Introduction
Daniel 4:19–33: Today’s reading continues the account of Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream. Daniel interprets the king’s vision of the giant tree and the angel’s order to cut it down. The tree represents Nebuchadnezzar, who will lose his power and sanity and live among wild animals for seven years. Only when he acknowledges God’s supremacy will he regain his kingdom. The reading concludes with Daniel’s prophecy coming to pass.
Today’s Key Verse: Daniel 4:32b GNT
[Daniel said:] “Then you will acknowledge that the Supreme God has power over human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses.”
Read
19 At this, Daniel, who is also called Belteshazzar, was so alarmed that he could not say anything. The king said to him, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream and its message alarm you.”Belteshazzar replied, “Your Majesty, I wish that the dream and its explanation applied to your enemies and not to you. 20 The tree, so tall that it reached the sky, could be seen by everyone in the world. 21 Its leaves were beautiful, and it had enough fruit on it to feed the whole world. Wild animals rested under it, and birds made their nests in its branches.22 “Your Majesty, you are the tree, tall and strong. You have grown so great that you reach the sky, and your power extends over the whole world. 23 While Your Majesty was watching, an angel came down from heaven and said, ‘Cut the tree down and destroy it, but leave the stump in the ground. Wrap a band of iron and bronze around it, and leave it there in the field with the grass. Let the dew fall on this man, and let him live there with the animals for seven years.’24 “This, then, is what it means, Your Majesty, and this is what the Supreme God has declared will happen to you. 25 You will be driven away from human society and will live with wild animals. For seven years you will eat grass like an ox and sleep in the open air, where the dew will fall on you. Then you will admit that the Supreme God controls all human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses. 26 The angel ordered the stump to be left in the ground. This means that you will become king again when you acknowledge that God rules all the world. 27 So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous.”28 All this did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Only twelve months later, while he was walking around on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, 30 he said, “Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display my power and might, my glory and majesty.”31 Before the words were out of his mouth, a voice spoke from heaven, “King Nebuchadnezzar, listen to what I say! Your royal power is now taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from human society, live with wild animals, and eat grass like an ox for seven years. Then you will acknowledge that the Supreme God has power over human kingdoms and that he can give them to anyone he chooses.”33 The words came true immediately. Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human society and ate grass like an ox. The dew fell on his body, and his hair grew as long as eagle feathers and his nails as long as bird claws.
Reflect
Why does Daniel hesitate at first to explain the dream (verse 19)? What is the meaning of the stump left in the ground (verse 26)? The prophecy is fulfilled twelve months after Daniel’s meeting with Nebuchadnezzar. Reread verses 29–31. What triggers the king’s downfall? Have you ever been humbled in a moment of pride, or seen this happen to someone else? What is the right attitude to have about our successes?
Pray
Almighty God, you oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. Your word is certain; nothing escapes the reach of your care. Make our hearts firm, that we may trust in you in good times and bad. Help us be thankful for the blessings you give us in this life, while not trusting in them or in our own strength but in you alone. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Daniel 4:34–37: Nebuchadnezzar regains his kingdom and praises God.
