The beasts are a horrifying and frightening sight; the heavenly court scene is one of regal splendor and beauty. 2:43 And in that you saw iron mixed with wet clay, so people will be mixed with one another without adhering to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. Daniel 2. 81 See Ezekiel 29:21 for a similar use of the imagery of making a horn grow to describe a kings promotion to power. Deut. And yet God said they would. For the time, it was these Jewish leaders who were beastly, arrogant, and blasphemous, and because of this they would suffer divine judgment. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human handsa rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. 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. What Is the Significance of Nebuchadnezzars Dream? [14], The Book of Daniel is an apocalypse, a literary genre in which a heavenly reality is revealed to a human recipient; such works are characterized by visions, symbolism, an other-worldly mediator, an emphasis on cosmic events, angels and demons, and pseudonymity (false authorship). Child-bearing is a process which involves suffering and glory. The righteous will suffer. Watchman of prayer (4) Suffering is to be expected by the saints, before they enter into the glorious kingdom of God. We know that Jesus came the first time to die and that He will come again to subdue His enemies and establish His kingdom. God stirred up the sea, and from its foaming, raging waters came forth four horrifying beasts. In the context of the coming of His kingdom and the suffering and trials which precede it, soberness is a vitally important quality which prophecy promotes: 1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. Dan. Holiness 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. This fourth beast has the distinction of ten horns. Evangelist Andrew Palau Joins Dozens of Churches in Austin, Texas for Historic SXSW Outreach Event. (5) Above all, the prophecy in this chapter means precisely what God says it means in this text, nothing more and nothing less. While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. The ten horns, Daniel is told, represent ten kings who will emerge out of the fourth kingdom. And he solves all mysteries, I know, because youve solved this mystery.. This decree also falls on Daniel, but he, through the agency of his God, is able to tell the king the dream. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these: 29 As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. (5) While the process involves wicked kings and nations and the suffering of the saints, the culmination is the establishment of Gods eternal kingdom. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. by Bible Blender, Complete but concise summary of each book of the Bible (Old Testament and New Testament), Chronological summary of the New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John timeline), Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzars dream and earns his good graces (Daniel 2:19 2:49), Daniels concern for the wise men of Babylon. 2:46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar bowed down with his face to the ground and paid homage to Daniel. In his dream, Nebuchadnezzar sees an enormous, brilliant statue of a man. First, the prophecies of Daniel are divinely inspired and revealed, and thus they are true and reliable. In Dan. Before the coming of Christ, who would? 2:42 In that the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, the latter stages of this kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile. He would rise from the dead (12:40). Consider the birth of a child, remembering that Gods deliverance and salvation is likened to birth. Where it has not caused distress, it should have. (3) This chapter contains the major segment of Daniel, which is primarily prophetic, although it does not contain the first prophecy in the Book of Daniel. If taken seriously, we will find the future sobering as well. 48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. False Teachers John the Baptist Usually it refers to a person as a human being. Dan. All Rights Reserved. The process of having a baby involves the pains of childbirth. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out fwithout hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Some of his alarm arose from his not yet having been given the interpretation of his vision. 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. The destruction of the Great Temple and the signs of the end times (Matthew 24:1 24:35), The Song of Moses and Miriam attributes of God that are equally applicable to every Christian follower today. A person should not take credit for what God does through him. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the The saints must believe and behave according to what God has promised about the future the righteous will possess the kingdom of God forever. It seems that Daniel was not only wise, but an excellent statesman. The Church in Prophecy La Vista Church of Christ 34 You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Note that the description of the beasts is written in prose, while the description of the heavenly court in verses 9-10 and of the Son of Man in verses 13-14 is written in poetry form. The other three are removed from power but allowed to live for some time after their removal (verse 12). Whether liberal or conservative, our conclusions grow out of the premises and presuppositions governing the process and the product of our interpretation. Even those portions which we believe have been fulfilled, students of prophecy differ about the way of their fulfillment. 4:1617, 2426). 2:32 As for that statue, its head was of fine gold, its chest and arms were of silver, its belly and thighs were of bronze. When the child is born, the pains of suffering are quickly lost in the joys of seeing a new life. [20] 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. While conservative, evangelical scholars believe the prophecies in Daniel are true, their interpretations differ greatly. Dan. But the interpretation is given through me, not because Im any smarter than anyone else in the country, but so that you will know what it means, so that you will understand what you dreamed. 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. 9 I kept looking until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. No convincing explanation for this has been put forward. 2:89). Hearing this, Nebuchadnezzar affirms that Daniel's god is "the God of gods and Lord of kings and revealer of mysteries". We should not spend a disproportionate amount of time and energy trying to fill in the blanks God has left. Previously, the king had accused his wise men of stalling for more time. Our Lords first coming happened over a period of more than 30 years, and yet we view this as one coming. Daniel is born. Daniel 2 NIV - Nebuchadnezzars Dream - In the - Bible Daniel Daniel blessed the God of heaven, saying. 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. At this point the revelation ended. In my opinion, the most dramatic reference of our Lord to His identity as the Son of Man comes as the Lord Jesus stands on trial before the Sanhedrin and the high priest: 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death; 60 and they did not find it, even though many false witnesses came forward. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. When we expect it least, the Lord will return, the wicked will be punished, and the kingdom of God established forevermore. The rock that smashes the feet of the iron kingdom represents God. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. He also makes great assumptions that Daniel is going to be able to do this. 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.). This is what we need to know from Daniels vision, rather than the identity of the beasts. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Would this horn Daniels vision revealed oppose the people of God and even blaspheme God Himself? He ran to the king, bringing Daniel with him, and said, Ive found a man from the exiles of Judah who can interpret the kings dream!, 26 The king asked Daniel (renamed in Babylonian, Belteshazzar), Are you sure you can do thistell me the dream I had and interpret it for me?. Finally, an iron kingdom will arrive, one that is strong and breaks and smashes everything. 27 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. the dates below seem not to fit. 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. According to verse 1, the written record of the revelation Daniel received in his first night vision is but a summary of the prophecy he received. This is the dream you had when you were lying on your bed, the vision that filled your mind: 2930 While you were stretched out on your bed, O king, thoughts came to you regarding what is coming in the days ahead. With iron-like teeth, horns (some with eyes), and feet, it is utterly destructive. Daniel made the dream and its interpretation known to Nebuchadnezzar, but first he provided context. 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. Slavery in the New Testament Bible what the Bible really says about slavery. (how can this be, 36 + 7 = 43, no room to be restored after 7 Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (Revelation 13:1-10). Now that Daniel has told Nebuchadnezzar the dream he had, he now begins to interpret the dream. WebDaniel 2. That night his life and his kingdom came to an end. Wealth and Poverty Pope Francis Issues Call for Peace on Anniversary of Russias Invasion of Ukraine. In the euphoria of this grand event, someone might well conclude the kingdom of God was to be established within the lifetime of those returning to Israel. WebIntroduction; Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's first dream; the Three Youths cast into the Fiery Furnace. Daniel (5) Prophecy is not written as hype but revealed to produce the hope of glory and endurance in present tribulation. New transgender policy for public schools empathizes with those with gender dysphoria while being steadfast in opposing gender ideology. The God of heaven has given you the works: rule, power, strength, and glory. Daniels response is testimony to this reality. Daniel (Old English poem Daniel explains, as Nebuchadnezzar likely already understood, that the tree represented him (cf. The Skilled Migrant Category is a points system based on factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment. Note the term seven times (Dan. Nebuchadnezzars dream is revealed to DanielThe king saw a great image, a stone cut from the mountain without hands destroyed the image, and the stone grew and filled the whole earthThe stone is the latter-day kingdom of God. Escort me to the king, and I will disclose the interpretation to him!. He has given you authority over them all. Print. Spiritual Gifts At its root, it was wisdom. Dan. Daniels vision ends here, but its impact on him does not end. The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. [16] Daniel, the book's hero, is a representative apocalyptic seer, the recipient of the divine revelation: has learned the wisdom of the Babylonian magicians and surpassed them, because his God is the true source of knowledge; he is one of the maskil, the wise, whose task is to teach righteousness. 3 While they are saying, Peace and safety! then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. Two major divisions comprise our text: (1) Daniels dreamverses 1-14 and (2) the interpretationverses 15-28. 4:1012; 2022). Daniels response to the vision was far from assuring or calming. And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the kings demand., 24 Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. 41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of 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. The distance in time of the fulfillment of Daniel 7 said something very important to the captive Jews of Daniels day. In Ezekiel, and even in Daniel (8:17), it is used in reference to a prophet. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. Propitiation He distinguishes himself by his ability to overcome the whole earth, crushing it under foot. 2:40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom, one strong like iron. WebNebuchadnezzar's Account of his Dream Daniel 4:4-18 Nebuchadnezzar begins by stating he was secure at rest and was prosperous (flourishing) in his palace. [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. How was the fourth beast different from the first three? Daniel 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 2:36 This was the dream. (9) The interpretation of Daniels vision comes in two parts, beginning with a general interpretation and then a more specific one based on Daniels questions. [20] In Daniel 2 these two merge, and the claim of God's sovereignty extends beyond the immediate story to take in all of history. The great God has let the king know what will happen in the years to come. Prophecy is necessary because Gods thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. Yet, his emotional response was valid and changed little after the vision was explained more fully. These kingdoms go from bad to worse. Nebuchadnezzar reigned 43 yrs. 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. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. Generally, it is agreed that this beast represents the Babylonian empire and king Nebuchadnezzar in particular. He His declaration, which resulted from the deliverance of the three Hebrews, made it unlawful to hinder the worship of the Jews; his decree recorded at the end of chapter 4 went much further. (1) The Book of Daniel is a part of the Holy Scriptures, and thus inspired, accurate, and trustworthy. Its appearance caused alarm. About Us, Bible Blender It may have been a physical manifestation, a dream, or merely a thought. Jesus applied this text to them, not as those who would enter into His kingdom, but as those who would be judged at His return. No wonder His words stung and prompted them to act as they did. Thirdly (and most importantly), the prophecies of Daniel mean exactly what God says they mean, nothing more and nothing less. [21] An inscription of the historic Babylonian king Nabonidus, for example, tells of a dream he had of his great predecessor Nebuchadnezzar, mentioning a young man who appeared in the dream to reassure him that it was not an evil portent. The kingdom of God will be established and the saints will possess it forever. Daniel uses the expression Son of man twice. "Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in the Old English Daniel." Teacher: Show your modern-day letter, and where it is signed. "[32], The traditional interpretation of the dream identifies the four empires as the Babylonian (the head), Medo-Persian (arms and shoulders), Greek (thighs and legs), and Roman (the feet) empires.[33]. A large rock strikes the brittle feet of the statue, smashing the material and setting off a chain reaction that shatters the metals from bottom to top, reducing the entire structure to dust. Daniel explained to the king that the statue represented four successive kingdoms beginning with Babylon, while the stone and mountain signified a kingdom established by God which would never be destroyed nor given to another people. 11 Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. The interpretation of the events Daniel witnessed in his vision is given in its most concise form in verses 17 and 18: The four beasts were four kings, who will arise from the earth. He questioned His disciples so that they could confess that He, the Son of Man, was the Messiah (16:13f.). 2:31 You, O king, were watching as a great statueone of impressive size and extraordinary brightnesswas standing before you. As Daniel continues to watch, someone descends with the clouds of heaven, one like a Son of Man. He is presented to the Ancient of Days, and to Him is given dominion, glory, and the eternal kingdom. Then in a night vision the mystery was revealed to Daniel. Prophecy The dream and the visions you had while lying on your bed are as follows. Both series of four kingdoms begin well and end badly. (4) This is the first prophecy in the book revealed directly to Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had been convicted, but not converted. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. These kings will rise to power and dominate the earth. It may seem to them that their defeat is certain and that their hopes of entering into the eternal kingdom are lost. 4:8). Listen carefully to your inner thoughts and take note of the revelations revealed to you. For geeks and other superhero types, Geek Slop provides the latest science and technology news, features, and an online shop chock full of geek gear. 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. You must also be aged 55 or under, and meet English language, health, and character requirements. Prophecies are given so that we may look at history, especially events occurring in our own lifetime, from Gods perspective. (3) What principles should guide and govern our attempt to interpret the prophecy of this chapter? You are that head of gold. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. The prophecy of Daniel 7 nevertheless had great relevance and application to those in Daniels day. As the saints suffer at the hands of the wicked, it may appear all hope is lost. That was bad enough, from the religious leaders perspective, but the way in which He answered them was the last straw. WebNebuchadnezzar was shocked by Daniels telling and explaining his dream. In Gods economy, things are not what they appear to be. WebDaniels Interpretation: Daniel 2.37-43: You, O king, are a king of kings. By far, this first beast is the best of a bad bunch. God would strike him down suddenly too and bring his kingdom to a swift end. News without bias or noise. [28] The concept of four successive world empires is drawn from Greek theories of mythological history, while the symbolism of the four metals is drawn from Persian writings. But here in chapter 7, as in Psalm 80:17, the son of man is more than just a man, He is the Messiah. Download the Redeemed Mind Android App by clicking HERE. We can tell by Nebuchadnezzars outpouring of thanks to Daniel. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), A General Interpretation verses 16-18. (2) While the timing of the fulfillment of divine prophecy may seem remote to the recipient, it still has relevance for him. 30 But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. It seems safe to assume the interpreter was an angelic being; at least this is the case in chapter 8 (8:15-26). Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him., 25 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., 26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?. [1], The book of which Daniel is the hero divides into two parts, a set of tales in chapters 16, and the series of visions in chapters 712,[2] the tales no earlier than the Hellenistic period (32330 BCE), and the visions from the Maccabean era (the mid-2nd century BCE). This description certainly fits the account of Nebuchadnezzars plunge from power and sanity in chapter 4. Does the fact that God has the power to take away a persons reason frighten you (cf. In the second scene, heaven calmly prepares for court, which will determine that the time for judgment has come. Copyright 2021 Bible Blender. he imparts knowledge to those with understanding; 2:23 O God of my fathers, I acknowledge and glorify you. Wisdom (v.28) Nebuchadnezzar had been wondering what would happen after his kingdom, and God revealed to him what would take place. Unusually, the feet are an odd combination of solid iron and brittle clay. The remainder of chapter 2 and chapters 37 are in Aramaic and are in the form of a chiasmus, a poetic structure in which the main point or message of a passage is placed in the centre and framed by further repetitions on either side:[11], Daniel 2 forms a chiasmus within the larger structure of Daniel 27:[12], Chapter 1 and the first few lines of chapter 2 are in Hebrew, but in verse 4 the text says, in Hebrew, "Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic," and the book then continues in Aramaic until the end of chapter 7, where it switches back to Hebrew. In the Old Testament, the expression son of man was used most frequently in reference to men, who were merely (as opposed to God) human. He granted him authority over the entire province of Babylon and made him the main prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. The first recorded vision comes to Daniel in the form of a night vision, like those of Nebuchadnezzar (2:1; 4:5) during the first year of the reign of Belshazzar. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. [26], Most modern scholars agree that the four world empires symbolised by the statue are Babylon (the head), the Medes (arms and shoulders), Persia (thighs and legs) and Seleucid Syria and Ptolemaic Egypt (the feet). Many Old Testament prophets shared Daniels distress as a result of the prophecies they received and often conveyed to others.74 Why does the prophecy of Daniel 7 cause this godly man so much consternation? Dan. We are in harmony with God when our declarations conform to his. What Is So Impactful about Nebuchadnezzars Dream? Given Nebuchadnezzars repeated interaction with Daniel and his friends, why do you think he did not become a believer earlier (cf. (3) The finest commentary on the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from our Lord Himself. The fourth beast appears to differ from the other three in that he is more beastly, more powerful, more destructive, and more arrogant. Many scholars have contrasted Nebuchadnezzars dream in Daniel 2 with Daniels vision in chapter 7. Both passages reveal the coming world kingdoms, but the symbolism is strikingly different in each. The pagan king sees the kingdoms of this world as a towering work of art, impressive in size, value, and grandeur (albeit with feet of clay). What God says, He will do. The beasts are hardly worthy of prose, but the court of heaven deserves a description of the finest words. 76 It is not altogether accurate to refer to chapters 1-6 as historical and 7-12 as prophetic. 2:44 In the days of those kings the God of heaven will raise up an everlasting kingdom that will not be destroyed and a kingdom that will not be left to another people. After this chapter, the book returns to the Hebrew language. WebAnswer (1 of 13): Daniel was likely between the ages of 12 and 15. Daniels first inner turmoil occurs in chapter 7. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth. Biblical Studies Press, 2006. No wonder this vision causes Daniel such distress. Third, is the removal of the kings mental faculties, for a time, until his conversion (cf. Nebuchadnezzars Conversion (4:2837). WebInstead of using the lesson ideas for teaching Daniel 2:128, you could show the portion of the video that depicts the events related to Daniels interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars dream (time codes 6:1713:49).As students watch the video, invite them to look for what Daniel did when he needed wisdom and guidance. 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. 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. Dan. Daniel, along with his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later named Shadrach, Meshach, and His followers too must be alert and ready for His return (24:44). The phrase used to describe Daniel and his friends is young men. Its a word that usually refers to boys Let us listen then, and be sober, enduring the sufferings and trials sent our way, looking expectantly and certainly for His kingdom to come. While God tells neither Daniel nor us that this beast represents Nebuchadnezzar, He does reveal that the head of gold in the vision of the great statue was Nebuchadnezzar (2:36-38).