When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. When the magiciansThe term "magicians" in this context refers to a class of wise men in Babylon who were skilled in the arts of divination and interpretation of dreams. The Hebrew word used here is "chartummim," which is often associated with those who practice secret arts or possess esoteric knowledge. Historically, magicians in ancient Babylon were part of the king's advisory council, often called upon to provide insight into mysterious matters. Their inability to interpret the dream highlights the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine revelation. enchanters
The "enchanters" are those who use incantations or spells, often seeking to manipulate spiritual forces. The Hebrew word "ashshaphim" suggests individuals who claim to have power over the supernatural through rituals. In the ancient Near East, enchanters were believed to have the ability to communicate with the spiritual realm, yet their failure in this instance underscores the supremacy of God's wisdom over human attempts to control or predict the future. astrologers
Astrologers, or "kasdim" in Hebrew, were those who studied the stars and celestial bodies to predict earthly events. In Babylonian culture, astrology was a highly respected science, and astrologers were considered experts in understanding the divine will through the heavens. However, their inability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream serves as a reminder that true understanding comes from God, not from the created order. and diviners
Diviners, referred to as "gazrin" in Aramaic, were those who practiced divination, seeking to foretell the future or uncover hidden knowledge through various means, such as reading omens or casting lots. In the biblical narrative, divination is often portrayed negatively, as it relies on human or demonic sources rather than God. The failure of the diviners in this passage emphasizes the futility of seeking guidance apart from the Lord. came in
The phrase "came in" indicates the formal presentation of these wise men before King Nebuchadnezzar. It suggests a sense of urgency and expectation, as the king sought answers to his troubling dream. This gathering of the king's advisors reflects the common practice in ancient courts to consult multiple sources of wisdom in times of crisis. I told them the dream
Nebuchadnezzar's act of telling the dream to his advisors shows his desperation for understanding. Unlike in Daniel 2, where he demanded the wise men tell him both the dream and its interpretation, here he reveals the dream, perhaps indicating a shift in his approach or an increased anxiety about its meaning. This openness, however, does not lead to the desired outcome, as human wisdom falls short. but they could not interpret it for me
The inability of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret the dream highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the futility of relying on occult practices. This phrase underscores a central theme in the Book of Daniel: the sovereignty of God and the insufficiency of human efforts apart from divine revelation. It sets the stage for Daniel, God's chosen servant, to demonstrate the power and wisdom of the true God, contrasting the impotence of Babylon's spiritual advisors with the omniscience of the God of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who has a troubling dream that he seeks to understand. 2. Magicians, Enchanters, Astrologers, DivinersThese are the wise men of Babylon, skilled in various forms of wisdom and interpretation, yet unable to interpret the king's dream. 3. BabylonThe setting of the event, a powerful empire known for its wealth, culture, and influence. 4. DreamA significant dream given to Nebuchadnezzar, which holds a divine message that requires interpretation. 5. Daniel (implied)Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Daniel is the one who eventually interprets the dream, showcasing God's wisdom through him. Teaching Points The Limitations of Human WisdomThe inability of the magicians and wise men to interpret the dream underscores the limitations of human wisdom without divine insight. God's Sovereignty in RevelationGod chooses to reveal His messages through His chosen servants, like Daniel, emphasizing His control over revelation. Dependence on God for UnderstandingBelievers are reminded to seek God's wisdom and understanding in all things, rather than relying solely on human knowledge. The Role of God's ServantsDaniel's eventual interpretation of the dream highlights the importance of being a faithful servant through whom God can work. The Futility of Pagan PracticesThe failure of the Babylonian wise men serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on pagan practices and beliefs. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the inability of the Babylonian wise men to interpret the dream reveal about the nature of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom? 2. How does Daniel's role in interpreting the dream reflect the importance of being a vessel for God's purposes? 3. In what ways can we apply the lesson of seeking God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 4. How does the account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream connect with other biblical accounts of God revealing His will through dreams? 5. What are some modern-day "magicians and enchanters" that people might rely on instead of seeking God's guidance, and how can we avoid these pitfalls? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 41Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams when the Egyptian magicians fail, similar to Daniel's role in Babylon. 1 Corinthians 1:20Paul speaks of God making the wisdom of the world foolish, paralleling the inability of Babylon's wise men to interpret the dream. Isaiah 44:25God frustrates the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, highlighting His sovereignty over human wisdom. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Arts, Astrologers, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Clear, Conjurers, Diviners, Dream, Enchanters, Interpret, Interpretation, Magicians, Making, Readers, Related, Scribes, Secret, Sense, Signs, Soothsayers, Sooth-sayers, Thereof, Users, Wonder-workersDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:7 4281 stars 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 4:7 NIVDaniel 4:7 NLTDaniel 4:7 ESVDaniel 4:7 NASBDaniel 4:7 KJV
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