◄ Daniel 4:2 ►
I am pleased to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
Study Bible
I am pleased to declare
This phrase reflects King Nebuchadnezzar's personal satisfaction and eagerness to share his experience. The Hebrew root for "pleased" conveys a sense of delight and willingness, indicating a transformation in Nebuchadnezzar's heart. Historically, kings often issued decrees to boast of their own achievements, but here, Nebuchadnezzar is eager to proclaim the works of the Most High God, showing a shift from pride to humility. This sets a tone of reverence and acknowledgment of divine intervention.

the signs and wonders
"Signs and wonders" are terms frequently used in the Old Testament to describe miraculous events that signify God's power and presence. The Hebrew words for "signs" (אוֹת, 'oth) and "wonders" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth) often appear together, emphasizing acts that are extraordinary and beyond human capability. In the context of Daniel, these terms highlight God's sovereignty and ability to intervene in human affairs. Archaeologically, records from ancient Babylon often depicted kings as divine or semi-divine figures, yet here, Nebuchadnezzar attributes these miraculous events to the Most High God, acknowledging a power greater than himself.

that the Most High God
The title "Most High God" (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, El Elyon) is significant, as it denotes supreme authority and sovereignty. In the polytheistic context of Babylon, where many gods were worshiped, Nebuchadnezzar's use of this title indicates a recognition of the God of Israel as the ultimate ruler above all other deities. This acknowledgment is profound, considering Nebuchadnezzar's previous pride and the Babylonian belief system. Scripturally, this title is used to emphasize God's unparalleled power and dominion, as seen in other biblical texts like Genesis 14:18-20.

has performed for me
This phrase personalizes the narrative, showing that the king has experienced God's power firsthand. The Hebrew root for "performed" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies action and accomplishment, suggesting that God's works are intentional and purposeful. Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony serves as a powerful witness to God's active role in the lives of individuals, regardless of their status or past. Historically, this personal encounter with the divine would have been a radical departure from the typical Babylonian understanding of distant and impersonal gods. It underscores the biblical theme of God's intimate involvement in human history and His desire for personal relationship with individuals.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who experienced a humbling encounter with God, leading to his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

2. Daniel
A Jewish exile in Babylon who served in the king's court and interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, demonstrating God's wisdom and power.

3. Babylon
The empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, known for its grandeur and as a place of exile for the Israelites.

4. The Most High God
A title for God emphasizing His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms.

5. Signs and Wonders
Miraculous events orchestrated by God to reveal His power and authority, often leading to a deeper understanding or transformation.
Teaching Points
Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, and His power is unmatched.

Testifying to God's Works
Like Nebuchadnezzar, we should be eager to share the ways God has worked in our lives, giving Him glory.

Humility Before God
Nebuchadnezzar's experience teaches us the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

The Purpose of Miracles
Understand that signs and wonders are meant to point us to God and deepen our faith, not just to amaze us.

Transformation Through Encounter
Personal encounters with God can lead to profound changes in our beliefs and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's declaration in Daniel 4:2 challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Nebuchadnezzar, declare the "signs and wonders" God has performed for us to those around us?

3. How do the signs and wonders in Daniel 4:2 compare to those performed by Jesus in the New Testament, and what do they reveal about God's character?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's journey from pride to humility, and how can we apply these lessons to our own spiritual walk?

5. How can we ensure that our focus remains on the God behind the miracles rather than the miracles themselves, according to biblical teachings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 145:12
This verse speaks of making known God's mighty acts, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's declaration of God's signs and wonders.

Acts 2:22
Peter speaks of Jesus being accredited by God through miracles, signs, and wonders, paralleling the divine acts in Daniel.

Exodus 7:3
God promises to multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt, showing a pattern of God using miraculous events to demonstrate His power.

John 4:48
Jesus mentions the need for signs and wonders for belief, highlighting the human tendency to seek tangible evidence of divine power.

Revelation 15:3
The song of Moses and the Lamb praises God's great and marvelous deeds, echoing the theme of declaring God's works.
Sermons
Royal Witness for GodJ.D. Davies Daniel 4:1-3
The Comeliness of ConfessionH.T. Robjohns Daniel 4:1-3
The Proclamation of Peace to All NationsWilliam White.Daniel 4:1-18
People
Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, Nebuchadnezzar
Places
Babylon
Topics
Clear, Declare, Miraculous, Performed, Seemed, Shew, Signs, Towards, Wonders, Worked, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 4:2

     8496   witnessing, importance

Daniel 4:1-3

     8444   honouring God

Daniel 4:1-7

     8709   astrology

Daniel 4:1-37

     1443   revelation, OT

Daniel 4:2-3

     1418   miracles, responses

Library
The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
Mr. Melvil, after finishing his classical studies, went abroad, and taught, for some time, both at Poictiers in France, and at Geneva. He returned to Scotland in July 1574, after having been absent from his native country near ten years. Upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, said, "That the greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland, was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr. Andrew Melvil." Soon …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)

Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Epistle xxxi. To Phocas, Emperor .
To Phocas, Emperor [218] . Gregory to Phocas Augustus. Glory to God in the highest who, according as it is written, changes times, and transfers kingdoms, seeing that He has made apparent to all what He vouchsafed to speak by His prophet, That the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan. iv. 17). For in the incomprehensible dispensation of Almighty God there are alternate controlments of mortal life; and sometimes, when the sins of many are to be smitten, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial Blessing Precedes Christ's Second Advent.
In Matt. 13 we have the record of seven parables--the number of completeness--which our Lord uttered consecutively. These parables are prophetic in their significance and scope. They deal with conditions which are to obtain here during the time of our Lord's absence. They are concerned with the visible profession of Christianity and they look forward to the closing scenes of the present dispensation. As there is much in them upon which we cannot now comment at length we shall content ourselves with …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...
81. And the fame of Antony came even unto kings. For Constantine Augustus, and his sons Constantius and Constans the Augusti wrote letters to him, as to a father, and begged an answer from him. But he made nothing very much of the letters, nor did he rejoice at the messages, but was the same as he had been before the Emperors wrote to him. But when they brought him the letters he called the monks and said, Do not be astonished if an emperor writes to us, for he is a man; but rather wonder that God …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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