I had a dream, and it frightened me; while in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. I had a dreamThe phrase "I had a dream" reflects a common means through which God communicated with individuals in the Old Testament. Dreams were often seen as divine messages, and in the context of Daniel, they frequently contained prophetic significance. The Hebrew word for dream, "ḥălôm," suggests a vision or revelation that goes beyond mere subconscious activity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were taken seriously, often requiring interpretation by wise men or prophets. This dream, given to King Nebuchadnezzar, sets the stage for a divine encounter and a message from God. and it frightened me
The word "frightened" indicates a deep sense of fear or terror. The Hebrew root "pāḥad" conveys a sudden, overwhelming fear, often associated with encountering the divine or the unknown. In the biblical narrative, fear is a common response to divine revelation, as seen in the reactions of figures like Moses and Isaiah. Nebuchadnezzar's fear underscores the gravity of the dream and its potential implications for his life and reign. It also highlights the human response to the divine, where the unknown and the powerful evoke a natural fear. while in my bed
The phrase "while in my bed" situates the dream in a personal and intimate setting. The bed, a place of rest and vulnerability, becomes the stage for divine communication. In the ancient world, the bed was not only a place of sleep but also a symbol of one's private life and inner thoughts. This setting emphasizes the personal nature of the dream and the direct way in which God reaches individuals, even in their most private moments. the images and visions in my mind
"Images and visions" refer to the vivid and often symbolic nature of dreams. The Hebrew words "ḥezev" (visions) and "dimyon" (images) suggest a supernatural insight or revelation. These terms indicate that the dream was not a random collection of thoughts but a structured and meaningful message. In biblical literature, visions are often used to convey God's plans and purposes, requiring interpretation to understand their full meaning. The use of both "images" and "visions" underscores the complexity and depth of the dream, hinting at its significant prophetic content. alarmed me
The word "alarmed" conveys a sense of disturbance and anxiety. The Hebrew root "bahal" implies a state of being troubled or dismayed. This reaction is consistent with the biblical theme of human frailty in the face of divine revelation. Nebuchadnezzar's alarm reflects the unsettling nature of the dream and its potential consequences. It also serves as a narrative device to draw attention to the importance of the dream and the need for its interpretation. The king's alarm sets the stage for Daniel's role as the interpreter, highlighting the interplay between divine revelation and human understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who has a troubling dream. His reign is marked by significant achievements and a powerful empire, but also by personal pride and eventual humbling by God. 2. BabylonThe capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its grandeur and as a center of power and culture during Nebuchadnezzar's reign. 3. The DreamA divine message delivered to Nebuchadnezzar through a dream, which serves as a warning and a revelation of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in CommunicationGod uses various means, including dreams, to communicate His will and assert His sovereignty. We should remain open to His guidance in unexpected ways. The Role of Fear in Spiritual AwakeningFear can be a catalyst for seeking God. Nebuchadnezzar's fear led him to seek understanding, reminding us that our anxieties can drive us closer to God. Pride and HumilityNebuchadnezzar's dream is a precursor to his humbling experience. It serves as a warning against pride and a call to recognize God's ultimate authority. The Importance of Seeking Godly CounselNebuchadnezzar's need for interpretation highlights the value of seeking wisdom from those who are spiritually discerning. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's reaction to his dream reflect our own responses to fear and uncertainty in life? 2. In what ways can we discern when God is speaking to us through unusual circumstances, such as dreams or visions? 3. How does the account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream challenge us to examine areas of pride in our own lives? 4. What steps can we take to ensure we are seeking and listening to godly counsel when faced with confusing or frightening situations? 5. How do other biblical accounts of dreams and visions (e.g., Joseph, Pharaoh, Peter) enhance our understanding of God's communication methods? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 41Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation highlight God's use of dreams to communicate His plans and purposes, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's experience. Job 33:14-16This passage discusses how God speaks to people through dreams and visions, emphasizing His desire to guide and instruct humanity. Acts 2:17Peter's sermon at Pentecost references Joel's prophecy about dreams and visions, indicating that God continues to use these means to reveal His will. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Affrighted, Afraid, Alarmed, Alarming, Bed, Cause, Conceptions, Dream, Fancies, Fantasies, Fear, Fearful, Images, Imaginings, Kept, Lay, Lying, Maketh, Mind, Passed, Terrified, Thoughts, Trouble, Troubled, VisionsDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:5 1466 vision
5229 bed
5533 sleep, physical
8754 fear Daniel 4:1-7 8709 astrology Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT 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 4:5 NIVDaniel 4:5 NLTDaniel 4:5 ESVDaniel 4:5 NASBDaniel 4:5 KJV
Daniel 4:5 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
