But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: "For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. But at the end of those daysThis phrase marks a significant transition in Nebuchadnezzar's life, indicating the completion of a divinely appointed period of judgment. The "days" refer to the seven times that passed over him, a period of humbling and transformation. In the Hebrew context, "end" (קֵץ, qets) often signifies a divinely orchestrated conclusion, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and events. I, Nebuchadnezzar
The personal pronoun "I" underscores the personal nature of Nebuchadnezzar's testimony. This is a first-person account, highlighting the king's direct experience and transformation. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful Babylonian king, and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is profound, given his previous pride and self-exaltation. lifted my eyes to heaven
This action symbolizes a shift from pride to humility, from self-reliance to divine dependence. In biblical literature, "lifting one's eyes to heaven" often signifies seeking divine intervention or acknowledging God's supremacy. It marks the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar's restoration, both mentally and spiritually. and my sanity was restored to me
The restoration of sanity (שֵׁבוּת, shevut) signifies a return to a right mind, a gift from God. This restoration is not just mental but also spiritual, as Nebuchadnezzar's understanding of God's sovereignty is renewed. It reflects the biblical theme of God as the restorer of those who humble themselves before Him. Then I blessed the Most High
To "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak) in this context means to praise and acknowledge God's greatness. "The Most High" (עֶלְיוֹן, Elyon) is a title emphasizing God's supreme authority over all creation. Nebuchadnezzar's blessing is an act of worship, recognizing God's unparalleled power and majesty. and praised and honored Him
"Praise" (שָׁבַח, shabach) and "honor" (הָדַר, hadar) are expressions of reverence and admiration. This dual action reflects a heart transformed by divine encounter, moving from arrogance to adoration. It signifies a deep recognition of God's worthiness and glory. who lives forever
This phrase highlights God's eternal nature, contrasting with human mortality and the temporal nature of earthly kingdoms. The Hebrew concept of God's eternal existence (חַי, chai) underscores His unchanging and everlasting presence, a central tenet of biblical theology. For His dominion is an everlasting dominion
"Dominion" (מַלְכוּ, malku) refers to God's sovereign rule and authority. The repetition of "everlasting" (עָלַם, olam) emphasizes the perpetual and unending nature of God's reign. This acknowledgment by Nebuchadnezzar is a profound declaration of God's ultimate control over all earthly powers. and His kingdom endures from generation to generation
The enduring nature of God's kingdom (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah) is a testament to His faithfulness and unchanging rule throughout history. "From generation to generation" (דּוֹר וָדוֹר, dor vador) signifies the continuity and stability of God's reign, offering hope and assurance to believers that God's purposes will prevail across all ages. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who experienced a humbling period of insanity as a result of his pride and failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty. 2. BabylonThe kingdom over which Nebuchadnezzar ruled, known for its grandeur and power during his reign. 3. The Most HighA title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. 4. HeavenThe realm where God resides, symbolizing divine authority and the source of Nebuchadnezzar's restored sanity. 5. Restoration of SanityThe event marking the end of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling period, leading to his acknowledgment of God's eternal dominion. Teaching Points Acknowledging God's SovereigntyRecognize that all power and authority ultimately belong to God, and our lives should reflect this understanding. Humility Before GodLearn from Nebuchadnezzar's experience that pride leads to downfall, while humility brings restoration and blessing. The Power of RepentanceUnderstand that turning our eyes toward heaven and acknowledging God can lead to spiritual and personal restoration. Eternal PerspectiveEmbrace the truth that God's kingdom is everlasting, and our lives should be aligned with His eternal purposes. Praise and WorshipCultivate a heart of worship, regularly blessing and glorifying God for His unchanging nature and dominion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's experience in Daniel 4:34 illustrate the consequences of pride and the importance of humility? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of acknowledging God's sovereignty in our daily lives? 3. How does the restoration of Nebuchadnezzar's sanity after he looked toward heaven encourage us in times of personal struggle or confusion? 4. What other biblical figures experienced a humbling process that led to a deeper understanding of God's authority? How can their accounts inspire us? 5. How can we incorporate regular praise and worship into our lives, following Nebuchadnezzar's example of blessing the Most High? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 145:13This verse echoes the theme of God's everlasting kingdom and dominion, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's declaration. Isaiah 9:7The prophecy of the eternal reign of the Messiah connects with the acknowledgment of God's enduring kingdom. Romans 11:36This verse highlights the glory and sovereignty of God, aligning with Nebuchadnezzar's praise. Philippians 2:9-11The exaltation of Christ and the call for every knee to bow parallels Nebuchadnezzar's recognition of God's supremacy. Revelation 11:15The proclamation of God's eternal kingdom in Revelation resonates with the king's acknowledgment of God's everlasting dominion. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Age-during, Blessed, Blessing, Dominion, Endures, Eternal, Everlasting, Forever, Generation, Glorified, Goes, Got, Heaven, Heavens, Honored, Honour, Honoured, Kingdom, Lifted, Lifting, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnez'zar, Period, Praise, Praised, Raised, Reason, Restored, Returned, Returneth, Rule, Sanity, UnderstandingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:34 1080 God, living
8150 revival, personal
8444 honouring God Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT Daniel 4:28-37 5334 health Daniel 4:33-34 9210 judgment, God's Daniel 4:33-35 5297 disease Daniel 4:34-35 2376 kingdom of God, coming
4007 creation, and God
5700 headship
8796 persecution, forms of Daniel 4:34-36 6730 reinstatement Daniel 4:34-37 5932 response
6629 conversion, examples
8440 glorifying God 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 4:34 NIVDaniel 4:34 NLTDaniel 4:34 ESVDaniel 4:34 NASBDaniel 4:34 KJV
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