Daniel: Far From Homeنموونە

Daniel has heard the dream that had troubled Nebuchadnezzar. This next section of the chapter changes back from being told in the first person to the third person. Daniel, troubled by the meaning of the dream, is reassured by the king in verse 19: ‘…do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you’, he says.

First, Daniel identifies the tree as King Nebuchadnezzar. He is a king who has become strong, whose dominion has stretched over distant parts of the world. Indeed, Daniel has positive notes in his description of the king’s rule. The tree has provided food and shelter. Babylon isn’t just a superpower. It has brought good to others. Similar language of a tree growing large and providing shelter in its branches is used by Jesus when speaking about another kingdom, that of the gospel (see Mark 4:30–32).

In verse 23 Daniel replays verse 16. This becomes the focus of the interpretation that Daniel gives in verses 24 to 27. First, Daniel tells the king the source of the dream. It has come from the Most High God. Further, this dream has been told ‘against’ the king. He will be driven away from people and will live like an animal for seven years.

The purpose of God doing this to Nebuchadnezzar is so that he will acknowledge that God is sovereign over human kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar is going to be humbled by the true God. It is only when the king has been humbled by God that his kingdom will be restored to him (v. 27). He must learn that his rule is totally under the rule of God.

Politely Daniel adds verse 27. It is his advice to the king. Daniel instructs the king to repent. Daniel has, therefore, brought the gospel to the king. The gospel is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. It is about learning that God is in control of our world. The gospel is about understanding that we only have anything in this world as a gift from God. The gospel is about being humbled by God.

Reflection

The message that Daniel has spoken to the king while in exile is the same as the message that God has given us to speak as we live as exiles in this world. What opportunities have you got to speak this same gospel message? What opportunities could you be praying for?