May the Spirit of God reveal the meaning of this prophecy to us and produce in us that which God desires to His glory and our good. Your Majesty, you are the king of kings. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Quite clear, however, is the identity of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man.. 1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. The blasphemous horn of Daniel 7, which goes so far as to oppose the people of God, is suddenly taken by death, and his kingdom is removed. This was your dream. [1], It is generally accepted that the Book of Daniel originated as a collection of folktales among the Jewish community in Babylon and Mesopotamia in the Persian and early Hellenistic periods (5th to 3rd centuries BCE), expanded in the Maccabean era (mid-2nd century) by the visions in chapters 712. Daniel was blank and his thoughts were blank when he learned the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's second dream. 2:29), and he questioned the loyalty of those in his court (cf. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. It may seem to them that their defeat is certain and that their hopes of entering into the eternal kingdom are lost. [31], The symbolic significance of the stone which destroys the statue and becomes a mountain evokes biblical imagery of God as the "rock" of Israel, Zion as a mountain rising above all others, and God's glory filling the whole world. We are not to base our thinking and actions on circumstances, but upon the Scriptures. Terms and Conditions Burleson, TX 76028. He surpasses those before him by speaking boastfully, then blaspheming, and finally seeking to overthrow Gods order. 4:19). God gives us wisdom in ways we may not always readily recognize. World History 39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. Abraham had to believe and behave on the basis of Gods promises, rather than on the basis of his perception. The king is told that all of these earthly kingdoms would be destroyed by the stone not fashioned by human hands, and that an eternal kingdom would take the place of these temporal kingdoms. Leadership (Exodus 15:1 15:21). The Parable of the Ten Virgins Keep watch because you do not know the day or hour of His return (Matthew 25:1 25:13). They surely knew this text to be messianic, but they had always applied it to the Gentiles. [19], The overall theme of the Book of Daniel is God's sovereignty over history,[5] and the theme of the tales in chapters 16 is that God is sovereign over all earthly kings. The kingdom of God would not be established in Daniels lifetime, nor in the life of those who returned to the land of Israel from their captivity. Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? All of this is by divine design. Nebuchadnezzars Dream (Daniel 4:1-18) Say: Everyone turn to Daniel 4. Web6 Daniel ch 4. 23 Thus he said: The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. Consequently, it is little wonder that in the events recorded in Daniel 5, Belshazzar was ignorant of Daniel and the abilities God had given him. 620 BC. There are conflicting views of which countries are represented by the enormous statues remaining components silver chest and arms, bronze belly and thighs, and iron legs. [28] The concept of four successive world empires is drawn from Greek theories of mythological history, while the symbolism of the four metals is drawn from Persian writings. How easily we turn from what is revealed to speculate about what has been concealed (see Deuteronomy 29:29). Prophecy If taken seriously, we will find the future sobering as well. The beast also was given a mans mind. Priesthood Now you have enabled me to understand what I requested from you. These kingdoms go from bad to worse. The events seen by Daniel in chapter seven would signal the establishment of the everlasting kingdom which Daniel described in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. He only called on him in a moment of sheer panic when no one else could help, and only then because of the recommendation of the queen mother. He responded by honoring Daniel by falling down before him. Holy Spirit Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. But here in chapter 7, as in Psalm 80:17, the son of man is more than just a man, He is the Messiah. This decree also falls on Daniel, but he, through the agency of his God, is able to tell the king the dream. (7) Who is the Ancient of Days? His actions reveal that he had not learned the lessons of his first dream which God had caused him to have. 2:89). An eleventh king then rises to power, different from the others, replacing three of the previous kings. What is its message to Daniel, to the Jews, and to us? 4:2833 records the first part of the fulfillment of the kings dreamnamely, his fall and exile. Up to this time, it was simply a synonym for being human, a son of man. So it was for our Lord (1 Peter 1:10-12), and so it will be for us. He ran to the king, bringing Daniel with him, and said, Ive found a man from the exiles of Judah who can interpret the kings dream!, 26 The king asked Daniel (renamed in Babylonian, Belteshazzar), Are you sure you can do thistell me the dream I had and interpret it for me?. [16] The book is also an eschatology, meaning a divine revelation concerning the end of the present age, a moment in which God will intervene in history to usher in the final kingdom. 25 And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (3) The finest commentary on the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from our Lord Himself. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Passing over the first three beasts, his questions focus on the last beast. And he solves all mysteries, I know, because youve solved this mystery.. Daniels description of King Nebuchadnezzars dream is eerily accurate. 28:28; Rom. The saints should expect to suffer because of their faith, especially as the last days for the kingdoms of men draw near. 12 and he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. As the king was about to execute the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah), God revealed Nebuchadnezzars dream and its meaning to Daniel in a vision during the night. In the Old Testament, the expression son of man was used most frequently in reference to men, who were merely (as opposed to God) human. The inter-relationship between the prophecies of chapters 2 and 7 is demonstrated on the following page: Deterioration: Gold to iron mixed with clay, Deterioration: Nearly human to blaspheming beast. Just like iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and as iron breaks in pieces all of these metals, so it will break in pieces and crush the others. Print. 11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. There seems to be a close connection between the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, which is revealed and interpreted in chapter 2, and the vision of Daniel in chapter 7. Concurrence You have things to do. The prophecy of Daniel 7 nevertheless had great relevance and application to those in Daniels day. If, in Gods eyes, a day is as 1,000 years and 1,000 years as a day (2 Peter 3:8), then the coming of our Lord has only been a few days from beginning to end. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (Revelation 13:1-10). God would strike him down suddenly too and bring his kingdom to a swift end. Gods plan and program are carried out on His schedule, not ours (see 2 Peter 2:8-10). Worship, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window). 46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and eworshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. As National Day of Prayer approaches, Pope suggests we spend time with Jesus every evening to reflect on the day. 4:1927 Daniel gives a clear interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars dream. He Why was he afraid and troubled? Enter your email address to join hundreds of others in following this website and to receive notifications of new posts by email. WebNebuchadnezzar was shocked by Daniels telling and explaining his dream. 4:9). A revelation from God in his sleep discloses future events which Daniel finds most troubling. This fourth beast seems to regenerate in the form of subsequent kings and kingdoms. The fourth beast is a fourth king, different than the others. His disciples were promised that they would share in His reign as King (19:20). Wealth and Poverty Previously, the king Sign up for the Bible Blender newsletter and periodically receive the latest Christian news, Bible study articles, modern-day life lessons, new product announcements, and more. When the Lord Jesus Christ came to earth, having added perfect humanity to His undiminished deity, He spoke of Himself very often as the Son of Man. In the Gospels, Jesus began not only to identify Himself as the Messiah, the promised Son of Man, but also to explain all that this involved. 21 I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. James 1:5 tells us if we ask God for wisdom, he will provide it generously. 31 You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! 3 While they are saying, Peace and safety! then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. This beast is also unique among the four in that he grows 11 horns. Humanly speaking, it was impossible for them to have a child. Given the events surrounding Nebuchadnezzars first dream, why do you think he again asked the wise men to interpret it? Editing is often evident in the Bible (see John 20:30-31; 31:25). No convincing explanation for this has been put forward. Chapter 2 contains a very significant prophecy, revealed by God to king Nebuchadnezzar. in 1971. Suffering and glory are a part of one work. (3) These prophecies must be understood in light of their historical background as provided in Daniel, in the inspired revelation provided by other portions of Scripture, and the cautious use of supplementary information by reliable historical documents or study. You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king., Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the Kings wise men, and said to him, Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. iron is stronger than gold) except for the feet which are made of an uncommon, unstable combination of materials. It seems there is more of a sense of urgency in seeking the meaning of the second dream. 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. Arrogant, boastful, and even blasphemous kings will reign over the nations, opposing God and oppressing His saints. About Us, Bible Blender Note that even pagan records mention the kings absence and return to power. Specifically, the account of The Bad News at Belshazzars Banquet (not a bad title for that lesson) in chapter 5 was given to us so that we could better understand the prophecies of chapters 7 and 8. 4:89). 24 So Daniel went back to Arioch, who had been put in charge of the execution. The New International Version. The beasts are hardly worthy of prose, but the court of heaven deserves a description of the finest words. 3:15; Zc. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.. Biblical Studies Press. The distance in time of the fulfillment of Daniel 7 said something very important to the captive Jews of Daniels day. Given Nebuchadnezzars repeated interaction with Daniel and his friends, why do you think he did not become a believer earlier (cf. [1], The book of which Daniel is the hero divides into two parts, a set of tales in chapters 16, and the series of visions in chapters 712,[2] the tales no earlier than the Hellenistic period (32330 BCE), and the visions from the Maccabean era (the mid-2nd century BCE). When his appointed time is over, God will destroy this king and his kingdom and establish His eternal kingdom on the earth. Having related the dream, Daniel then interprets it: it concerns four successive kingdoms, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar, which will be replaced by the everlasting kingdom of the God of heaven. This is an accurate telling of the dream, and the interpretation is also accurate., 4647 When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. Is it possible to understand history apart from knowledge of God and a Judeo-Christian worldview. It struck the statue on its iron and clay feet, breaking them in pieces. Both sets of kingdoms are brought to a sudden end and are replaced by an eternal kingdom. The ruler changed 32 This images 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. 47 The king said to Daniel, Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.. Sanctification In the euphoria of this grand event, someone might well conclude the kingdom of God was to be established within the lifetime of those returning to Israel. (7:128) A vision of four world kingdoms replaced by a fifth, B'. (4) Prophecies not completely fulfilled cannot be fully understood until after their fulfillment. Arioch informs the king he has found a man among the exiles from Judah who can interpret the kings dream. However, after Daniel sought God in prayer, the mystery of the kings dream was revealed to Daniel, and he was taken to the king to interpret it. Each of the four beasts represent a king and thus a resulting kingdom. 9 If any one has an ear, let him hear. 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. The wicked will prosper and appear to get away with their opposition toward God and His saints. When the Lord Jesus came to the earth, He often referred to Himself as the Son of Man, gradually making it clear that He was the Messiah who was God incarnate. Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a huge tree. Meet News Bitty. 47 The king answered Daniel, and said, Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret. 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. But the interpretation is given through me, not because Im any smarter than anyone else in the country, but so that you will know what it means, so that you will understand what you dreamed. Jesus warns against hypocrisy the greatest threat to Christianity today (Matthew 23:1 23:12). Daniels vision ends here, but its impact on him does not end. 15 And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Revelation 13:4, 11-15). What is it that these men are testifying against You? 63 But Jesus kept silent. (13) In some sense, the last kingdom is still on-going. In His response to the demand of the high priest, Jesus directly claimed to be the promised Messiah. The second time, the expression is used in reference to Daniel himself, as it will be used very frequently in Ezekiel to refer to this great prophet: So he came near to where I was standing, and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face; but he said to me, Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end (Daniel 8:17). Suffering is an inseparable part of the process which leads to glory. Daniel explained to the king that the statue represented four successive kingdoms beginning with Babylon, while the stone and mountain signified a kingdom established by God which would never be destroyed nor given to another people. When the court sits for judgment, his dominion is taken from him and he is destroyed forever. Ohio man charged with attempting to burn down church that planned to host drag show events. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all, you are this head of gold. Generally, it is agreed that this beast represents the Babylonian empire and king Nebuchadnezzar in particular. The boastful beast becomes even more aggressive, waging war with the saints and even overpowering them. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. In a similar way, Belshazzar becomes blasphemous and is suddenly removed by God for his wickedness. The interpretation of the events Daniel witnessed in his vision is given in its most concise form in verses 17 and 18: The four beasts were four kings, who will arise from the earth. Before the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt and brought into the land of Canaan, they suffered at the hands of the Egyptians. His final offspring, so to speak, is the little horn which becomes the great blasphemer, whose life and kingdom is suddenly cut off by the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Web27 Daniel replied, No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. Different from the first three, this beast seems uglier, more powerful, and much more hostile toward God and His saints. 2:40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom, one strong like iron. The Old Testament prophet did not see the gap because he viewed the coming of Christ as God does. The God of heaven has given you the works: rule, power, strength, and glory. And they did! The Holy Bible: King James Version. Escort me to the king, and I will disclose the interpretation to him!. WebDaniel Timeline in Biblical History. Second, the prophecies of Daniel are to be understood in the light of the entire Book of Daniel, of the Old Testament, and of the Bible as a whole. Their perception is wrong, for suddenly and without warning their day of destruction will come upon them. Where it has not caused distress, it should have. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. The beast was lifted up and made to stand like a man. Interpretations of Daniels prophecies differ widely. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold to pieces. 2:14; 1 John 4:56)? The rock that smashes the feet of the iron kingdom represents God. (5) Above all, the prophecy in this chapter means precisely what God says it means in this text, nothing more and nothing less. Daniel himself served in the kings court. FAQ Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. Second, is the appearance of an angel, called a watcher, who declares and facilitates the removal of Nebuchadnezzar from power (cf. for you have bestowed wisdom and power on me. When you recognize that God has shown an answer to you offer praise and thanks. The dream makes clear that the kingdom of God is going Since Daniel goes to great lengths to attribute his ability to interpret dreams to God, it is possible he is referring to himself and God to divert credit from himself. This takes place until the Ancient of Days comes and judgment is given to the saints, at the time the eternal kingdom becomes their possession. In those days, as in our own, there are always those are too quick to conclude that the kingdom of God has come (see Matthew 24:4, 6, 8, 24-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:1ff.). God would strike him down in the moment of His choosing to silence him once and for all and put an end to his kingdom. Now, in verse 23, the angelic interpreter explains the relationship of the boastful beast and the coming of the eternal kingdom of God. 4:1012; 2022). That kingdom wont bond, wont hold together any more than iron and clay hold together. The coming of the Son of Man is represented as one coming, and not two. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beast of the field and the birds in the sky. [14] In folkloric terms it can be typified as a "court legend," a story set in the royal court, concerned with wonderful events and containing an edifying message. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them allyou are this head of gold. 3 And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another. New transgender policy for public schools empathizes with those with gender dysphoria while being steadfast in opposing gender ideology. The reign of Belshazzar was, in some measure, a foretaste of what was yet to come in full measure during the reign of the fourth beast, especially of the eleventh horn. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. The scene of the four beasts arising from the sea, which Daniel saw in his night vision, is strikingly similar to the account found in the 13th chapter of Revelation: 1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors. Child-bearing is a process which involves suffering and glory. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up ya 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. Usually it refers to a person as a human being. Nebuchadnezzar had been convicted, but not converted. Bible lessons blended with science, theology, modern-day life lessons and logic. (4) This is the first prophecy in the book revealed directly to Daniel. 4:3437 reports Nebuchadnezzars return to power. Finally, an iron kingdom will arrive, one that is strong and breaks and smashes everything. (4) Suffering is to be expected by the saints, before they enter into the glorious kingdom of God. Did Arioch take credit for Daniels gift? In the latter days, before the kingdom of God is established on the earth, kings and kingdoms will become worse and worse. [30] Verses 41b-43 give three different interpretations of the meaning of the mixture of iron and clay in the statue's feet, as a "divided kingdom," then as "strong and brittle," and finally as a dynastic marriage. One of the more famous kings of ancient Babylon, ruling for over 40 years, from about 605 BC to 562 BC. 20 Daniel answered and said. These beasts, each different from the other, are described in verses 4-7. A great stone, not cut by human hands, fell on the feet of the statue and destroyed it, and the rock became a mountain that filled the whole world. The fourth beast receives greater attention and is of the most interest to Daniel. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. The account of the writing on the wall and the death of Belshazzar (obviously the last year of his reign) is found in Daniel 5. Astonished and troubled. While conservative, evangelical scholars believe the prophecies in Daniel are true, their interpretations differ greatly. The woman endures in the view of the final outcome of the process. Neither peer opposition nor the king's new law (chapter 6) greatly disturbed Daniel. First is a great tree that filled the earth. English. 24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them,81 and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. all praise! The king said to Daniel, Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.. The latter prophecy of Daniel 7 adds many more details than were revealed in chapter 2. 7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. They are far from pleasant but an unavoidable part of the process. Daniel boiled down his vision to its essence, so we would not fail to understand the message he meant to convey to us. The New King James Version. The third beast is leopard-like, with four wings and four heads, and it is given dominion. There are three main components to the dream. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. WebDaniel was the one who informed him that he could do this. This fourth beast has the distinction of ten horns. 4:8). 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. His declaration, which resulted from the deliverance of the three Hebrews, made it unlawful to hinder the worship of the Jews; his decree recorded at the end of chapter 4 went much further. This kings boasting turns to blasphemy. Just as the toes of the feet were part ceramic and part iron, it will end up a mixed bag of the breakable and unbreakable. As the saints suffer at the hands of the wicked, it may appear all hope is lost. 2:47 The king replied to Daniel, Certainly your God is a God of gods and Lord of kings and revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery! 2:48 Then the king elevated Daniel to high position and bestowed on him many marvelous gifts. The silver chest and arms are a future ruler that will be inferior to Nebuchadnezzar. Take me to the king and Ill interpret his dream., 25 Arioch didnt lose a minute. God is able to raise up kings and put them down. Will of God What so upset Daniel about the future? Daniel 1:1-2:4a was written in Hebrew. (9) The interpretation of Daniels vision comes in two parts, beginning with a general interpretation and then a more specific one based on Daniels questions. It was a dream of a great statue with a head of gold, arms and chest of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of mingled iron and clay. Daniel 1:18-20: Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzars dream about a statue made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay. This chapter is actually a letter. Since the last kingdom and the prophecies associated with it have not yet been fulfilled, we must in some way be a part of that kingdom. And yet God said they would. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. It is mental condition where a person thinks themselves to be an animal and begins to live as such. For you have enabled me to understand the kings dilemma., 2:24 Then Daniel went in to see Arioch (whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. (11) What is the point of the vision? (1) The Book of Daniel is a part of the Holy Scriptures, and thus inspired, accurate, and trustworthy. [20] In Daniel 2 these two merge, and the claim of God's sovereignty extends beyond the immediate story to take in all of history. Print. 9 I kept looking until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool. WebNebuchadnezzar is a real person. I believe some in Babylon, like their king, came to a genuine faith in God. He also presented an offering and incense to Daniel, most likely indicating that he viewed him as the representative of God (Dan. WebNews Bulletin 04 - Daniel Interprets Statue Dream. The lord answered Daniel's prayers and those of his companions by showing him the dream and interpretation in a night.