Prophecy is always practical and relevant to the person(s) receiving it. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982. He is more beastly in the beginning and more human in the end, paralleling the character of Nebuchadnezzar. 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. (2) Why do you think Daniel summarized his dream when he wrote it rather than tell it in full (see verse 1)? Does the fact that God has the power to take away a persons reason frighten you (cf. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. Consequently, it is little wonder that in the events recorded in Daniel 5, Belshazzar was ignorant of Daniel and the abilities God had given him. The emphasis of this brief interpretation falls not on the enemies of God, their power, their brutality, nor their boasting, but on the kingdom of God, its certainty and its permanence for all the saints forever. 2:29), and he questioned the loyalty of those in his court (cf. 36 This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king. In His response to the demand of the high priest, Jesus directly claimed to be the promised Messiah. Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C., some 9 years before Belshazzars reign began. Just as the toes of the feet were part ceramic and part iron, it will end up a mixed bag of the breakable and unbreakable. Prophecy greatly benefits the Christian because it enables him to see things from the bigger and broader perspectivefrom Gods perspectiveso that when he suffers, he knows it is but a part of the process of getting to glory. all praise! 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. Daniels action was a very Christlike gesture. (8) The four beasts are all different, with the last standing apart from the first three. Daniel 7 indicates in the clearest way that prior to the coming of the kingdom of God the saints will suffer at the hand of the final horn and even be overpowered by him. Dan. Within this view, the arrival of the kingdom of God (the rock) is symbolic for the arrival of Jesus. Salvation The vision recorded in chapter 8 took place in the third year of Belshazzar. (13) In some sense, the last kingdom is still on-going. It will be like the stone cut from the mountain by the invisible hand that crushed the iron, the bronze, the ceramic, the silver, and the gold. Twice in chapter 7 Daniel speaks of his distress: As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me (verse 15). At the outset of the account of his vision, Daniel wants his reader to know the historical context in which this prophecy was given and to consider its interpretation and application in the light of that context. [10] The first three verses of chapter 2 and part of verse 4 are in Hebrew. In more detail, the outline would be as follows: (2) The Divine Interpretation verses 15-28. God is in no hurry to fulfill His promises, whether His promise of the eternal kingdom for all the saints or the promise of eternal destruction and judgment for sinners. What role do they play in relation to the four beasts? Dan. The vision comes to Daniel in Belshazzars first year.78 A subsequent and related vision comes to him in this kings third year (see 8:1). The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars Dream: The Final Kingdom In our last two studies in Daniel 2, we have discovered that Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream. Chapter 9, on the other hand, has a historical account of Daniels study of Jeremiah and of his prayers of repentance and petition for Israels restoration and return to the land of promise. If Daniel had been shaken by the dark side of his vision, he is reminded in the interpretation of the outcome of these eventsthe establish- ment of Gods eternal kingdom. [1], It is generally accepted that the Book of Daniel originated as a collection of folktales among the Jewish community in Babylon and Mesopotamia in the Persian and early Hellenistic periods (5th to 3rd centuries BCE), expanded in the Maccabean era (mid-2nd century) by the visions in chapters 712. In the first use of this expression, being a son of man was contrasted with being God: God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? In Dan. Promised Land 24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation. What God determined to reveal to Daniel should be enough for us. In those days, as in our own, there are always those are too quick to conclude that the kingdom of God has come (see Matthew 24:4, 6, 8, 24-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:1ff.). He has put you in charge of men and women, wild animals and birds, all over the worldyoure the head ruler, you are the head of gold. We take great care to develop a strong client relationship, coupled with efficient communication. This scene in Daniel is also similar to a prophecy recorded in the Book of Revelation: 4 and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?. However, this peaceful state was broken when in his sleep he had a troubling dream. Just like iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and as iron breaks in pieces all of these metals, so it will break in pieces and crush the others. Jesus tests the Pharisees Whose Son is the Messiah? With iron-like teeth, horns (some with eyes), and feet, it is utterly destructive. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself.. 9:1; 12:1, AV, RV), and the book of Daniel insists here and in subsequent chapters (8:27; 10:1, 10, 11, 15, 18) on the anxiety and psychological turmoil involved in receiving, even at Gods hand, understanding of the future course of history. Joyce C. Baldwin, Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1978), p. 143. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all, you are this head of gold. Web27 Daniel replied, No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. in 1971. Perhaps this is because the king suspected he knew the meaning of the dream and was hoping against hope for an alternative interpretation. Prophecy The blasphemous horn of Daniel 7, which goes so far as to oppose the people of God, is suddenly taken by death, and his kingdom is removed. the dates below seem not to fit. The events seen by Daniel in chapter seven would signal the establishment of the everlasting kingdom which Daniel described in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Take me to the king and I will interpret his dream for him., Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means., The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. (Exodus 15:1 15:21). This beast is also unique among the four in that he grows 11 horns. 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. Daniels interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzars dream reveals the giant statue represents a succession of earthly rulers. Daniel's prayers were filled with praise and thanksgiving. He surpasses those before him by speaking boastfully, then blaspheming, and finally seeking to overthrow Gods order. So it was for our Lord (1 Peter 1:10-12), and so it will be for us. However, after Daniel sought God in prayer, the mystery of the kings dream was revealed to Daniel, and he was taken to the king to interpret it. While most prophecies in the Bible reveal events which will take place after the death of the recipient of the prophecy, the prophecy is revealed for impact upon those to whom it was revealed. Then in a night vision the mystery was revealed to Daniel. The Greek view proposes the silver chest and arms are the Median Kingdom, brass belly/thighs are the Persian Empire, and iron/clay legs are the Greek Empire. Dan. Belshazzars rise to power and ascent to the throne seems to have inaugurated a new age for Babylon. (2:4b-49) A dream of four kingdoms replaced by a fifth, B. (4) Suffering is to be expected by the saints, before they enter into the glorious kingdom of God. In the second scene, heaven calmly prepares for court, which will determine that the time for judgment has come. They believed that the Messiah would come to establish the kingdom, to bless the Jews and to condemn the Gentiles. Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. It struck the statue on its iron and clay feet, breaking them in pieces. Just what this means is unclear, but it suggests this arrogant king not only speaks against God, but, like Satan, he aspires to change the order God has established. The wicked will prosper and appear to get away with their opposition toward God and His saints. Then he started interpreting the dream for the king. He was the most important ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and a renowned builder. Images from the Book of Isaiah seem to be especially favoured. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. WebDaniel was the one who informed him that he could do this. Also notice that he does not talk about the dream. 76 It is not altogether accurate to refer to chapters 1-6 as historical and 7-12 as prophetic. This is an accurate telling of the dream, and the interpretation is also accurate., 4647 When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. [13], Chapter 2 in its present form dates from no earlier than the first decades of the Seleucid empire (late 4th/early 3rd centuries BCE), but its roots may reach back to the fall of Babylon and the rise of the Persian Achaemenid empire, and some scholars have speculated that the dream of four kingdoms was originally a dream of four kings, Nebuchadnezzar and his four successors. (4) This is the first prophecy in the book revealed directly to Daniel. (5:131) Daniel interprets the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar, A'. Daniel boiled down his vision to its essence, so we would not fail to understand the message he meant to convey to us. The saints of the Highest One are given all the kingdoms of the earth for an everlasting kingdom. There seems to be a close connection between the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, which is revealed and interpreted in chapter 2, and the vision of Daniel in chapter 7. 4:1012; 2022). Yet, the most important event in this passage, is Nebuchadnezzars conversion that occurred when the Lord sovereignly returned the kings understanding to him. Before the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt and brought into the land of Canaan, they suffered at the hands of the Egyptians. [25] Finally Nebuchadnezzar prostrates himself before Daniel and commands that offerings and incense be offered to him, suggesting that he views Daniel as divine; nevertheless, although he acknowledges and respects the god of Daniel, he is not a convert. What so upset Daniel about the future? The beast also was given a mans mind. Character The expression, son of man, is not new to Daniel nor to the Jews of his day. [5] On the human level Daniel is set against the Babylonian magicians who fail to interpret the king's dream, but the cosmic conflict is between the God of Israel and the false Babylonian gods. When He came with His kingdom, they would be sure to recognize Him (24:27). That was bad enough, from the religious leaders perspective, but the way in which He answered them was the last straw. 11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. FAQ Having related the dream, Daniel then interprets it: it concerns four successive kingdoms, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar, which will be replaced by the everlasting kingdom of the God of heaven. 2:29 As for you, O king, while you were in your bed your thoughts turned to future things. (5) Above all, the prophecy in this chapter means precisely what God says it means in this text, nothing more and nothing less. The inter-relationship between the prophecies of chapters 2 and 7 is demonstrated on the following page: Deterioration: Gold to iron mixed with clay, Deterioration: Nearly human to blaspheming beast. Humanly speaking, it was impossible for them to have a child. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, Arise, devour much meat! 6 After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. You are that head of gold. Daniel 1:1-2:4a was written in Hebrew. Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly if iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. What we learned from the Asbury Awakening: Attendees reveal surprising lessons during interview with Oregon Faith Report. 4:8). However, the iron and clay feet represent an iron kingdom that will be partly strong and partly brittle. [30] Verses 41b-43 give three different interpretations of the meaning of the mixture of iron and clay in the statue's feet, as a "divided kingdom," then as "strong and brittle," and finally as a dynastic marriage. It would be but a very few years until Cyrus would come to power and assist the Jews to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. Prophecy is necessary then so that men are reassured of divine deliverance and blessing, as well as divine judgment (see 2 Peter 2:4-9). Four kings will establish four kingdoms, and some of these kingdoms have a number of kings. 10 If any one is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if any one kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. WebHe made known and also interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream; and many years afterwards, when he was now an old man, amid the alarm and consternation of the terrible night of Belshazzar's impious feast, he was called in at the instance of the queen-mother (perhaps Nitocris, the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar) to interpret the mysterious The king said to Daniel, Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.. As the boasting horn of Daniel 7 seems to be getting away with his blasphemies and his oppression of the saints, it seems to him he can do whatever he wishes, including the changing of times and law. Given Nebuchadnezzars contact with Daniel and his friends, as well as his confessions (cf. Nebuchadnezzar reigned 43 yrs. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: 29 As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in the darkness, and light dwells with him. Daniel records that which triggered Nebuchadnezzars fall was his pride of the beauty and extent of Babylon. We do not walk by sight, but by faith. (1) Prophecy is necessary because God has chosen to settle His accounts with men slowly. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. The prophecy of Daniel 7 nevertheless had great relevance and application to those in Daniels day. Why was he afraid and troubled? For the remainder of Nebuchadnezzars life, it seems that religion in the kingdom of Babylon was at least favorable to the worship of the God of the Jews. It was like scraps of old newspapers in a vacant lot in a hot dry summer, blown every which way by the wind, scattered to oblivion. We do not act on what we see so much as on what God has said. If not, he could never have become airborne again. As the beast continues to boast, a second scene commences in Daniels vision, and for a period of time both scenes run simultaneously. (4) Prophecies not completely fulfilled cannot be fully understood until after their fulfillment. Daniel made the dream and its interpretation known to Nebuchadnezzar, but first he provided context. While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. Daniel blessed the God of heaven, saying. Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, for iron breaks and smashes everything, and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. We provide the highest quality of service and utmost personalized level of support to our clients. Miracles Note these general observations about our passage before we turn to a more detailed study. Teacher: Show your modern-day letter, and where it is signed. You are that head of gold. Moreover, at Daniels request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. The boastful beast becomes even more aggressive, waging war with the saints and even overpowering them. Fasting In Gods economy, things are not what they appear to be. The Parable of the Ten Virgins Keep watch because you do not know the day or hour of His return (Matthew 25:1 25:13). Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. Consequently, I believe that the prevailing But here Arioch is trying to take credit for Daniel. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. He lavishes gifts on Daniel and makes him chief of all the wise men and ruler over the province of Babylon. His thoughts alarm him, and his face pales. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. Suffering and glory are a part of one work. Then the rock initiates destruction that fills the entire earth. Nebuchadnezzars dream concerned the latter days (the days of the future or the end). New Zealands business migration categories are designed to contribute to economic growth, attracting smart capital and business expertise to New Zealand, and enabling experienced business people to buy or establish businesses in New Zealand. [23], The king's behaviour implies a distrust of his court dream-interpreters, and sets the scene for his later celebration of Daniel's God. Or Daniel could be referring to himself and his friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) whom he urged to pray to God for understanding of the kings dream. 2:1), he was wondering about his future (cf. This surprise seems to be over the raw fact of what God would do to Nebuchadnezzar. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potters clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. A look through the Scriptures shows that Daniels response to the prophecies he received was not unique. Ohio man charged with attempting to burn down church that planned to host drag show events. He wants to know more about this dreadful beast, different from the rest, especially in the destruction he wrought. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises others. This condition is somewhat ironic, for God made mankind to be lord over the animals (cf. The God of heaven has granted you sovereignty, power, strength, and honor. WebCare or concern. Our attention should be given to what is clearly and emphatically said. Print. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8). 4:3437 reports Nebuchadnezzars return to power. Webweb aug 19 2015 daniel 1 opening activities 1 give kids several old up daniel s interpretation to nebuchadnezzar s dream in daniel 2 32 45 especially because it s written in the first person he dreams about a tree He raises up kings and also brings them down. Dan. 13 I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him.77 14 And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. (7) Prophecy is revealed, not to give us the particulars of things to come, but to change our perspective. The great God has let the king know what will happen in the years to come. In Dan. Subsequent revelations in the Book of Daniel which Daniel received were closely associated with some kind of agony or distress (see 8:17, 27; 9:20-21; 10:2-3, 7-10, 17; 12:8). Later, he began having visions from the Lord about the end times. [18] The plot of such tales (another example is the story of Joseph and Pharaoh in Genesis 41) is as follows: a person of low status is called before a person of high status to answer a difficult question or to solve a riddle; the high-status person poses the problem but none present can solve; the person of low status solves it and is rewarded. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them allyou are this head of gold. He summons his magicians and astrologers to interpret it, but demands that they first tell Meet News Bitty. He will rule over all nations forever. The transfiguration of our Lord was but a foretaste of His coming glorious kingdom (16:28).