◄ Daniel 4:13 ►
As I lay on my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.
Study Bible
In the visions
The term "visions" refers to supernatural revelations given by God, often seen in dreams or trances. In the Hebrew context, visions were a common means through which God communicated with His prophets. This highlights the divine origin of the message, emphasizing that it is not a mere dream but a revelation from God. The Hebrew word for visions, "ḥăzôn," suggests a divine insight or foresight, indicating that what Daniel is about to describe is of significant spiritual importance.

I saw while lying in bed
This phrase indicates the personal and intimate nature of the revelation. Daniel receives this vision in a state of rest, suggesting that God can communicate with His people in any circumstance. The setting of being "in bed" underscores the vulnerability and openness required to receive divine messages. It also reflects the biblical theme that God often speaks in the quietness and stillness of the night, as seen in other scriptural accounts.

I looked
The act of looking signifies attentiveness and readiness to perceive what God is revealing. It implies an active engagement with the vision, suggesting that Daniel is not a passive recipient but an active participant in understanding God's message. The Hebrew root "nāḇaṭ" conveys a sense of gazing intently, indicating that Daniel is fully focused on the unfolding revelation.

and there before me
This phrase indicates the immediacy and clarity of the vision. The vision is not distant or obscure but presented directly to Daniel. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's communication, as if placing the divine message right in front of him, ensuring that it captures his full attention.

was a watcher
The term "watcher" is unique and intriguing, often interpreted as an angelic being. In the Aramaic text, the word "ʿîr" is used, which means "watcher" or "guardian." This suggests a celestial being tasked with observing and executing God's will on earth. The concept of watchers is rooted in ancient Near Eastern traditions, where divine beings were believed to oversee human affairs, ensuring that God's purposes are fulfilled.

a holy one
This phrase emphasizes the purity and divine nature of the watcher. The term "holy" denotes being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting the character and authority of the being. In the biblical context, holiness is a key attribute of God and His messengers, indicating that the message being delivered is sacred and authoritative.

coming down from heaven
This phrase signifies the origin and authority of the message. The descent from heaven indicates that the watcher is acting under divine commission, bringing a message from the throne of God. It underscores the heavenly authority behind the vision, reminding the reader of the sovereignty of God over earthly affairs. The imagery of descending from heaven also reflects the biblical theme of God intervening in human history to accomplish His divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The Babylonian king who is recounting his dream. He is a central figure in the Book of Daniel, known for his powerful reign and interactions with Daniel and his friends.

2. Watcher
A term used to describe an angelic being. In this context, it refers to a divine messenger sent by God to deliver a message or execute His will.

3. Holy One
This term emphasizes the purity and divine nature of the watcher. It signifies that the message or action is sanctioned by God.

4. Heaven
The realm from which the watcher descends, representing the divine authority and origin of the message.

5. Vision
A supernatural revelation given to Nebuchadnezzar, which is a common method through which God communicates His will in the Bible.
Teaching Points
Divine Communication
God uses various means, including dreams and visions, to communicate His will. We should be attentive to how God might be speaking to us today, whether through Scripture, prayer, or other believers.

Role of Angels
Angels are messengers and servants of God, executing His will. Understanding their role can deepen our appreciation for the spiritual realm and God's sovereignty.

Humility Before God
Nebuchadnezzar's experience reminds us of the importance of humility. Recognizing God's authority and submitting to His will is crucial for spiritual growth.

God's Sovereignty
The descent of the watcher from heaven underscores God's control over earthly affairs. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's uncertainties.

Repentance and Transformation
The broader context of Nebuchadnezzar's dream highlights the need for repentance and the transformative power of acknowledging God's supremacy.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the watcher in Nebuchadnezzar's dream inform our understanding of angelic beings in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we discern God's communication in our lives today, and how can we ensure we are receptive to His messages?

3. How does the concept of divine sovereignty, as seen in this passage, influence our response to challenges and uncertainties in life?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's experience about the importance of humility and repentance?

5. How can we apply the understanding of God's use of dreams and visions in the Bible to our spiritual journey and relationship with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 28:12
Jacob's dream of a ladder with angels ascending and descending connects to the concept of divine messengers interacting with the earthly realm.

Psalm 103:20
This verse speaks of angels as mighty ones who do God's bidding, paralleling the role of the watcher in Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

Revelation 14:6
The imagery of an angel flying in midair with an eternal gospel to proclaim connects to the idea of divine messages being delivered to humanity.
Sermons
The Proclamation of Peace to All NationsWilliam White.Daniel 4:1-18
Human Greatness, its Rise, Fall, and RestorationH.T. Robjohns Daniel 4:4-18, 20-27
The Fall of the Great TreeA. LondonDaniel 4:10-15
The Tree of PrideJ. Medley, D.D.Daniel 4:10-15
A Vision of Self-RuinJ.D. Davies Daniel 4:10-18
People
Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, Nebuchadnezzar
Places
Babylon
Topics
Angelic, Bed, Behold, Descended, Heaven, Heavens, Holy, Lay, Lying, Messenger, Mind, Sifter, Sky, Visions, Watcher
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 4:13

     5408   messenger
     6684   mediator

Daniel 4:1-37

     1443   revelation, OT

Daniel 4:10-14

     4416   branch

Daniel 4:10-17

     1409   dream

Daniel 4:13-16

     4504   roots

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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