The Book of Daniel

Daniel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Four
(The Tree Dream - 4:1-37)

 

Introduction:

It was a time of peace and prosperity that God sent this dream to the king, for this dream was really a divine warning to him, that his sins were going to catch up with him at last. He was secure, but it was a fake security, similar to the one Jesus pictured in the parable of the rich farmer (Lk. 12:15-21).

 

I. The Dream

A. He saw a huge tree that overshadowed the entire earth, with the birds and animals taking refuge under it, and he heard an angelic voice say, "Hew down the tree." The tree was cut down, but the stump was left in the wet grass, with a band of iron about for "seven times".

 

II. The Interpretation of The Dream

A. Nebuchadnezzar is the tree, (vs. 22).

[1]. Here is a type of the Anti-Christ (Eze. 31:3-14; Matt. 13:31-32).

[2]. It is a type of socialism - The tree providing for everyone thru the form of government.

B. The cutting down of the tree.

[1]. Nebuchadnezzar was to be as a beast "7 times" - probably 7 years - again a type of Anti-Christ, foe he is a beast in (Rev. 13).

C. The cutting down came about because of the sin of pride (vs. 27,37).

III. Practical Applications

A. Insanity is sometimes a penalty for conduct (Isa. 26:3; Rom. 12:1-2).

[1]. Some people are thought to be crazy because they read the Bible, but the truth is, it is because they would not obey it (Ps. 119:21).

B. When you allow brute passions to run you, you may have to be brought down to that level (of an animal) (Prov. 5:22-23; Ps. 10:2-11).

C. Spiritual insanity is brought about by renouncing all powers beyond that of brute beast (Darwinism) (Ps. 14:1; Prov. 28:26).

D. Greatest prosperity is no guarantee against adversity (Lk. 12:16-21 * vs. 21 - unsaved) (Prov. 11:4; Job 1;1,6-12 - saved).

E. God always matches the punishment to fit the crime. Pharaoh drowned; Jacob lied, Laban; Haman hanged.

F. The object of God humbling a saint or sinner is for that man's own good (Jn. 9:1-7; Prov. 16:18-19; Phil. 4:13).

G. The greater the man, the greater the humbling; or the bigger they are, the harder they fall (1 Sam. 15:16-23).

H. Testings end when they accomplish their purpose (Gen. 22:1,2,9,12; Job 42:1-5).

I. Praise and Thanksgiving should be given for mercy, (vs. 37) (Ps. 89:1; 32:10).

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