TROUBLING THOUGHTS
Text: Daniel 4:19-27
10 September 2012
TROUBLING THOUGHTS
1. Daniel’s initial response
a) Astonished
b) Troubled Daniel 4:19
2. Nebuchadnezzar’s kind and understanding response
a) Daniel was encouraged to speak up
b) He is not to be troubled by his thoughts
DANIEL’S EXPLANATION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S SECOND DREAM
1. Opening words
a) Diplomatically correct
b) His wish – that the dream had to do with the king’s enemies Daniel 4:3
2. The Tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Daniel 4:20-22
a) Grew to great heights
b) Great strength
c) Greatness highly visible
d) Fruitful
e) This tree represented Nebuchadnezzar and all that he had achieved in life
3. A holy watcher
a) He comes from heaven Daniel 4:23
b) He gives a decree from God Daniel 4:23
i) Imagery of a tree employed
ii) Tree to be cut down
iii) Only a stump would remain
iv) Change of imagery to a man that will graze like a beast of the field
4. Interpretation of the Dream Daniel 4:24-26
a) Nebuchadnezzar was that great tree
b) He would become like a beast
c) Purpose:
i) To humble the king till he truly recognised that God, the Most High rules the kingdom of men
ii) All human kings are given rule by the Most High
d) The kingdom will be returned to Nebuchadnezzar after “seven times” (seven years)
e) Admonition to King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:27
i) Break off sins
ii) Be righteous
iii) Show mercy to the poor
iv) Perhaps God will spare him and even bless him