)

1.

Nebuchadnezzar believed his dream about the tree to be a sign from the Babylonian wise-men. Refute!

2.

Daniel viciously prayed that the king's dream should come true upon his enemies. Refute!

3.

This account of such a dream is only another example of pagan mythology which has found its way into the biblical text. Refute!

ASSOCIATIONS
(Associate the person or thing of column 1 with the most nearly correct parallel of column 2; some of column 2 are not correct)

1

2

watcher

king of Babylon

beast's heart

flute

seven times

complete period

tree

Nebuchadnezzar

King of heaven

Daniel

eat grass

Belshazzar
lycanthropy
insanity
angel
God

MEMORIZATIONS
(Fill in the blanks:)

It had seemed good unto me to show the _________ and _________ that the _________ God hath wrought toward _________. How _________ are his signs! and how _________ are his wonders! his kingdom is an _________ kingdom, and his _________ is from generation to generation.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, _________ and _________ and honor the King of _________: for all his works are _________, and his ways _________; and those that walk in _________ he is able to _________.

EXPLANATIONS

1.

Explain the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar's dream as Daniel interpreted it.

2.

Explain how the prophecy concerning the king's insanity might have actually happened.

3.

Explain what you think the scriptures indicate to be the result in Nebuchadnezzar's relationship of Jehovah-God.

BELSHAZZAR

Midnight came slowly sweeping on;

In silent rest lay Babylon.

But in the royal castle high

Red torches gleamed and courtiers cry.

Belshazzar there in kingly hall

Is holding kingly festival.

The vassals sat in glittering line,

And emptied the goblets with glowing wine.

The goblets rattle, the choruses swell,

And it pleased the stiff-necked monarch well.

In the monarch's cheeks a wild fire glowed,

And the wine awoke his daring mood.

And, onward still by his madness spurred,

He blasphemes the Lord with a sinful word;

And he brazenly boasts, blaspheming wild,

While the service courtiers cheered and smiled.

Quick the king spoke, while his proud glance burned,

Quickly the servant went and returned.

He bore on his head the vessels of gold,

Of Jehovah's temple the plunder bold.

With daring hand, in his frenzy grim,

The king seized a beaker and filled to the brim,

And drained to the dregs the sacred cup,

And foaming he cried, as he drank it up,

Jehovah, eternal scorn I own

To thee. I am monarch of Babylon.

Scarce had the terrible blasphemy rolled

From his lips, ere the monarch at heart was cold.

The yelling laughter was hushed, and all

Was still as death in the royal hall.

And see! and see! on the white wall high

The form of a hand went slowly by,

And writeand wrote, on the broad wall white,

Letters of fire, and vanished in night.

Pale as death, with a steady stars,

And with trembling knees, the king sat there;

The horde of slaves sat huddering chill;

No word they spoke, but were deathlike still.

The Magicians came, but of them all,

None could read the flame-script on the wall.

But that same night, in all his pride,

By the hands of his servants Belshazzar died.

Heinrick Heine (1820)