whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested-- whose foliage was beautifulThe phrase "whose foliage was beautiful" speaks to the majesty and splendor of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In the Hebrew text, the word for "foliage" is "עָלֶה" (aleh), which can also mean leaf or branch. This imagery of beauty is often used in Scripture to denote prosperity and divine favor. The beauty of the tree's foliage symbolizes the glory and grandeur of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom at its height, reflecting God's initial blessing upon his reign. and whose fruit was abundant
The abundance of fruit signifies the prosperity and productivity of the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "fruit" is "פְּרִי" (peri), which is often used in the Bible to denote the results or outcomes of one's labor. This abundance indicates that the kingdom was not only vast but also thriving, providing for the needs of its people. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the responsibility of leaders to steward their resources wisely. providing food for all
This phrase highlights the tree's role in sustaining life, symbolizing the king's duty to care for his subjects. The Hebrew word for "food" is "מָזוֹן" (mazon), which implies sustenance and nourishment. The imagery here is of a benevolent ruler whose reign ensures that all under his dominion are fed and cared for, reflecting the ideal of a just and righteous governance. giving shelter to the beasts of the field
The tree's ability to provide shelter to the beasts of the field illustrates the protection and security offered by the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "shelter" is "מָעוֹן" (maon), which can also mean dwelling or refuge. This suggests a place of safety and rest, emphasizing the king's role as a protector of his people and the natural order within his realm. and having nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air
The nesting places in the branches for the birds of the air symbolize the far-reaching influence and inclusivity of the kingdom. The Hebrew word for "nesting places" is "קֵן" (ken), which denotes a secure and stable home. This imagery reflects the idea that the kingdom was a place where diverse peoples and nations could find a home and thrive, underlining the king's responsibility to foster unity and peace. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who had a dream about a great tree, which Daniel interprets. This dream is a divine message about Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and his eventual humbling. 2. Daniel (Belteshazzar)A Hebrew prophet and advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. He explains the meaning of the king's dream. 3. BabylonThe kingdom over which Nebuchadnezzar reigns. It is depicted metaphorically as a great tree in the king's dream. 4. The Great TreeSymbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's vast and powerful kingdom, providing sustenance and shelter to many. 5. The DreamA divine vision given to Nebuchadnezzar, which serves as a warning and prophecy about his future. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over KingdomsThe dream illustrates God's control over earthly kingdoms. No matter how powerful a ruler may seem, God is the ultimate authority. The Danger of PrideNebuchadnezzar's dream serves as a warning against pride. Believers are reminded to remain humble and recognize God's hand in their successes. Provision and ProtectionThe tree's ability to provide food and shelter reflects God's provision and protection. Christians are called to trust in God's care and to be a source of support for others. The Role of ProphetsDaniel's role as an interpreter highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. Believers should seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture and godly counsel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream reflect the nature of his kingdom, and what lessons can we learn about the temporary nature of earthly power? 2. In what ways does Daniel's interpretation of the dream demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events? 3. How can we guard against pride in our own lives, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we remain humble before God? 4. How does the concept of providing shelter and sustenance, as seen in the tree, apply to our role as Christians in our communities? 5. What parallels can we draw between Daniel's role as a prophet and the role of Scripture in guiding our lives today? How can we better listen to and apply God's Word? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 41Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, similar to how Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showing God's sovereignty in revealing future events through dreams. Ezekiel 31The imagery of a great tree is also used to describe the Assyrian empire, emphasizing the theme of pride and downfall. Matthew 13:31-32Jesus uses the parable of the mustard seed growing into a large tree, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven, which provides shelter and sustenance, similar to the tree in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Abundant, Air, Animals, Beast, Beasts, Beautiful, Birds, Boughs, Branches, Budding, Dwell, Dwelt, Fair, Field, Foliage, Fowls, Fruit, Giving, Habitation, Heaven, Heavens, Leaves, Lodged-, Meat, Nesting, Places, Providing, Resting-places, Shade, Shelter, Sit, Sky, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:21 4035 abundance Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT Daniel 4:19-26 1409 dream Daniel 4:19-33 5849 exaltation Daniel 4:20-22 4416 branch 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 Links Daniel 4:21 NIVDaniel 4:21 NLTDaniel 4:21 ESVDaniel 4:21 NASBDaniel 4:21 KJV
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