◄ Daniel 4:20 ►
The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth,
Study Bible
The tree you saw

This phrase refers to the vision King Nebuchadnezzar had, which Daniel interprets. Trees in biblical literature often symbolize strength, growth, and prosperity. In this context, the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom. Trees are also used in other scriptures, such as Psalm 1:3, to symbolize a person or entity that flourishes under God's blessing.

Ezk 17:22-24 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot…
Jdg 9:8-15 One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves.…
Mat 13:31-32 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom…

that grew large and strong,

The growth and strength of the tree symbolize the expansion and power of Nebuchadnezzar's empire. Historically, Babylon was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its military conquests and architectural achievements, such as the Hanging Gardens. This imagery reflects the king's pride and the vastness of his rule.

Ezk 31:5-6 Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field.…
Psa 92:12-13 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…
Luk 13:18-19 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like?…

whose top reached the sky

This phrase indicates the immense height and prominence of the tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's ambition and the extent of his influence. The imagery is reminiscent of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:4), where humanity's pride led them to build a tower reaching the heavens, resulting in God's intervention.

Gen 11:4 “Come,” they said, “let us build for ourselves a city”…
Deu 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt,…
Isa 14:13 You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens…”…

and was visible to all the earth,

The visibility of the tree to the entire earth signifies the widespread recognition and impact of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. Babylon was a center of culture, trade, and power, influencing many nations. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual humbling of Nebuchadnezzar, as his pride and reach are contrasted with God's ultimate sovereignty over all kingdoms.

Dan 2:35 Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered…
Isa 52:10 The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations…
Psa 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who had the dream about the large tree. His reign and actions are central to the account of Daniel 4.

2. Daniel (Belteshazzar)
A Jewish exile in Babylon who interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He is known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God.

3. Babylon
The empire over which Nebuchadnezzar ruled. It was a significant power in the ancient world and a place of exile for the Jewish people.

4. The Tree
Symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, which had grown vast and powerful, reaching the heights of influence and visibility.

5. The Dream
A divine message to Nebuchadnezzar, warning him of the consequences of his pride and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Nebuchadnezzar's dream serves as a warning against pride. Just as the tree grew large and visible, so can our pride, leading to a fall.

God's Sovereignty
The dream illustrates God's control over kingdoms and rulers. No matter how powerful, all are subject to His will.

The Importance of Humility
Daniel's interpretation calls for humility before God. Recognizing our limitations and God's greatness is crucial for spiritual growth.

The Role of Divine Revelation
God communicates through dreams and visions, as seen with Nebuchadnezzar. Being attentive to God's messages is vital for understanding His plans.

Repentance and Restoration
The account encourages repentance. Nebuchadnezzar's eventual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the tree reflect the dangers of pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream demonstrate God's sovereignty over human affairs?

3. How can we apply the lesson of humility from Nebuchadnezzar's experience to our personal and professional lives?

4. What are some modern-day "trees" that we might be tempted to build, and how can we ensure they align with God's will?

5. How does the theme of repentance and restoration in Daniel 4 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel, where humanity's pride led them to build a tower reaching the heavens, parallels Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his kingdom.

Isaiah 14
The fall of the king of Babylon is prophesied, highlighting the theme of pride leading to downfall.

Ezekiel 31
The allegory of the cedar tree, representing Assyria, which also grew tall and was cut down, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
Sermons
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
Ends, Grew, Hast, Heaven, Heavens, Height, Hight, Large, Reach, Reached, Sawest, Sight, Sky, Stretching, Strong, Tall, Thereof, Touching, Tree, Visible, Vision
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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

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