Read Daniel 4
Highlights:
God humbles the proud (Dan. chap. 4). Writing on the wall. The importance of the Holiness of God (5:22-24). Jealousy brings attack on Daniel (6:1-9), who trusts God and is honored (6:10,22,28). God punishes (6:24). God praised (6:26-27).
Babylon was one of the most glorious cities ever to exist, and Nebuchadnezzar was the first king to begin the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). He was now worshiping his idol, the work of his own hands, and himself as creator: Is not this great Babylon, that I have built . . . by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king . . . The kingdom is departed from thee (Dan. 4:30-31).
The king suddenly began to exhibit the instincts and actions of an animal. He was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen (4:33). Seven years passed by and then God, in his mercy, moved the king to humbly pray. Nebuchadnezzar said: I . . . lifted up mine eyes unto heaven — and with such a look to heaven, God restored the king's mind: Mine understanding returned unto me (4:34). The last recorded words of Nebuchadnezzar are his public confession recognizing the One True God: I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured Him that liveth for ever, whose . . . Kingdom is from generation to generation . . . and He doeth according to His will . . . among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand. . . . Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are Truth . . . those that walk in pride He is able to abase (4:34-37).
In striking contrast, it is recorded about Nebuchadnezzar's son (grandson): Belshazzar, (thou) hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven (5:22-23). God had no trouble getting the arrogant King Belshazzar's attention through the miraculous handwriting on the wall. In his hour of crisis, the proud king panicked, and his knees smote one against another (5:6). In fear, he cried for his astrologers and soothsayers, but they were unable to interpret the message.
The God-rejecting Belshazzar is paralleled by people today who disregard the Church and desecrate the Lord's day and His tithes. Disaster will surely and suddenly come upon nations and individuals who do not heed the lessons of history. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18).
Thought for Today:
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (I Pet. 5:5).
Christ Portrayed:
By Daniel — a stone was rolled across the mouth of the den of lions and set with the king's seal (Dan. 6:16-17). There was a stone rolled across the mouth of the cave where Jesus was buried and it too was set with an official seal (Matt. 27:63-66). As Daniel came forth unscathed, proclaiming the power of God to save, so, too, Jesus came forth from the dead proclaiming the saving power of God (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
4:11 the sight thereof to its visibility extended to; 4:16 & 32 seven times seven years; 5:5 against the candlestick opposite the lampstand; 5:12 shewing of hard sentences rare ability of revealing the meaning of baffling riddles.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Rep. Dale Kildee (MI), and Rep. David Rivera (FL) • Country: Vietnam (78.5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Vietnamese and French • Very strict control of Christians in the North; the South has been more lenient but is getting tighter • 60% Buddhist; 8% Catholic; 1% Protestant; 3% Cao Dai; 2% Hoa Hao; 3% Islam; 13% Other; 10% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for our nation, that it would truly be a Christian nation (Ps. 67:1-7).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
John 1:11