ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Daniel 4

Dan. 4:1–37 Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, and Daniel again is the only one of his officials able to interpret it. This dream concerns Nebuchadnezzar’s own need to acknowledge that the God of Israel is the true God. Through humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar learns that lesson.

Dan. 4:1–3 The narrative begins at the end of the story, with the letter of praise to God that Nebuchadnezzar wrote after his recovery. From being a persecutor of the faithful, Nebuchadnezzar has become a witness to the faith.

Dan. 4:7 This time Nebuchadnezzar tells the wise men of Babylon the dream.

Dan. 4:10–16 In this dream, Nebuchadnezzar saw an enormous tree whose top touched the heavens. While Nebuchadnezzar was looking on, however, a watcher, a holy one, came down and ordered that the tree be cut down. The tree was not completely destroyed, however. Its stump would remain in the ground for seven periods of time. “Seven” signifies completion. Most scholars, however, believe that this refers to seven years.

Dan. 4:22 In his interpretation, Daniel identified the enormous tree as Nebuchadnezzar: it is you, O king.

Dan. 4:23 The image of the tree reaching to the heavens is a reminder of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1–9). Such pride ends in disaster. Nebuchadnezzar, who thought of himself in godlike terms, would become beastlike so that he could learn that he is merely human. When the tree was cut down, the stump and the roots were allowed to remain, bound in iron and bronze, possibly suggesting that Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom will be protected and then established more firmly after he learned to honor the true God.

Dan. 4:25 Nebuchadnezzar will experience a full period of judgment, seven periods of time, in this animal-like state. When Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that God the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will, Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom will be restored to him.

Dan. 4:27 Therefore, O king . . . break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and . . . showing mercy to the oppressed. This appeal for repentance implied that the outcome shown to Nebuchadnezzar in the dream could be changed. If Nebuchadnezzar would humble himself, God would not need to humble him further.

Dan. 4:28–33 A year went by, but Nebuchadnezzar was unchanged. The view from the roof of the royal palace of Babylon included numerous ornate temples, the hanging gardens, and the outer wall of the city. As he looked at these accomplishments, Nebuchadnezzar boasted to himself of his mighty power and glory. Immediately, the sentence of judgment was announced from heaven. His royal authority was taken from him, and he was driven away from Babylon. He ate grass and lived wild in the open air like the beasts of the field, growing his hair and nails long.

Dan. 4:34–37 At the end of God’s appointed time of judgment, Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes to heaven and his reason was restored. Once brought low by God, he was restored to control of his kingdom. He blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever.