Daniel 4
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Daniel 4
Morris comments: It is remarkable that modern computer studies have shown that Jerusalem is, indeed, very near the geographical center of all the earth's land areas and, therefore, the midst of the nations. (Morris,
Daniel 4
Morris comments that "This distinctive name for one of God's holy angels occurs in the Bible only in this chapter (Da 4:17,23). It does occur also in extra-Biblical literature (the book of Enoch). The term is insightful, suggesting that angels are watching us, and they "desire to look into" God's dealings with us (1Peter 1:12-note). (Defender's Study Bible Note on Daniel 4:13) Daniel 4:14 'He shouted out and spoke as follows: "Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit; Let the beasts flee from under it And the birds from its branches. shouted: Da 3:4 Rev 10:3 18:2 chop: Da 4:23 5:20 Mt 3:10 7:19 Lk 3:9 13:7-9 let: Da 4:12 Jer 51:6,9 Eze 31:12,13 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "ANGELIC INSOMNIA!" He shouted out (Actually 2 words in Aramaic, more literally cried out in strength) - Abruptly and without warning the command is shouted out (this would cause anyone to have a frightening night of sleep!) that the great tree which was seemingly indestructible is to be chopped down. The destruction would have been complete except for the next verse. Daniel 4:15 "Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, But with a band of iron and bronze around it In the new grass of the field; And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, And let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth. leave: Da 4:25-27 Job 14:7-9 Eze 29:14,15 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Stump with its roots - This speaks of retention of the potential for revival. NET Note - Aram “the stock of its root.” So also Da 4:23. The implication here is that although the tree is chopped down, it is not killed. Its life-giving root is spared. The application to Nebuchadnezzar is obvious. The function of the band of iron and bronze is not entirely clear, but it may have had to do with preventing the splitting or further deterioration of the portion of the tree that was left after being chopped down. By application it would then refer to the preservation of Nebuchadnezzar’s life during the time of his insanity. Let him - Note the occurrence of the masculine pronoun him, which is most closely linked with the stump with its roots in the ground. This is a presaging of the fact that the "him" would not be totally annihilated, despite the tree being chopped down. Herodotus [7.19] mentions a dream which Xerxes had; namely, that he was crowned with olive, and that the branches of the olive filled the whole earth, but that afterwards the crown vanished from his head: signifying his universal dominion soon to come to an end. (Jamieson) Isaiah 10:33, 34-Isa 11:1-5 describes a similar image in which God permitted the “tree” of Israel to be cut down by their enemies, but prophesied that out of the stump the Messiah would come. Daniel 4:16 "Let his mind be changed from that of a man And let a beast's mind be given to him, And let seven periods of time pass over him. be changed: Da 4:32,33 Isa 6:10 Heb 1:11 Mk 5:4,5 Lk 8:27-29 seven times: Da 4:23,25,31 7:25 11:13 12:7 Rev 12:14 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Let his mind be changed - More literally "let his heart be changed" as Scripture views our heart as our "control center" (thoughts, emotions, will, etc - the Septuagint translates the Aramaic with kardia [see word study]). The Septuagint translates "changed" with the verb alloioo which means to make different, in passive (as in this passage) meaning to be changed or altered, to become different. Periods of time (05732)('iddan) is one word in Aramaic. As discussed below in the present context this stands for one year, so that seven periods of time would be 7 years. Every use of the phrase periods of time in NAS is found in Daniel 4. 'Iddan - 11v all in Daniel - Dan 2:8-9, 21; 3:5, 15; 4:16, 23, 25, 32; 7:12, 25. Translated (NAS) as moment(2), situation(1), time(8), times(2). Swanson on 'iddan - 1. time, occasion in a general sense, without reference to other points of time (Da 2:8, 9, 21; 7:12); 2. (most versions) time, a period of time, as a definite unit: year (Holladay, KB, BDB, NAB, Hermeneia (Collins)), (seven) years (Da 4:16,23,29, 32); three and a half years (NAB) Da 7:25, formally, time, times and a half time (= 1 + 2 + 1/2), note: other commentaries suggest that this may not be a definite unit of time, or possibly a month, or a six-month period (season) of time; the versions tend to keep the exact unit of time ambiguous. Are we justified in interpreting the Aramaic word for periods as signifying years and not months, weeks, etc? The best commentary on Scripture is always Scripture (See Compare Scripture with Scripture) ! In the book of Daniel in another passage "time" is equated with "year"? So in Da 7:25-note we read of the saints being given into the hand of the Antichrist for time, times and half a time. By comparing parallel passages in the Revelation (Rev 12:6-note and Rev 12:14-note) we can deduce that time (singular) equates with one year and times (plural) equates with two years so that time, times and half a time is 3.5 years. Thus a single time is one year. Additional support is found in one of the two versions of the Septuagint which has the phrase "seven years." Theodoret's version of the Lxx has seven seasons (Lxx = kairos), but does not specify the length. However, if one compares the Septuagint rendering of Da 7:25, the Greek word for time (which in that context equates with one year) is the same word kairos. While this is not direct evidence, it is very suggestive that even Theodoret's translation favors this as a seven year period (reminds me of an old movie name - "The Seven Year Itch!") Seven - Speaks of completion or perfection, in this case that this time would be necessary to see this arrogant king repent and submit to the Most High God. Jamieson -"Seven" is the perfect number: a week of years: a complete revolution of time accompanying a complete revolution in his state of mind." Daniel 4:17 "This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men." by the: Da 4:13,14 1Ki 22:19,20 1Ti 5:21 the holy: Da 4:8,9,13 Isa 6:3,8 Rev 4:8 that the living: Ps 9:16 83:17,18 Ezek 25:17 the most High: Da 4:25,32, 33, 34, 35 2:21 5:18, 19, 20, 21 Jer 27:5, 6, 7 bestows: Ps 75:6,7 the basest: Da 4:25 11:21 Ex 9:16 1Sa 2:8 1Ki 21:25 2Ki 21:6-18 2Ch 28:22 Ps 12:8 113:7,8; Ezek 7:24 1Co 1:28 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Decree is by the angelic watchers...command of the holy ones - When compared with Da 4:24 we see that the decree is clearly that of the Most High God and the angels are His "heralds" proclaiming his decree, decision and command. In order that - The king needed to know that this dream was of divine origin and not a bad "nightmare" related to indigestion! As an aside, let me encourage you to be on alert for this phrase in order that which is a phrase I refer to as a term of purpose or result. It follows that when you encounter this phrase (or synonymous phrases such as so that, that, as a result) When a term of purpose or result is encountered, it behooves the reader to pause and ponder the context, asking at least "What is purpose (or result or effect)?" There are 161 occurrences of in order that from Genesis to Revelation. The related phrase so that is found some 580 times. While many of your pauses to ponder in order that, so that (or the word "that" used in a similar sense), will lead to a straightforward answer, just the fact that you were prompted to slow down and meditate on the passage can often lead to new insights. It is as if you give your Teacher the Spirit time to speak to you about the text. In the present context, the purpose of the tree vision and the tree being chopped down is to show that "the Most High is the ruler over the realm of mankind." In fact the divine dream really has a three fold purpose, to show that... (1) The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind (2) He bestows in on whom He wishes (3) He sets over it the lowliest of men These three purposes can be summarized in one word - Sovereignty Related Resource: Sovereignty: How Much Does God Control? Gingrich... All blessings and gifts are of God—Nebuchadnezzar failed to acknowledge this fact, Da 4:17, 25, 32; 1Cor. 4:7. As Campbell says in this verse we see... This is, in essence, a restatement of the great theme of the Book of Daniel: God is sovereign over the affairs of men and rules supremely in the world. He is the final authority, the highest judge. Further, He oversees the appointment of national rulers. "He removes kings and establishes kings" (Da 2:21). "For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Ro13:1-note). (Ibid) Sets over it the lowliest of men - Lowliest means humblest. In the NT, the origin of the Greek word for humble indicates one who is low down. This reminds me of Samuel's selection of the king to replace Saul ("He removes kings..." Da 2:21), for even as Jesse's sons were brought before Samuel, he looked at Eliab and reasoned "Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him" to which Jehovah responded Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1Sa 16:7) Nebuchadnezzar's father Nabopolassar claimed to be of very humble origin as evidenced by his royal inscriptions which have been discovered: “in my littleness, the son of a nobody,” “of me, the insignificant, who among men was not visible,” “I, the weak, the feeble.” Jamieson says that the idea is... the lowest in condition (1Sa 2:8 Lk 1:52). It is not one's talents, excellency, or noble birth, but God's will, which elevates to the throne. Nebuchadnezzar abased to the dunghill, and then restored, was to have in himself an experimental proof of this (Da 4:37). The purpose of God's decree was to directly contradict such thinking as expressed in the famous (? infamous) lines from the poem "Invictus"... OUT of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul... It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. William Ernest Henley God Still Reigns- There's a story from the Eastern Roman Empire of a Christian monk who was horrified by the wickedness of the emperor. He prayed to God and asked, "Why did You allow that evil man to become emperor?" God replied, "Because I couldn't find anyone worse!" Daniel saw wicked kings reign over God's people in Babylon. It must have been extremely frustrating. In time, the Lord dethroned each proud king, but He replaced them with others just as evil. King Nebuchadnezzar, for example, exalted himself until God caused him to live like an animal for 7 years. When he regained his mind, he praised God as the one true Ruler (Dan. 4:28-37). But the cycle of evil monarchs continued. Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's descendant, mocked God and used the sacred goblets from the temple in Jerusalem during a drunken orgy (Da 5:2 3, 4). The Most High still rules over kingdoms of men, He gives the control to whomever He will; All people must bow to His sovereign plan, And know that His purposes He will fulfill. --Hess The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Pr 21:1 Daniel 4:18 'This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.' Inasmuch: Da 4:7 2:7 5:8,15 Ge 41:8,15 Isa 19:3 47:12-14 but: Da 4:8,9 2:26-28 1Ki 14:2,3 Am 3:7 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But you are able - He affirms the inability of human wisdom to discern spiritual truth (1Co 2:14). Daniel 4:19 "Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, 'Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.' Belteshazzar replied, 'My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries! Daniel: Da 4:8 1:7 2:26 5:12) was appalled: Da 4:9 7:28 8:27 10:16,17 Jer 4:19 Hab 3:10 let: Da 4:4,5 1Sa 3:17) (My Lord: Da 4:24 10:16 Ge 31:35 32:4,5,18 Ex 32:32 1Sa 1:15 24:8 26:15 2Sa 18:31 1Ki 18:7 the dream: 2Sa 18:32 Jer 29:7 Daniel 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Appalled - The Lxx uses a verb that means "to become mute"! It seems he was speechless. The NLT renders the Aramaic as "overcome" and the NIV as "greatly perplexed". For a while - For a while is literally "about one hour" (which is also the Greek Septuagint translation). The NET Bible note says that The expression refers idiomatically to a brief period of time of undetermined length. His thoughts alarmed him - The Lxx uses a verb (suntarasso) which means to be thrown into confusion, confounded, disturbed and the in the imperfect tense pictures this action/attitude as occurring over and over. The NIV renders this phrase "frightened" which seems to give the impression he was afraid, as for example afraid of what the king might do to him. Perhaps, but I think Daniel had counted the cost of integrity and an uncompromising heart and he was prepared for whatever might befall him for speaking the truth. Frightened perhaps for the king would be a better thought and even the context supports that interpretation as Daniel wishes the dream applied to his enemies. Contrary to being concerned about self, he was concerned about the king! Daniel was astonished at the fate that awaited King Nebuchadnezzar. On one hand he cared for the king and did not want to bring such a somber message. On the other hand we recall that the king was well known for his "fiery" (seven times hotter) temper, and he could have just as easily ordered Daniel executed for giving him such a humiliating interpretation. While the following is a proverb, not a promise, it has generally been true in my personal experience and certainly would apply to Daniel... When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Pr 16:7) The king responded - He sees Daniel's anguish and hesitation and encourages him to not withhold the truth.