◄ Daniel 4:26 ►
As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
Study Bible
And the command
The word "command" here refers to a divine decree. In the context of Daniel, this is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative order from God. The Hebrew root for "command" is "peṯaḥ," which implies an opening or a decree that must be followed. This highlights the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers, emphasizing that His will is ultimate and unchallengeable.

to leave the stump of the tree with its roots
The imagery of the "stump of the tree with its roots" is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, trees often symbolized life, strength, and continuity. The stump and roots indicate that while the tree (representing Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom) is cut down, it is not destroyed. The Hebrew word for "stump" is "ʿiqār," suggesting a remnant or foundation that remains. This symbolizes hope and the potential for restoration, underscoring God's mercy and the possibility of renewal even after judgment.

means that your kingdom will be restored to you
The phrase "your kingdom will be restored" speaks to the promise of redemption and restoration. The Hebrew root "šûḇ" for "restored" conveys the idea of returning or bringing back to a former state. This reflects God's grace and the principle that repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty can lead to restoration. It serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that God is a restorer of fortunes and a redeemer of lives.

as soon as you acknowledge
The act of acknowledgment is crucial in this context. The Hebrew word "yāḏaʿ" for "acknowledge" implies a deep, intimate understanding and recognition. It is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt acceptance of truth. This highlights the importance of humility and the recognition of God's authority in one's life, a recurring theme in Scripture where true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

that Heaven rules
The phrase "Heaven rules" is a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty. In the book of Daniel, "Heaven" is often used as a metonym for God Himself. The Hebrew concept of "malkû" (rule or kingdom) emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. This serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful a human ruler may be, it is God who holds ultimate control over the affairs of the world. This truth is meant to inspire awe and reverence, encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect governance and timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who experiences a humbling period of madness as a result of his pride and failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty.

2. Daniel
A prophet and interpreter of dreams who serves in the court of Nebuchadnezzar and delivers God's message to the king.

3. Babylon
The kingdom over which Nebuchadnezzar rules, representing the height of human achievement and pride.

4. The Dream
Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a great tree that is cut down, symbolizing his impending downfall due to pride.

5. The Stump
Represents the preservation of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, indicating hope for restoration upon his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
Teaching Points
Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty
Recognize that true authority and power belong to God alone. Our achievements and positions are under His control.

The Danger of Pride
Pride can lead to downfall and separation from God. We must remain humble and give glory to God in all circumstances.

Hope for Restoration
Even when we fall, God provides a path to restoration if we turn back to Him and acknowledge His rule.

The Role of Prophetic Voices
Like Daniel, we should be open to receiving and delivering God's messages, even when they challenge those in power.

The Importance of Repentance
True repentance involves a change of heart and acknowledgment of God's authority, leading to restoration and blessing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's experience in Daniel 4:26 illustrate the consequences of pride and the importance of humility?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are acknowledging God's sovereignty in our daily lives?

3. How does the preservation of the stump in Nebuchadnezzar's dream offer hope for restoration, and how can this apply to our personal spiritual journeys?

4. What role does Daniel play in communicating God's message to Nebuchadnezzar, and how can we be open to being used by God in similar ways?

5. How do the themes in Daniel 4:26 connect with other biblical accounts of pride and humility, and what lessons can we draw from these connections for our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to a fall, which is directly applicable to Nebuchadnezzar's experience.

James 4:6
This passage highlights God's opposition to the proud and His grace to the humble, paralleling Nebuchadnezzar's need to humble himself before God.

Isaiah 14:12-15
The fall of Lucifer due to pride serves as a broader biblical theme of pride leading to downfall, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's account.

Acts 12:21-23
Herod's failure to give glory to God and his subsequent punishment mirrors Nebuchadnezzar's experience, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty.
Sermons
The All-Embracing Providence of GodDaniel 4:26
Human Greatness, its Rise, Fall, and RestorationH.T. Robjohns Daniel 4:4-18, 20-27
Sad TidingsW. Morrison.Daniel 4:19-26
The Symbolical TreeW. White.Daniel 4:19-26
Reproof by the SaintlyH.T. Robjohns Daniel 4:19, 26, 27
Prophetic CounselJ.D. Davies Daniel 4:19-28
Moments, of AstonishmentJoseph Parker, D.D.Daniel 4:19-37
People
Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, Nebuchadnezzar
Places
Babylon
Topics
Abideth, Acknowledge, Assured, Broken, Clear, Commanded, Heaven, Heavens, Kingdom, Leave, Orders, Recognize, Restored, Roots, Rule, Rules, Ruling, Safe, Stump, Sure, Tree, Whereas
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 4:26

     8150   revival, personal
     9411   heaven

Daniel 4:1-37

     1443   revelation, OT

Daniel 4:19-26

     1409   dream

Daniel 4:19-33

     5849   exaltation

Daniel 4:23-26

     4504   roots

Daniel 4:24-32

     5932   response

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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