Daniel 4
Adam Clarke · Citado em PreceptAustin
Daniel 4
Clarke - There are no preternatural signs like his! His wonders—miraculous interferences, are mighty—they surpass all human power. He is the Sovereign of all kings, and his dominion is everlasting; and every generation is a proof of his all-governing influence. These are very fine sentiments, and show how deeply his mind was impressed with the majesty of God. Peter describes God's heartbeat in regard to salvation of the world (in the context of those who because of delay, question the teaching that God will judge the world - 2Pe 3:5, 6-note, 2Pe 3:7, 8-note) noting that... The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9-note, cp 1Ti 2:4) And during the seven year period referred to as the Tribulation (aka Daniel's Seventieth Week), just before Christ returns, John testifies again to the desire of the Father to save men even as His wrath is being poured out on the earth... And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." (Rev 14:6-note, Rev 14:7-note) Comment: Note the similarity of the intended audiences of both the angel's message to the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar (respectively, every nation, etc versus all the peoples...all the earth). May your peace abound - This was a common form of expression in the ancient world (cp Darius' decree in Da 6:25). However issuing from Nebuchadnezzar's lips, this may have had more meaning, as this chapter strongly suggests that he experienced the peace that comes only to the hearts of those converted by grace through faith. By way of application, if one believes the truth of God's Word by grace through faith, the result is an eternal, abounding peace WITH God (Ro 5:1-note). And when we as believers choose to live by the truth of God's Word, then we experience the surpassing peace OF God (Php 4:7-note). Think about this for a moment...Nebuchadnezzar a man filled with anger and prone to acts of unspeakable cruelty, the destroyer of God's temple, the one who took God's people captive, and yet in spite of all this, the Lord is showing grace and mercy to this pagan king. Is anything too difficult for the Lord? (Ge 18:14) Beloved, do you have a friend, relative or spouse that you think is simply too far away for God to ever be able to reach their heart and bring about conversion? Then think again and remember the lengths to which God went in order to bring about Nebuchadnezzar's repentance and belief. Jamieson writes that - Peace (was) the usual salutation in the East, shalom, whence "salaam." The primitive revelation of the fall, and man's alienation from God, made "peace" to be felt as the first and deepest want of man. The Orientals (as the East was the cradle of revelation) retained the word by tradition. Charles Simeon - A MORE remarkable history than this is not found in the annals of the world. Never was such a transition ever heard of, from such an elevation to a state of such extraordinary degradation, as that which is recorded in this chapter. The account is written by Nebuchadnezzar himself; and, doubtless by divine direction, it was incorporated with the writings of Daniel, and made a part of the inspired volume. (Simeon, C. 1832-63. Horae Homileticae Vol. 9: Jeremiah to Daniel. Page 485 - Daniel 4:34-37 NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM VERIFIED AND IMPROVED - open Vol 9 & scroll down ) Liberal "scholars" go to great lengths in attempts to discredit the authenticity of Daniel 4 for several reasons, including the unusual nature of the events described and the apparent conversion of a famous pagan king. John Walvoord sums this up well writing that "This chapter is no more difficult to believe than any other unusual divine revelation." (Ibid) When does Daniel 4 take place? There is no internal evidence to allow one to assign a specific date to this Daniel 4, although some commentators do suggest specific timing, but without any clear Biblical substantiation. For example respected expositor John
Daniel 4
Clarke notes that... Great men and princes are often represented, in the language of the prophets, under the similitude of trees, see Ezekiel 17:5, 6; 31:3 and following; Jer 22:15; Ps 1:3; 37:35.