◄ Daniel 4:6 ►
So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
Study Bible
So I issued a decree
The phrase "issued a decree" reflects the absolute authority of King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of the Babylonian Empire. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's decree was binding and carried the weight of law. This highlights the king's desperation and urgency to understand the dream, as dreams were often seen as divine messages. The Hebrew root for "decree" (טְעֵם, te'em) implies a command or edict, underscoring the king's authoritative power and the seriousness with which he approached the matter.

that all the wise men of Babylon
The "wise men of Babylon" refers to a group of advisors, including magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners, who were considered experts in interpreting dreams and omens. Historically, Babylon was renowned for its scholarly pursuits and its emphasis on astrology and divination. These wise men were expected to possess knowledge and skills beyond the ordinary, drawing from the rich tradition of Babylonian wisdom literature. However, their inability to interpret the king's dream in previous chapters foreshadows their limitations and sets the stage for Daniel's God-given wisdom to be revealed.

be brought before me
The phrase "be brought before me" indicates the king's direct involvement and personal interest in the interpretation of the dream. It suggests a formal summons, emphasizing the importance of the matter at hand. In the royal court, being brought before the king was a significant event, often associated with matters of great consequence. This highlights Nebuchadnezzar's reliance on human wisdom and his initial failure to recognize the divine source of true understanding, which will later be contrasted with Daniel's reliance on God.

to interpret the dream for me
The act of interpreting dreams was a common practice in ancient cultures, where dreams were often seen as messages from the gods. The word "interpret" (פְּשַׁר, peshar) in Aramaic suggests the revealing or explaining of hidden meanings. This reflects the king's belief in the supernatural significance of his dream and his desire for clarity and guidance. Theologically, this sets the stage for the demonstration of God's sovereignty, as only Daniel, through divine revelation, can provide the true interpretation, pointing to the supremacy of the God of Israel over the wisdom of Babylon.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who has a troubling dream that he seeks to understand. His reign is marked by significant power and influence, but also by moments of divine intervention and revelation.

2. Daniel (Belteshazzar)
A Hebrew prophet and wise man in the Babylonian court, known for his ability to interpret dreams and visions through the wisdom given by God.

3. Babylon
The capital city of the Babylonian Empire, a place of great wealth and power, but also of idolatry and pride.

4. Dream
A significant event in this chapter, where Nebuchadnezzar receives a vision that disturbs him, prompting him to seek interpretation.

5. Wise Men of Babylon
A group of magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners whom Nebuchadnezzar initially calls upon to interpret his dream, but they are unable to do so.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God reveals His will and purposes through dreams and visions, demonstrating His control over human affairs and His desire to communicate with humanity.

The Limitations of Human Wisdom
The inability of the Babylonian wise men to interpret the dream underscores the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine insight.

The Role of God's Servants
Daniel's role as an interpreter highlights the importance of being available and prepared to be used by God to convey His messages to others.

Humility Before God
Nebuchadnezzar's experience serves as a reminder of the need for humility and recognition of God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The passage encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding from those who are grounded in God's truth, rather than relying solely on secular sources.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's reliance on Daniel for dream interpretation reflect the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine insight?

2. In what ways does Daniel's ability to interpret dreams demonstrate God's sovereignty and His use of chosen servants to fulfill His purposes?

3. How can we apply the lesson of seeking godly counsel in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions or situations?

4. What does Nebuchadnezzar's experience teach us about the importance of humility and recognizing God's authority in our lives?

5. How can the account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation encourage us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when we do not fully understand our circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41
The account of Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation parallels Nebuchadnezzar's reliance on Daniel, highlighting God's sovereignty in revealing mysteries to His chosen servants.

Daniel 2
Earlier in Daniel's life, he interprets another of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, establishing a pattern of God using Daniel to reveal divine truths to the king.

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord rather than one's own understanding, which is a key theme as Nebuchadnezzar learns to rely on God's wisdom through Daniel.
Sermons
The Proclamation of Peace to All NationsWilliam White.Daniel 4:1-18
True and False ProphetsJ.D. Davies Daniel 4:4-9
Human Greatness, its Rise, Fall, and RestorationH.T. Robjohns Daniel 4:4-18, 20-27
People
Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, Nebuchadnezzar
Places
Babylon
Topics
Babylon, Bring, Cause, Clear, Decree, Dream, Interpret, Interpretation, Orders, Presence, Sense, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 4:6

     8365   wisdom, human

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

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