The Heart of the King
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." -- (Proverbs 21:1)
God overrules all the plans of earthly rulers, be they righteous or wicked, for the accomplishment of his own wise and good designs.
A good king’s heart is as pliable in the hands of God as the small irrigation channels are controlled by the gardener.
Seven examples of kings obeying God:
1. David (1 Samuel 13:14)
2. Solomon (1 Kings 3:9-12)
3. Ahasuerus (Esther 6; Neh. 2)
4. Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 29:18; Daniel 4)
5. Cyrus (Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1)
6. Darius (Ezra 6:22)
7. Augustus (Luke 2:1-7)
Think about that for a moment! God has reserved the right to override the will of a nation’s leader, if need be, to see that His people are governed according to His will.
What’s more, God will hear the prayer of any government leader. Even if he’s the worst reprobate in the whole world. He heard the prayer of old King Nebuchadnezzar. Believe me, that means He’ll listen to any leader!
You see, Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. He was an ungodly ruler of an ungodly nation. However, he’d taken captives from the land of Judah. He had some of God’s people under his authority. So, God began to deal with him.
Again and again, God warned him, "Nebuchadnezzar, you’re going to lose your mind if you don’t straighten up." And, sure enough, he went just as crazy as could be.
He stayed that way for years too. Then one day he cried out to God and God heard him.
Despite his status as a heathen king of a heathen nation, God intervened repeatedly in Nebuchadnezzar’s life and heard him when he finally cried out for help. Why? Because he had God’s people under his rule!
That same principle still holds true today. If we’ll open the way through prayer, God will deal with our leaders!
If we will humble ourselves in unity and pray, God can change the injustice and corruption that exist in our country, or any country for that matter. He’ll change the hearts of everyone from the White House on down to make sure His children are governed justly.
Make it a point to pray for our leaders today!
SCRIPTURE READING: Daniel 4:1-37
Daniel 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
This chapter contains an edict of Nebuchadnezzar after his recovery from the calamity to which it refers.
[all the earth] All the earth under Nebuchadnezzar—not all the earth outside his kingdom, which included only the modern states of Palestine, Trans-Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. The phrase "all the earth" must be understood in a limited sense, as explained of the limitations of the Antichrist’s kingdom.
Extent of Antichrist’s Reign
Fifteen proofs Antichrist will not reign over America or be a worldwide dictator:
1. Four statements in Rev. 13 have led some to believe that Antichrist will literally rule the whole world and cause every man on earth to take a mark or be killed. They are:
(1) Power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations (Rev. 13:7)
(2) All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (except Christians, Rev. 13:8)
(3) He causeth all, both small and great ... to receive a mark (Rev. 13:16)
(4) No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, name, or number (Rev. 13:17)
On the surface it might seem that these statements prove Antichrist will be a world ruler, killing all on earth who do not take his mark, name, or number. But, the contrary is true because "all" in these passages is simply a figure of speech—synecdoche—in which a whole is put for a part, as we would say, "Everyone in town," or "the whole country." If the United States would make a law that "all men" of all nations, and tongues must register on a certain day or be killed, we would naturally understand the law to apply only to all people of all nations and tongues who are under the government of the United States, not to the people of these nations and tongues who are under other governments. The word "all" is used in a limited sense hundreds of times in Scriptures (Genesis 6:17; Joshua 6:21-25; 2 Samuel 6:5,15; 1 Kings 11:16-17; Matthew 3:5-6; Luke 2:1-3; Romans 1:8; Romans 10:18; Col. 1:23; etc.).
2. Such terms as in Rev. 13 have been used of other rulers and kingdoms who did not literally rule the whole world. It was said of Nebuchadnezzar—Wheresoever the children of men dwell ... hath made thee ruler over them ALL (Daniel 2:38). Of Greece—Which shall bear rule over ALL the earth (Daniel 2:39). Of Rome—Shall devour the WHOLE earth (Daniel 7:23-24). None of these kingdoms ruled the whole world.
3. Rev. 13 itself limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms that are yet to be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Daniel 7:23-24). The beast has only 10 horns, not 65, plainly teaching that a limited part of the earth will be under Antichrist (Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:12-17).
4. Rev. 17:8-17 also limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms—the 10 horns ... are 10 kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but received power as kings with the beast ... these shall give their kingdom unto the beast.
5. In Daniel 7:7-8,23-24 we have the definite location of the future 10 kingdoms. They are to be inside (out of), not outside the old Roman Empire territory. America and many other lands were never a part of the old Roman Empire, so they will not be a part of the 10 kingdoms to be formed in the last days inside that empire. No country outside the 10 kingdoms will be ruled by Antichrist and no mark of the beast will be forced upon any man outside the kingdom of Antichrist.
6. In Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:40-45 Antichrist breaks his 7-year covenant with Israel and takes over Palestine and many other countries, "but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon," which would be modern Jordan and Arabia. If these countries escape Antichrist, these on the border of Palestine which does not escape him, then it is surely conceivable that many countries across the vast oceans will also escape him.
7. The nation of Israel escapes the Antichrist arriving safe in the wilderness of Edom and Moab where they are protected of God for 3 1/2 years, or during the time the whole world is supposed to be taking the mark of the beast (see pt. 10, The Sun-Clothed Woman)
8. In Daniel 11:44-45 it is stated that the countries north and east of the 10 kingdoms under Antichrist will make war on him. These countries too, then, are not ruled by him and are and are not therefore forced to take the mark.
9. In Rev. 16:13-16 we have 3 unclean spirits like frogs going forth working miracles through ambassadors thus seeking the cooperation of many nations to help Antichrist against Jesus Christ at Armageddon. These will not have been conquered by him or be under him or they would not have to be persuaded to help him at Armageddon. If he ruled them and they loved him enough to worship him and take his mark, such demonic ministries would be unnecessary.
10. In Rev. 13:4 we have proof that there are nations whom the Antichrist has not conquered. If there were no nations who were not under him it would be foolish to raise the question about who can conquer him.
11. In Rev. 14:9-11 it is stated that every man who does take the mark of the beast, or his name, or the number of his name, will be sent to eternal hell without exception. If, as some teach today, Antichrist will kill every man who does not take the mark of the beast, and if, as stated here, every man who does take it will be sent to eternal hell, there will not be one person left on earth to populate it in the Millennium and the New Earth. Thus, such a doctrine as Antichrist killing all on earth who do not take his mark and worship him is literally untrue.
12. The truth is that Antichrist will make a law that all in his 10 kingdoms must worship him and take his mark, but the law will not and cannot be literally enforced in such a vast territory in as short a time as 3 1/2 years. It would be impossible for one human Antichrist to contact every man in the whole world and to see that every man is killed who does not take his mark. To say that, he could be virtually teaching that one man can do more in 3 1/2 years than what God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and all the redeemed people of over 1,900 years have been able to do. The gospel has been preached that long and still multiplied millions of people on earth have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. How could a new doctrine and a new religion of the beast be made known to all the world in 3 1/2 years?
One reason why Antichrist cannot enforce such a law even inside the Roman Empire territory in 3 1/2 years is because of the wars between his 10 kingdoms and the many nations north and east of his empire (Daniel 11:44). These wars will keep him so occupied that he will not be able to pay full attention to the enforcement of his religious laws. Then, too, there will no doubt be ways of avoiding such laws in certain localities as there are concerning any other manmade law. Local officials, money, bribery, and many other things will enable some in his kingdom to escape literal compliance to such a law. Guerrilla warfare against Antichrist can be carried on in all parts of his kingdom, making it impossible to enforce such a law literally.
Antichrist will come and go without millions of people in various parts of the earth knowing that he ever existed. This is true of Jesus Christ, and it will be true of Antichrist. Many peoples in the interior of certain lands do not yet know that there have been two world wars in a generation. Many do not know we have automobiles, airplanes, etc.
The Bible teaches that in the Millennium Christ will be reigning in Jerusalem for some time before His agents contact certain peoples on earth and seek to bring them under His government (Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 52:7; Isaiah 61:6; Isaiah 66:18-21; Zech. 8:23; Zech. 14:16-21). So it will be in the days of Antichrist.
13. In Zech. 14:16-21 it is clear that many from every nation, even those that are under Antichrist, will be left alive on the earth in the Millennium. These will not take the mark of the beast. If so, they would be sent to eternal hell by Christ at His second coming. Since they are left to enter the Millennium, it is proof that every man on earth will not take the mark or be killed. For example, Egypt is spoken of in Daniel 11:40-45 as not escaping the Antichrist, but we find Egyptians left to enter the Milennium in Zech. 14:16-21. So it will be with many people of all the nations under Antichrist. Some will not take the mark or obey his law and yet escape death by him. Multitudes will be killed, but not all (Rev. 7:9-11; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 16:2; Rev. 20:4-6).
14. In Matthew 25:31-46 we read of many of all nations that are called blessed of My Father who will inherit the millennial and eternal kingdom. These people will not take the mark of the beast or they would be sent to eternal hell, as stated in Rev. 14:9-11. The basis of the judgment of the nations here is their treatment of Israel. Such kind treatment of Israel could not be possible on the part of any nation if all were directly controlled by Antichrist.
15. The remnant of the woman in Rev. 12:17 escape the mark of the beast and the worship of Antichrist. This is made possible by new wars in the north and east of his kingdom, forcing him to let them alone for the time being so as to conquer these new enemies. The ministry of the two witnesses helps protect them the last 3 1/2 years. Then when Antichrist conquers his enemies after nearly 3 1/2 years of war he gathers his forces against the Jews to destroy them. He is defeated by Jesus Christ at Armageddon before he even takes all of Jerusalem, which by some means has been suddenly delivered from Antichrist and is back in Jewish hands (Zech. 14:14-15).
Thus, we conclude that Antichrist will not rule America or be a worldwide dictator; that his kingdom will be limited to the old Roman Empire territory during the time he seeks to enforce the new beast worship; that he will be in constant wars with other nations during the whole 7 years he is here (Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45); that multitudes of all nations will escape the mark of the beast and his worship; and that Antichrist will be defeated by Christ before he conquers all of Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and all other parts of the world.
Daniel 4:2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
True humility makes men willing to speak of their own abasement, whenever it will be for God’s glory and the instruction of their fellow men.
[I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me] This was the second proclamation or decree exalting God (Daniel 3:29-30; Daniel 4:1-3; cp. Daniel 2:47).
Daniel 4:3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
Nebuchadnezzar, a heathen king, expressed two great doctrines of Scripture that very few Bible scholars understand or acknowledge today:
1. That God’s kingdom is to be an everlasting one (Daniel 4:3; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,18,27; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zech. 14; Luke 1:31-33; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 22:4-5)
2. That eternal generations of natural people will be on the earth (Daniel 4:3; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,18,27; Genesis 8:22; Genesis 9:12; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 59:21; Zech. 14; Luke 1:31-33; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 22:4-5)
Daniel 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
Daniel 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.
[dream] This was the second dream of prophetic events. Both times he was troubled and demanded his wise men to reveal the interpretation (Daniel 2:2-16; Daniel 4:5-7). Both times all failed but Daniel.
Thirty-four Dreams of Scripture
1. Abimelech, of Sarah (Genesis 20:3)
2. Jacob, of a ladder (Genesis 28:12)
3. Jacob, of ring-straked cattle (Genesis 31:10-13)
4. Jacob, of Egypt (Genesis 46:2)
5. Laban, of Jacob (Genesis 31:24)
6. Joseph, of brethren (Genesis 37:5)
7. Joseph, of brethren (Genesis 37:9)
8. Chief butler, of himself (Genesis 40:9)
9. Chief baker, of himself (Genesis 40:16)
10. Pharaoh, of famine (Genesis 41:1-4)
11. Pharaoh, of famine (Genesis 41:5-8)
12. A Midianite, of Gideon (Judges 7:13)
13. Solomon, of wisdom (1 Kings 3:3-15)
14. Eliphaz, of a spirit (Job 4:12-21)
15. Job, of terror (Job 7:14)
16. Nebuchadnezzar, of kingdoms (Daniel 2)
17. Nebuchadnezzar, of himself (Daniel 4)
18. Daniel, of kingdoms (Daniel 7)
19. Daniel, of kingdoms (Daniel 8)
20. Daniel, of God (Daniel 10:5-9)
21. False prophets, of lies (Jeremiah 23:27-32; Jeremiah 29:8)
22. Diviners, of false things (Zech. 10:2)
23. Joseph, of Mary (Matthew 1:20)
24. Joseph, of flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13)
25. Joseph, of returning home (Matthew 2:19)
26. Joseph, of Herod (Matthew 2:22)
27. The wise men, of warning (Matthew 2:12)
28. Pilate’s wife, of Jesus (Matthew 27:19)
29. Cornelius, of an angel (Acts 10:3-6)
30. Peter, of animals (Acts 10:10-16)
31. Paul, of a man (Acts 16:9)
32. Paul, of going to Rome (Acts 23:11)
33. Paul, of safety (Acts 28:23-24)
34. John, of Christ (Rev. 1:12-18)
Daniel 4:6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.
Daniel 4:7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.
In the first dream these same wise men promised to give the interpretation if he would only tell them the dream. Here he told the dream and they still failed.
Daniel 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,
According to the name of my god; for Belteshazzar signifies "Prince of Bel." Bel was the chief deity of the Babylonians. Compare
Isa 46:1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
Though Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the power of Jehovah, he yet continues to acknowledge Bel as his god. This mixture of heathen with Jewish ideas appears in several parts of the edict, and is entirely natural for one in Nebuchadnezzar’s position.
a[at last Daniel came in before me] When all the magicians, astrologers, soothsayers,
and Chaldeans had proved their powerlessness to interpret the dream, Daniel made
known the true interpretation in one hour (Daniel 4:6,19).
b[in whom is the spirit of the holy gods] The Holy Spirit was in Daniel and this is the
way the heathen king expressed the fact (Daniel 4:8,9,18; Daniel 5:11,14).
c[gods] Aramaic: Elahiyn (HSN-426), Gods. A plural noun equal to Hebrew:
Elohiym (HSN-430) used 2,347 times in the Bible of the true God, indicating
plurality this many times even though often translated in the singular. Elohiym
(HSN-430) is translated "gods" 216 times but should have been translated "Gods" all
2,347 times when used of the true God.
Daniel 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
a [master of the magicians] Daniel was recognized as being greater than all the learned men and religious devotees of his day. There is no indication that he belonged to this class or any other mentioned here. These were no doubt followers of Zoroaster, founder of the ancient Persian religion and the wisdom of the Magi. They were originally a Median tribe and were invested early with priestly rites. They guarded the sacred fire, recited hymns at dawn, and offered sacrifices. They had a reputation for magic arts, studied astrology and astronomy, and claimed to be able to do many things beyond human power. For a more complete study of magical terms used in Scripture see Twelve Forbidden Practices.
b [I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee] He had definite proof of this in Daniel’s manifestation of the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and interpretation referred to in Daniel 2.
Daniel 4:10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
a [Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed ...] The 4th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 4:10-16, fulfilled). Next, §Daniel 4:20.
The Prophetic Tree Vision:
1. I saw a tree in the midst of the earth.
2. The height was great (Daniel 4:10).
3. The tree grew.
4. And it was strong.
5. Its height reached heaven.
6. All the earth could see it (Daniel 4:11).
7. The leaves were fair (beautiful).
8. The fruit was abundant.
9. It provided food for all creatures.
10. It provided shadow for all.
11. It provided homes for all (Daniel 4:12)
12. A watcher, a holy one (an angel) came down from heaven (Daniel 4:13)
13. He cried aloud:
(1) to hew down the tree.
(2) to cut off his branches.
(3) to shake off his leaves.
(4) to scatter his fruit.
(5) to let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches (Daniel 4:14).
(6) to leave the stump of his roots in the earth.
(7) to let it be wet with the dew of heaven.
(8) to let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth (Daniel 4:15).
(9) to let his heart be changed from that of a man to a beast.
(10) to let seven times pass over him (Daniel 4:16).
(11) This decree is by the watchers.
(12) The demand is by the holy ones.
(13) To the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.
(14) And He giveth it to whomsoever He will.
(15) And He setteth up over it the basest of men (Daniel 4:17).
Daniel 4:11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
The tree grew; compare
Eze 31:3-14 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.
, where the king of Assyria is described under the same figure.
Daniel 4:12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
Daniel 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
A watcher and a holy one; that is, a watcher who was also a holy one. "Watcher" seems to have been an epithet applied by the eastern nations to a class of angels who watched over the affairs of this world.
A holy angel from heaven at the command of watchers and holy ones (angels) carrying out the will of the Most High (Daniel 4:13,17). These watchers oversee the affairs of men to enable them to bring about the will of God in the earth (Daniel 4:17; Daniel 10:10-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14).
Daniel 4:14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:
a [tree] Great men are often compared to trees (Psalm 1:3; Psalm 37:35; Ezekiel 17:5-6; Ezekiel 31:3; Jeremiah 22:15; cp. Matthew 7:17-19).
b [get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches] His courtiers, officers, etc. all abandoned him as soon as his insanity appeared. He was driven from them to eat with beasts for seven years (Daniel 4:25).
Daniel 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
With a band of iron and brass; to preserve it from injury till the time shall come for it to grow again.
Let it be wet--let his portion be; the dream passes from the symbol to the person symbolized.
Daniel 4:16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.
Seven times; probably seven years.
Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
The demand; the thing required to be done, that is, the business.
The word; the command.
The mighty men of this world, who are above all human law, are wholly at God’s disposal; and he deals with them in such a way as to make it manifest that he has the supreme control of human affairs.
a [basest of men] Referring perhaps to the enemies of the king (Daniel 4:19).
Daniel 4:18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.
Daniel 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Astonished; in view of the terrible calamity coming upon the monarch whose dream he was called to interpret.
One hour; or, "for a season," probably a short season.
We ought neither to withhold the truth from men of high place, through fear of incurring their displeasure, nor give any unnecessary offence in the manner of uttering it. To them, as to all others, our rule should be to declare the whole counsel of God with meekness of wisdom.
Astonished, not because of the difficulties of understanding it, but he felt for the king, the nation, and for the welfare of his own people.
[the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies] The dream concerns your enemies and the interpretation benefits them.
Daniel 4:20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;
a [The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong ...] The 5th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 4:20-23, fulfilled). Next, §Daniel 4:25.
Interpretation of the Tree Vision:
1. Nebuchadnezzar, you are the tree (Daniel 4:20-22; cp. Daniel 2:38)
2. The watcher, a holy one sent down from heaven, is an angel announcing the decree of the Most High (Daniel 4:23-24)
3. The decree is: You will become mentally deranged and men will drive you from your kingdom. You will imagine yourself one of the beasts of the field, eating and sleeping with them for seven years, until you learn that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will (Daniel 4:25)
4. The stump left in the ground with the roots held firm by a band of iron and brass means that your kingdom shall be sure unto you when your lesson is learned (Daniel 4:26)
Daniel 4:21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
Daniel 4:22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
Daniel 4:23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
a [seven times] If some Bible scholars interpreted the Bible consistently they would explain the "seven times" during which Nebuchadnezzar was insane to be 2,520 years, for this is how they interpret the "seven times" of Leviticus 26:18. They would also have Naaman dipping in Jordan 2,520 years (2 Kings 5:10), and would give us many other foolish and unbelieveable interpretations of other events. One can see that this could not be the intended thought in any passage where the term "seven times" is used. Here it denotes seven literal years. In Leviticus 26:18 it expresses severity of punishment. In 2 Kings 5:10 it means literally seven times of dipping in Jordan.
The Times of the Gentiles
By the times of the Gentiles we mean the administration of the Gentiles, as the rod of
chastening upon Israel, to further God’s purpose concerning them. It began with Israel’s first oppression by the Gentiles in Egypt, and will continue with the history of Israel through this dispensation of Grace. It will end at the return of the Messiah in glory when he will deliver Israel from the Gentiles and exalt them as the head of all nations in the Millennium and forever (Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25; Rev. 19:11-20:10).
The Door of Mercy Open to Gentiles:
This dispensation of the Gentiles is mentioned only in Luke 21:24 and referred to in
Romans 11:25 as "the fulness of the Gentiles." The term in Romans is often taken to
mean that a time will come when God will no longer save Gentiles, but will give
salvation only to the Jews. Such a doctrine is not once mentioned in the Bible. During
the future tribulation both Jews and Gentiles can and will be saved (Acts 2:16-21;
Romans 1:16; Romans 10:11-13; Rev. 7:9-17).
The term "the fulness of the Gentiles" could not mean that God will some day cut off
Gentiles from salvation and become a cruel tyrant, damning the souls of men in eternity
regardless of what those men may desire to do about their own destiny. This term means the same as the times of the Gentiles and has nothing to do with the salvation of the Gentiles. It refers to political domination over the Jews by the Gentiles, off and on, from the Egyptian bondage to the second coming of Christ.
Regarding the whole length of the times of the Gentiles it has already been over 3,700
years and will continue until the second coming of Christ, who will deliver the Jews
from the Gentiles under Antichrist and set up an earthly kingdom over them forever
(Zech. 14; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 20:1-10; Daniel 2:44; Daniel
7:13-14,18,27; Isaiah 9:6-7).
It is generally taught that the times of the Gentiles are 2,520 years, based upon a human theory about the seven times of Leviticus 26, where God predicted that when Israel sinned He would punish them seven times for their sins. It is believed that a prophetic year is 360 days long and that one can make a day mean a year when he so pleases. Thus, a year of 360 days is made a period of 360 years. Seven periods of 360 years makes 2,520 years. Many teach that these 2,520 years began with the fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar about 606 B.C. Others teach they began at certain other dates in the past. This is why we have many endings for the times of the Gentiles. The following are some of the dates given in modern books of prophetic students for the ending of the times of the Gentiles: 1914, 1917, 1918, 1925, 1927, 1932, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1942, 1945, 1948, 1954, 1958, etc. It stands to reason that all these dates cannot be right. Futhermore, it is clear that there is no definite date stated in the Bible for the ending of the times of the Gentiles, or someone would have found it by now. That the Bible does not teach such a false theory of 2,520 years as the whole length of the times of the Gentiles is clear from the following points:
1.The expression "seven times" is used 31 times in the O.T. The Hebrew word for
times is pa€am (HSN-6471), meaning a stroke. It no place does it mean a set period of time as does the Aramaic word €iddan (HSN-5732) used in Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:16,23,25; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7.
2.If the word time means a period of 360 days it cannot also mean 360 years. No one
has been given authority to change a day to a year in any passage he pleases. If God, who knows the difference between the words day and year, said days in a certain scripture, He meant days, and if He said years He meant years. Just because He commanded Israel to wander in the wilderness 40 years according to the number of days the spies were in Canaan (Numbers 14:33-34) and appointed years according to the same number of days in the case of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 4:5-6), we need not conclude that in every place in prophecy the word days means years and years means days. Even in these passages days meant days and years meant years, for the spies were in Canaan 40 actual days, not 40 years. If it is Biblical to make days and times mean years whenever we please to prove a human theory, then let us be consistent and do this with all passages where these words are found.
If "seven times" means 2,520 years in one passage, it surely means it in all passages
unless otherwise stated. According to this we would then have Jacob bowing down to
Esau 2,520 years (Genesis 33:3), the Jews sprinkling blood of their sacrifices 2,520 years during each day (Leviticus 4:6,17; Leviticus 8:11), the cleansing of each leper for 2,520 years (Leviticus 14:7,16,27,51), Israel marching around Jericho for 2,520 years on the seventh day (Joshua 6:4,15), Elijah’s servant looking for rain for 2,520 years (1 Kings 18:43), and the resurrected child sneezing for 2,520 years (2 Kings 4:35).
An objection may be that these are historical facts and we are not to give "seven times" a meaning of 2,520 years except in prophetic passages. But we answer that this is just as ridiculous, for we would have Naaman dipping himself in Jordon 2,520 years, for the
prophecy was that if he should do this "seven times" he would be clean (2 Kings 5:10-
14). Nebuchadnezzar would have been a maniac for 2,520 years, for the prophecy was
that he would be one for "seven times" (Daniel 4:16,23,25).
3.The expression "seven times" is used four times in Leviticus 26, and if one "seven
times" means 2,520 years, then the other three also mean the same. Then, four
periods of "seven times" would mean 10,080 years during which Israel was to be
punished. Futhermore, according to Leviticus 26:14-17, if Israel broke His covenant, God predicted He would send eight different plagues upon them. These, He predicted before mentioning the first "seven times." This explains why He said, "If ye will not YET for all this (the fomer eight plagues) hearken unto Me, THEN (after the period taken up by the eight plagues) I will punish you seven times MORE for your sins" (Leviticus 26:18).
It is clear from Leviticus 26:27-39 that all four "seven times" of punishment was to be
before Israel was scattered among the nations, and anyone knows that 10,080 years did not take place before this. Thus, it is clear that the 2,520-year theory of the whole length of the times of the Gentiles, based upon one of the four "seven times" of Leviticus 26, is false and proves nothing as to its length.
The phrase "seven times" means severity of punishment instead of 2,520 years. When a parent says "I will whip you seven times harder than I did yesterday," we certainly do
not believe he means to beat a child 2,520 years. Such is merely a figure of speech
expressing severity of punishment, and that is all God intended to express in Leviticus
26. He wanted Israel to know that if one punishment would not correct them and bring
them to repentance, He would bring more severe punishments upon them and finally
abandon them to captivity among the nations.
Because there have been about 2,500 to 2,600 years from Daniel’s day to ours is no proof that the times of the Gentiles are 2,520 years long. Neither does the fact that Daniel pictured Gentile oppression of Israel from his day to the second coming of Christ prove that he saw the full length of the times of the Gentiles, nor does it prove that these times started in his day. Daniel merely predicted the oppressions of the Gentiles from his day on, not the beginning of them back in Egypt or the whole length of them. He could not have foretold what was already history concerning Gentile oppression of Israel.
John, in Rev. 17:8-18, predicts events concerning the beast, the eighth and last kingdom that will oppress Israel, in the times of the Gentiles. He explains that the seven heads on the beast are seven kingdoms that precede the eighth and last kingdom which will fight against Christ at His second coming. He says that five of these have already passed away before his day; that one is in his day (the sixth, or old Roman Empire); that the seventh is yet to come between the sixth and the eighth (the Revised Roman Empire made up of ten kingdoms, as foretold by the ten toes on the image of Daniel 2:40-44, and the ten horns of Daniel 7:7-8,23-24; Rev. 13:1-8; Rev. 17:8-17); and that the eighth will be the last kingdom on earth before Christ comes to earth. The five that have passed away before John’s day are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. They are the only empires oppressing Israel before John’s day that could be referred to. See notes on §Rev. 17:8-17; note, §Psalm 80:13; and Eight Mountain Kingdoms and Israel.
4.We know that the Gentiles in Egypt oppressed Israel for a much longer period than
Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon did, for when Moses was born Israel was already
being oppressed, as proved by the law to kill all male children. He was 80 years old
when he led Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Israel was in Babylon only 70 years
(Jeremiah 25:11). What would this oppression of Israel be called if not the times of
the Gentiles? Then, after this kingdom oppressed Israel off and on for hundreds of
years, the Assyrian Emire oppressed them and took the 10 tribes captive. What was this but the times of the Gentiles? It is but a human theory that the times of the
Gentiles began with Nebuchadnezzar. The fact is, they had already been going on
for about 1,200 years by the time of Nebuchadnezzar.
5.If the whole length of the times of the Gentiles was to be 2,520 years, then they have
already ended, for 2,520 years of 360 days each (as a year is supposed to be by this theory) make 907,200 days. But from 606 B.C. (when Judah was taken to Babylon, at which time, according to most prophetic scholars, the times of the Gentiles began) to A.D. 1958 there have already been 2,564 years of 365 1/4 days or a total of 936,501 days. This makes a difference of 29,301 days between the two periods or approximately 80 years. According to this the times of the Gentiles ended around 1878 and that is long before any modern prophetic student has placed a date for their ending.
Thus it is clear that the times of the Gentiles began with the first oppression of Israel by
the Gentiles and that they have continued as the Gentiles have oppressed the Jews off
and on for over 3,711 years up to 1959 A.D. The Jews are still being oppressed by the
Gentiles, and Jerusalem is still being trodden down by them and will be until the second coming of Christ, except for a short period when Israel will again have control of the city before Antichrist breaks his 7-year covenant with them in the future (Daniel 9:27; Rev. 11:1-2). The Scriptures show clearly that Christ will deliver the Jews from the Gentiles at His second advent (Zech. 14:1-21; Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,18,27; Daniel 8:20-25; Rev. 11:1-2,15; Rev. 19:11-21). Because Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles during the last 42 months of this age, it is certain that the times of the Gentiles will continue until then (Rev. 11:1-2; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45-12:7). How many more years there will be before Daniel’s 70th week begins and the Antichrist comes to make this 7-year covenant with the Jews is not stated in Scripture, and all speculation is valueless. The times of the Gentiles have already continued through 6 world empires the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman—and they will continue through 2 more in the near future—the Revised Roman made up of 10 kingdoms, and the Revived Grecian made up of the same 10 but headed by the Antichrist who will be defeated by Christ at His second coming (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 13:1-8; Rev. 17:8-17). *
Daniel 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
They shall drive thee; a Chaldee mode of saying, "thou shalt be driven." The agents are not named. Probably we are to understand "the watchers," acting through his madness. Compare
Da 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
a [That they shall drive thee from men ...] The 6th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 4:25-26, fulfilled). Next, §Daniel 4:31.
b [they shall drive thee from men] Who actually did this is not stated. It was not his enemies, for they would have killed him. The vision concerned his enemies (Daniel 4:19) in the sense that his absence from the throne would be good news to them. He could not carry on any more invasions in such condition. His friends no doubt fulfilled this and protected him in his sojourn among the beasts. No new king was chosen in his stead. His kingdom was secure and waiting for him when he should become normal. His own son was regent during this insanity and he no doubt helped preserve the kingdom for him, which made possible the fulfilling of Daniel 4:26.
Daniel 4:26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
Daniel 4:27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.
The divine purposes do not interfere with human freedom and responsibility; and correct views of them give us full liberty to urge upon men the duty of repentance, with the hope that it will avail for their welfare here and hereafter.
a [let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor] Daniel’s threefold advice to Nebuchadnezzar:
1. Be open to my counsel.
2. Break off your sins by doing right.
3. Quit your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor.
Daniel 4:28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
All this came; some supoose that
Da 4:28-33 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
, which speak of Nebuchadnezzar in the third person, were added by the inspired penman; but probably the king chose to describe the humiliating events of his insanity, when he was not himself, in the third person rather than the first.
a [All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar] Here the change is to the historical narration (Daniel 4:24-27).
Daniel 4:29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
a [twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon] God was gracious and gave him 12 full months to check himself from going insane (see Daniel 4:27).
Daniel 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
Pride is a direct affront to God: it claims for ourselves the honor and power that belong to him alone, and he will abase all who thus rob him of his glory.
Pr 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
a [Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?] Question 7. Next, §Daniel 4:35. It was a great city. The walls of the square city were 14 miles long on each side, making 56 miles around an area of 196 square miles. Around the city was a deep and broad moat full of water, and beyond that the wall about 108 feet thick and about 417 feet high. There were 100 brazen gates. The houses were 3 and 4 stories high. Roads criss-crossed the city as in modern times.
The city was built on both sides of the Euphrates, the sections being known as the East and West districts. They were joined by a bridge 3,240 feet long. At each end was a royal palace, the eastern one being defended by 3 walls, the outermost being 7 miles in circuit, the second one 4.5 miles, and the third 2.5 miles. There was also a tunnel under the river.
The hanging gardens were 400 feet square rising in terraces planted with trees of various kinds. The temple of Bel and other large buildings made Babylon the greatest city in the world.
b [by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty] Claiming all glory to himself and not giving any glory to God was the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar. It was God who had chosen him and given him his great kingdom (Daniel 2:19,38). It was God who had warned him 12 months before (Daniel 4:17,26-27).
Daniel 4:31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
How easy is it for God to reduce men of exalted intellect and eminent place to a level with the brutes of the field; driving them out from human society, and making them incapable alike of knowing him or of understanding the simplest of human affairs. Let all who are lifted up with pride, in view of their gifts or achievements, humble themselves before Him who gives honor to whomsoever he will, and takes it away at his pleasure.
a [While the word was in the king’s mouth ...] The 7th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 4:31-32, fulfilled). Next, §Daniel 5:25. At the height of his glorifying himself his mind snapped and he remained insane for seven years.
Daniel 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
a [that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men] All people will eventually know from experience that God IS the Most High and sovereign in the earth and the heavens (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Ephes. 1:10; Phil. 2:8-11; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 22:4-5). This truth is emphasized here five times (Daniel 2:21-22; Daniel 4:3,25,32,34-35).
Daniel 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
Was driven from men--did eat grass; his madness impelled him to forsake the abodes of men, and to eat grass as the cattle.
Was wet; from spending his nights in the open air.
Like eagles’ feathers; the point of comparison is that of length, and perhaps roughness.
Like birds’ claws; that is, long, like bird’s claws.
a[The same hour] The hour he became so exalted over his great work and kingdom
(Daniel 4:28-30,33).
b[he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with
the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws] The mental disease of Nebuchadnezzar is rare. It is called Lycanthropy (from the Greek word lukos (GSN-3074), wolf, and anthropos (GSN-444), man) because the person imagines himself to be a wolf, a bear, or some other animal.
Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
Lifted up mine eyes; in an act of adoration. This was a sign that his reason had returned.
The acknowledgement of God’s personal presence and supreme control over us is the clearest mark of reason, and when we humbly and thankfully own his hand in our afflictions and humiliations, it is a sign that our hearts are right with him.
a [And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever] When the seven years were up he was suddenly restored to sanity and began blessing the God of heaven for His mercy.
b [whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation] See note, §Daniel 4:3.
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
a [And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing] In comparison this is true (Isaiah 40:12-29; Isaiah 66:1-2; Romans 11:33).
b [army of heaven] This confirms the fact of a real social order on the planet heaven (Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 12:12). See Heaven.
c [What doest thou?] Question 8. Next, §Daniel 5:13.
Daniel 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
My counsellors--I was established in my kingdom; as his restoration was manifestly perfect, his counsellors hesitated not to restore to him the kingdom.
As there is no condition so lofty that God cannot cast us down from it, so there is no humiliation so deep that he cannot raise us from it to enjoy the richest blessings.
a [At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me]
Seven Restored Blessings of Nebuchadnezzar
1. His understanding returned (Daniel 4:34).
2. His reason returned (Daniel 4:36).
3. The glory of his kingdom was restored.
4. His honor and brightness returned.
5. His counselors and lords sought after him again (Daniel 4:36).
6. He was reestablished in his kingdom.
7. Excellent majesty was added to him.
Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
However heavy and humiliating are God’s chastisements, if there effect is to abuse our pride, and produce in us the spirit of true submission to him, we shall have abundant reason to praise him for them here and throughout eternity.
a [Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven] Twenty things Nebuchadnezzar learned:
1. that he should honor God.
2. that God was the King of heaven.
3. that All God’s works are truth.
4. that God’s ways are just.
5. that God is able to abase the proud (Daniel 4:37).
6. that God is Lord of kings (Daniel 2:47).
7. that God is a revealer of secrets (Daniel 2:47).
8. that God sends angels to protect those who put their trust in Him (Daniel 3:28).
9. that God can change man’s word (Daniel 3:28).
10. that true servants of God will not worship any other god (Daniel 3:16-18,28).
11. that there is no other god who can deliver people like the true God (Daniel 3:29).
12. that no other god can do miracles like the true God (Daniel 3:25-29; Daniel 4:3).
13. that God’s kingdom is everlasting (Daniel 4:3,34).
14. that there will be eternal generations of men on earth (note, §Daniel 4:3).
15. that the Spirit of God can dwell in man (Daniel 4:8,9,18).
16. that God is supreme in earth (Daniel 4:17,34).
17. that God gives rule to whomsoever He will (Daniel 4:17,32).
18. that the wise men of earth are incapable of solving human problems (Daniel 2:2-13; Daniel 4:4-8).
19. that sin does not pay (Daniel 4:27-33).
20. that pride is the cause of downfalls (Daniel 4:28-37).
