Daniel 4 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Daniel 4 meaning explained in AI Summary

Chapter 4 of the Book of Daniel recounts Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and its interpretation, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty and the consequences of pride.

The Dream:

Nebuchadnezzar has another disturbing dream, this time of a massive tree that provides for all creatures.
A "watcher" (angelic being) decrees the tree be chopped down, leaving only its stump bound with iron and bronze.
The tree represents Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom.
The decree signifies that Nebuchadnezzar will lose his mind and live like a wild animal for seven periods ("times") due to his pride.

Daniel's Interpretation:

Daniel is summoned to interpret the dream, initially hesitant due to its negative implications for the king.
He confirms the dream's meaning, explaining that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom will be restored after he acknowledges the Most High God's power and humbles himself.

Fulfillment of the Dream:

Despite Daniel's advice to repent, Nebuchadnezzar remains prideful.
While boasting about his achievements, the prophecy is fulfilled, and he loses his sanity, living like an animal for seven years.
After this period, Nebuchadnezzar regains his sanity, acknowledges God's sovereignty, and praises Him.
He is restored to his throne and his kingdom, now humbled and recognizing the true source of his power.

Key Themes:

God's Sovereignty: God is ultimately in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms.
Pride and Humility: Nebuchadnezzar's pride leads to his downfall, while his eventual humility results in restoration.
Justice and Mercy: God punishes Nebuchadnezzar for his arrogance but also shows him mercy by restoring him after repentance.
The Importance of Acknowledging God: True power and lasting peace come from recognizing and submitting to God's authority.

Chapter 4 serves as a powerful reminder that all power ultimately belongs to God and that pride inevitably leads to downfall. It encourages humility and submission to God's will, ultimately offering hope for restoration through repentance.

Daniel 4 bible study ai commentary

This chapter is the personal testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar, a proclamation written in the first person after a period of profound humbling. It serves as a powerful declaration to his entire empire and to all future generations about the absolute sovereignty of the God of Israel. It demonstrates that no human ruler, no matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of God's authority and that true exaltation only comes after genuine humility.

Daniel 4 context

The chapter is written in Aramaic, the international language of diplomacy and trade of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires. The events occur during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605–562 BC) at the height of Babylon's power. Nebuchadnezzar was a prolific builder, responsible for the famous Ishtar Gate and possibly the legendary Hanging Gardens. This context of immense personal and national achievement is the direct backdrop for his pride and subsequent downfall. The chapter functions as a public letter or royal edict, using a common format for ancient Near Eastern proclamations.

Daniel 4:1-3

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

In-depth-analysis

This introduction is unique in Scripture—a pagan monarch authoring a canonical text that praises the God of Israel.
He addresses the entire known world ("all peoples, nations, and languages"), reflecting the scope of his own empire and, more importantly, the universal sovereignty of the God he now proclaims.
The opening doxology (praise) frames the entire narrative. The reader knows the conclusion—God's victory—before the story of the king's trial begins.
The title "Most High God" (El ‘Illaya) becomes a key theme, emphasizing God's supremacy over all other earthly and supernatural powers.

Bible references

Psa 145:13: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations." (Direct echo of Nebuchadnezzar's confession).
Dan 2:44: "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed..." (The theme of God's eternal kingdom).
Dan 6:25-27: "Then King Darius wrote... 'His kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.'" (A parallel decree by a later king after witnessing God's power).

Cross references

Psa 103:19 (The LORD's universal rule), Dan 3:28-29 (Nebuchadnezzar's earlier, less personal decree), Rev 11:15 (God's ultimate eternal kingdom).

Daniel 4:4-9

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid... So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. But at last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods...

In-depth-analysis

Word: The king was "at ease" (shelah), conveying a sense of careless security and complacency that precedes a fall.
The failure of Babylon's wise men is a recurring theme (Dan 2), highlighting the impotence of human and demonic wisdom compared to divine revelation.
Nebuchadnezzar still refers to Daniel by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar ("after the name of my god"), showing he has not yet fully submitted his worldview.
His description of Daniel having the "spirit of the holy gods" (ruach elahin qaddishin) is a pagan's attempt to articulate the presence of the Holy Spirit. He recognizes a divine quality in Daniel but interprets it through his polytheistic lens.

Bible references

Gen 41:38-39: "And Pharaoh said to his servants, 'Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?'" (A parallel recognition of a Hebrew interpreter by a foreign king).
Dan 2:27-28: "Daniel answered... 'no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery... but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.'" (The established contrast between worldly and divine wisdom).
Isa 47:13-14: "You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens... Behold, they are like stubble..." (Prophetic taunt against Babylon's reliance on astrology).

Cross references

Prov 1:32-33 (Ease leads to destruction), 1 Cor 1:20 (Where is the debater of this age?), Acts 16:16-18 (Confrontation with demonic spiritual power).

Daniel 4:10-17

The visions of my head... a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great... It was beautiful... and all flesh was fed from it. I saw in the visions of my head... a watcher, a holy one, come down from heaven. He proclaimed aloud... 'Chop down the tree... but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze... Let his portion be with the beasts... let his mind be changed from a man's, and let a beast's mind be given to him; and let seven times pass over him.' The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will...

In-depth-analysis

Tree Symbolism: Mighty kings and empires were often symbolized as great trees in ancient Near Eastern literature. The tree provides sustenance and shelter, representing the king's provision and protection for his empire.
Word: The "watcher, a holy one" (‘ir weqaddish) refers to a specific type of angelic being, an agent of the divine council, executing God's decree.
Judgment with Mercy: The command to "leave the stump" is crucial. It signifies that the judgment is not final and that restoration is possible. The bands of "iron and bronze" suggest a firm, unchangeable, but temporary, state of being bound.
"Seven times": The Aramaic ‘iddanin is a general term for periods of time. Most scholars interpret this as seven years, representing a divinely complete period of judgment.
The Purpose: The reason for the judgment is explicitly stated: "that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men." This is a lesson not just for Nebuchadnezzar, but for all humanity.

Bible references

Ezek 31:3-9: "Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon... a beautiful tree." (The most extensive parallel of a nation as a tree, which also gets cut down for its pride).
Psa 75:6-7: "For not from the east or from the west... comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another." (God's sovereignty in raising and lowering rulers).
Jer 27:5-6: "'It is I who... give it to whom it seems right to me. Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant...'" (God explicitly stating He gave Nebuchadnezzar his power).

Cross references

Ezek 17:22-24 (Messianic tree imagery), Dan 2:21 (He removes kings and sets up kings), Matt 5:45 (God's common grace).

Polemics

The scene depicts a divine council ("decree of the watchers"). This directly confronts the Babylonian worldview where the king himself was seen as the primary channel of the gods, almost divine. Here, the king is shown to be entirely subject to the heavenly council of the God of Israel.

Daniel 4:18-27

"...But you, O Belteshazzar, make known the interpretation... because the spirit of the holy gods is in you." Then Daniel... was dismayed... and his thoughts alarmed him... Daniel answered... "The tree that you saw... it is you, O king... this is the decree of the Most High... they shall drive you from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts... until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men... And as it was commanded to leave the stump... your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules. Therefore, O king... break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity."

In-depth-analysis

Daniel’s dismay shows genuine care for the king, not vengeful delight. He is a statesman serving a foreign court, not just an antagonist.
Daniel’s interpretation is direct and unflinching. He equates the king with the tree and spells out the judgment of madness (often identified as a form of boanthropy or lycanthropy).
"Heaven rules": A respectful circumlocution for "God rules." This emphasizes God's supreme authority from above.
A Call to Repentance: Verse 27 is a pivotal moment. The judgment, though decreed, is not presented as absolutely fatalistic. Daniel offers the king a way out through genuine repentance: righteousness (right relationship with God) and mercy (right relationship with people, especially the vulnerable). This is the classic prophetic call.

Bible references

Prov 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (The principle underlying the judgment).
Jonah 3:10: "When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them..." (The principle that genuine repentance can avert decreed judgment).
Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (The essence of the repentance Daniel calls for).

Cross references

Isa 58:6-7 (True fasting is helping the poor), 2 Kgs 20:1-6 (Hezekiah’s life extended after prayer), Jer 18:7-8 (God relents from disaster if a nation repents).

Daniel 4:28-33

All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. And the king answered and said, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you..." And immediately the word was fulfilled... he was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox...

In-depth-analysis

The One-Year Gap: God gave Nebuchadnezzar twelve months to heed Daniel's warning. This period of grace highlights God's patience and makes the king's failure to repent even more culpable.
The Pinnacle of Pride: The king's self-glorifying monologue encapsulates the essence of his sin. He claims credit for his kingdom using "I," "my power," and "my majesty," forgetting the true source.
Immediate Judgment: The fulfillment is instantaneous ("While the words were still in the king's mouth"), showing the direct causal link between his prideful utterance and his fall.
The specifics of his madness (eating grass, hair like eagle's feathers, nails like bird's claws) vividly depict his complete debasement from the height of human power to the level of a beast.

Bible references

Acts 12:21-23: "Herod... began to make a speech... And the people were shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down... because he did not give God the glory." (A New Testament parallel of a proud ruler struck down for accepting glory).
Isa 14:13-15: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven... I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to Sheol..." (The boast of the archetypal "King of Babylon" and his inevitable fall).
Luke 12:19-20: "And I will say to my soul... But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you...'" (The parable of the rich fool who credits himself for his wealth and faces sudden judgment).

Cross references

Deut 8:17-18 (Warning against saying 'my power... has gotten me this wealth'), Hab 2:4 (The proud soul is not right), Lk 18:14 (Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled).

Daniel 4:34-37

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever... for all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will... and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"... Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

In-depth-analysis

The Turning Point: The first act of restored sanity is looking up: "I... lifted my eyes to heaven." This physical act symbolizes his change in posture from self-reliance to God-reliance.
A Profound Confession: The king's doxology (vv. 34-35) is one of the most powerful statements of God's absolute sovereignty in the Old Testament. He affirms God's eternality, universal power, irresistible will, and absolute authority.
Complete Restoration: His reason returns, his counselors seek him, and his kingdom is restored with "even more greatness." This demonstrates God's grace—He doesn't just restore what was lost, but enhances it, showing the blessing that follows true humbling.
The Final Lesson: The chapter concludes with the moral of the story, summarized by the transformed king himself: God justly humbles the proud.

Bible references

Job 42:2, 5-6: "I know that you can do all things... I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent..." (Job's confession after his suffering).
Psa 115:3: "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." (A concise statement of the sovereignty Nebuchadnezzar now understands).
1 Pet 5:6: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (The New Testament principle perfectly illustrated by this chapter).
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (The same principle of humility leading to exaltation).

Cross references

Psa 138:6 (The LORD regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar), Isa 40:17 (Nations before him are as nothing), Phil 2:9-11 (Christ humbled himself and was exalted).

Daniel 4 analysis

Sovereignty of God: The central theme is the absolute sovereignty of the God of Israel ("the Most High") over all human affairs, particularly over the most powerful political leaders. He gives authority and he removes it.
Pride and Humility: The chapter is a case study on the moral axiom that "pride goes before a fall." Nebuchadnezzar's journey from arrogant self-exaltation to beast-like humiliation and finally to humble worship is the narrative's driving force.
Grace in Judgment: God's judgment is corrective, not purely punitive. The "stump" promised restoration, a year of grace was given for repentance, and his final state was better than his first, showcasing divine mercy.
Gentile Testimony: Daniel 4 stands as a remarkable testimony to the power of God to save and transform even the most powerful pagan leader, prefiguring the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan of salvation.
Literary Structure: The chapter has a chiastic (A-B-C-B'-A') structure:
- A: Nebuchadnezzar's doxology (vv. 1-3)
- B: The king's dream (vv. 4-18)
- C: Daniel's interpretation and call to repent (vv. 19-27)
- B': The dream's fulfillment (vv. 28-33)
- A': Nebuchadnezzar's final, greater doxology (vv. 34-37)

Daniel 4 summary

King Nebuchadnezzar, at the zenith of his power, has a terrifying dream of a great tree being cut down. Daniel interprets the dream as a prophecy of the king's own downfall: due to his pride, he will be struck with madness, live like a beast for seven years, and be driven from his throne. After a year, the king boasts of his accomplishments, and the judgment is fulfilled instantly. At the end of the prophesied period, Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself by looking to God, his sanity is restored, and he is exalted to an even greater position. The chapter is the king's own written testimony, concluding with a profound hymn of praise to the "Most High" who rules over all and is able to humble the proud.

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Daniel chapter 4 kjv

¹ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
² I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
³ How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.
⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,
⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
³⁰ The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
³¹ While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
³² And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
³⁴ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
³⁶ At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Daniel chapter 4 nkjv

¹ Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.
² I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.
³ How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.
⁴ I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
⁶ Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
⁷ Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.
⁸ But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying:
⁹ "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.
¹⁰ "These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great.
¹¹ The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth.
¹² Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it.
¹³ "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.
¹⁴ He cried aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches.
¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze, In the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth.
¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him.
¹⁷ 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'
¹⁸ "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you."
¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!
²⁰ "The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth,
²¹ whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home?
²² it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.
²³ "And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him';
²⁴ this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king:
²⁵ They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
²⁶ "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.
²⁷ Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity."
²⁸ All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon.
³⁰ The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?"
³¹ While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!
³² And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."
³³ That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
³⁴ And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation.
³⁵ All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"
³⁶ At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.
³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

Daniel chapter 4 niv

¹ King Nebuchadnezzar, To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly!
² It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
³ How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.
⁴ I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.
⁵ I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me.
⁶ So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
⁷ When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.
⁸ Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)
⁹ I said, "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.
¹⁰ These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.
¹¹ The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.
¹² Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.
¹³ "In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven.
¹⁴ He called in a loud voice: 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.
¹⁵ But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. "?'Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.
¹⁶ Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.
¹⁷ "?'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.'
¹⁸ "This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
¹⁹ Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you." Belteshazzar answered, "My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!
²⁰ The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth,
²¹ with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds?
²² Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.
²³ "Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.'
²⁴ "This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king:
²⁵ You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.
²⁶ The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
²⁷ Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue."
²⁸ All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,
³⁰ he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"
³¹ Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.
³² You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes."
³³ Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
³⁴ At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
³⁵ All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
³⁶ At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Daniel chapter 4 esv

¹ King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you!
² It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
³ How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.
⁴ I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace.
⁵ I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me.
⁶ So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.
⁷ Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation.
⁸ At last Daniel came in before me ? he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods ? and I told him the dream, saying,
⁹ "O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation.
¹⁰ The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great.
¹¹ The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth.
¹² Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.
¹³ "I saw in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven.
¹⁴ He proclaimed aloud and said thus: 'Chop down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches.
¹⁵ But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.
¹⁶ Let his mind be changed from a man's, and let a beast's mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him.
¹⁷ The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.'
¹⁸ This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, "Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!
²⁰ The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth,
²¹ whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived ?
²² it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
²³ And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,'
²⁴ this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king,
²⁵ that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.
²⁶ And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules.
²⁷ Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity."
²⁸ All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,
³⁰ and the king answered and said, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?"
³¹ While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, "O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you,
³² and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will."
³³ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.
³⁴ At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
³⁵ all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
³⁶ At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.
³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Daniel chapter 4 nlt

¹ King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you!
² "I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.
³ How great are his signs,
how powerful his wonders!
His kingdom will last forever,
his rule through all generations.
⁴ "I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity.
⁵ But one night I had a dream that frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed.
⁶ So I issued an order calling in all the wise men of Babylon, so they could tell me what my dream meant.
⁷ When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant.
⁸ At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)
⁹ "I said to him, 'Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.
¹⁰ "'While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth.
¹¹ The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.
¹² It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.
¹³ "'Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.
¹⁴ The messenger shouted,
"Cut down the tree and lop off its branches!
Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit!
Chase the wild animals from its shade
and the birds from its branches.
¹⁵ But leave the stump and the roots in the ground,
bound with a band of iron and bronze
and surrounded by tender grass.
Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,
and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field.
¹⁶ For seven periods of time,
let him have the mind of a wild animal
instead of the mind of a human.
¹⁷ For this has been decreed by the messengers ;
it is commanded by the holy ones,
so that everyone may know
that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world.
He gives them to anyone he chooses ?
even to the lowliest of people."
¹⁸ "'Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for none of the wise men of my kingdom can do so. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.'
¹⁹ "Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, 'Belteshazzar, don't be alarmed by the dream and what it means.' "Belteshazzar replied, 'I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you!
²⁰ The tree you saw was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.
²¹ It had fresh green leaves and was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.
²² That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth.
²³ "'Then you saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, "Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live with the animals of the field for seven periods of time."
²⁴ "'This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king.
²⁵ You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.
²⁶ But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.
²⁷ "'King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.'
²⁸ "But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar.
²⁹ Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon.
³⁰ As he looked out across the city, he said, 'Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.'
³¹ "While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, 'O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom.
³² You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.'
³³ "That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles' feathers and his nails were like birds' claws.
³⁴ "After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.
His rule is everlasting,
and his kingdom is eternal.
³⁵ All the people of the earth
are nothing compared to him.
He does as he pleases
among the angels of heaven
and among the people of the earth.
No one can stop him or say to him,
'What do you mean by doing these things?'
³⁶ "When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.
³⁷ "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud."