Daniel: Week 6 (Wednesday 24th May 2023)

(from www.insightforliving.org.uk)

Chapter 4:1-37

The Heart Of The Matter

Clichés endure because they are so often true to life. This applies to “Truth is stranger than fiction.” Put another way, “This must be true because no one could make this up.” These statements accurately capture the story in Daniel 4, one of the most unusual chapters in the Bible. King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. But this one proved to be his undoing and then his renewing. Prideful as a man, he became insane and lived like a beast until he humbled himself and praised God with some of the most eloquent words ever to fall from human lips.

Discovering The Way

1. The King and His Dream (Daniel 4:1–18)

Nebuchadnezzar was the author of this chapter. He began with a word of praise and then recounted the story that led to his change of heart—a dream of a large and luscious tree.

2. The Prophet and His Response (Daniel 4:19–27)

As they had in the past, the wise men failed to interpret the king’s dream. But Daniel once again succeeded—giving the interpretation and confronting the king about what awaited him because of his pride.

3. The Lord and His Dealings (Daniel 4:28–37)

The Lord is patient, but His patience will not endure forever. For Nebuchadnezzar, judgment was a year in waiting, but when it came, it came suddenly and only relented when he humbled himself.

Starting Your Journey

Two lessons remain. First, God’s judgment may be slow, but it is certain. Second, God will go to any extreme to show us He is Lord.