DANIEL INTERPRETS THE DREAM DANIEL 4:19-27
(19) Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you." Belteshazzar answered, "My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! (20) The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, (21) with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the beasts of the field, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air--(22) you, O king, are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.
(23) "You, O king, saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live like the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.'
(24) "This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king; (25) You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes. (26) The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue." (NIV)
LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY
When Daniel understood Nebuchadnezzar's dream, he was stunned, and he wondered how to break the news. He told the king he wished what the dream foreshadowed would happen to the king's enemies and not to Nebuchadnezzar. How could Daniel be so deeply grieved at the fate of Nebuchadnezzar--the king who was responsible for the destruction of Daniel's home and nation? Daniel had forgiven Nebuchadnezzar, and so God was able to use Daniel. Very often when we have been wronged by someone, we find it difficult to forgive the past. We may even be glad when that person suffers. Forgiveness means putting the past behind us. Can you love someone who has hurt you? Can you serve someone who mistreated you? Ask God to help you forgive, forget, and love. God may use you in an extraordinary way in that person's life!
Although much of the world thought that Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty (even divine) king, God demonstrated that Nebuchadnezzar was an ordinary man. The king would go insane and become like an animal for a set period of time ("seven times"). God humiliated Nebuchadnezzar to show that almighty God, not Nebuchadnezzar, was Lord of the nations. No matter hew powerful a person may become, self-centered pride will push God from his or her life. Pride may be one of the most dangerous temptations you will face. Don't let your accomplishments cause you to forget God.
MY THOUGHTS
In Daniel's day, if you looked at the king in a manner he did not like, you could have your head removed. After all, look what he had already done to the Jewish Boys. It is difficult to understand how Daniel could still be loyal and sympathetic to this king.
In my life, when I think I have forgiven, pride rears it's ugly head and reminds me of the wrongs done. It seems to be a bigger battle to forgive some than it is to forgive others. I find that I am better equipped to forgive and forget wrongs by family than those who are not related to me.
How would I react if I dreamed of a Messenger from God and a prophet interpreted the dream with instructions to change my life or face dire consequences? Oh, I have The Living Word of God, and He tells me frequently of how I should live. The consequences of not obeying is DEATH.
He wants a loving relationship with me. The choice is mine. In this part of Daniel, the choice belonged to King Nebuchadnezzar.
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