This declaration is made by Nebuchadnezzar after the fiery furnace incident. It demonstrates some recognition of who the Lord is, eg v2,3; but also demonstrates adherence to his "old gods", eg v8. v9 also demonstrates the confusion within him.
Again he had had a dream, but this time seems to have at least told his magicians what it was before asking them to interpret it. Even given this advantage they had failed to make sense of it. Once again it was Daniel who could interpret it.
The dream involved a tree, depicting Babylon's great power. Then a voice came from a holy one (an angel) ordering that the tree be cut down. All kingdom's are subject to the will of God. The ruler then was turned into an animal.
Daniel was reluctant to give the meaning of the dream, for he knew that it was about Nebuchadnezzar. The king encouraged Daniel to give the interpretation nonetheless.
The dream depicted the great power that Nebuchadnezzar had, and his subsequent downfall. He would go and live among the wild animals.
Daniel's advice to the king is to repent. When God speaks He always looks for a response.
The dream was then fulfilled twelve months later. The king was proud of what he had achieved, then a voice from heaven came pronouncing judgement upon him.
So Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from the people to live like an animal.
His sanity was only restored once he looked up to heaven (v32). There is a lesson for us all here. In the midst of difficulties we find release only when we look up to the Lord. Immediately the king's sanity and power were restored. It is amazing how quickly things can change once we take our focus off ourselves and put it back on to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment