Friday, March 14 – Daniel 4, 5

1. How does Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude in chapters 1-3 contrast with chapter 4?

2. How did God show His patient mercy toward the king, finally leading him to accept Him?

3. How gradual was Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation from an idolatrous pagan to a true worshiper of God?

4. Did Belshazzar have the same opportunity for salvation as his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar?

5. How many elements did God provide for Belshazzar to be saved?

The book of Daniel serves as a prophetic roadmap from the 6th century BC to the end of time. Along with Revelation, it forms a perfect pair for interpreting end-time prophecies. These books were instrumental in the foundation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as God’s visible remnant for this time.

Daniel 4 is structured into five sections:

1. The terrifying dream
2. The king recounts his dream to Daniel
3. Daniel’s interpretation and warning
4. The king’s punishment for his pride
5. The king’s repentance and restoration

Over 20 years had passed between chapters 1-3 and 4. This chapter is unique as it is a royal proclamation by Nebuchadnezzar himself. His demeanor shifts drastically from a ruthless, arrogant ruler to a humble man who acknowledges God. Previously, he issued harsh decrees and demonstrated violent tendencies, but now he greets his people with peace: “Peace be multiplied to you” (Daniel 4:1).

He recognizes the Most High God for the first time instead of referring to Him through Daniel. His testimony of what God has done is heartfelt and sincere. The dream, however, reminds him of the fleeting nature of human power. He calls upon his counselors, but they fail to interpret it again.

Daniel, though initially absent, is summoned. He carefully explains the dream: the mighty tree represents Nebuchadnezzar’s power, but it will be cut down as judgment for his pride. Daniel pleads with the king to repent: “Break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a prolonging of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:27).

Sadly, Nebuchadnezzar ignores this warning. A year later, as he boasts of his achievements, judgment falls. He is stricken with a mental illness (possibly boanthropy), causing him to live like an animal for seven years. After this humbling experience, he acknowledges God’s sovereignty, and his kingdom is restored. His final recorded words testify to God’s power: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven” (Daniel 4:37). His transformation teaches us that salvation is available to all who repent.

Daniel 5 tells of Babylon’s final night. Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Belshazzar, throws a lavish feast, arrogantly using sacred temple vessels to honor his false gods. Unlike his grandfather, who eventually repented, Belshazzar defiantly rejects God’s warnings.

Suddenly, a hand appears and writes on the palace wall. The king turns pale and trembles, his arrogance replaced with terror. His wise men cannot interpret the inscription. The queen mother reminds him of Daniel, who is summoned.

Daniel, now an elder statesman, refuses the king’s rewards and boldly rebukes him: “But you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this” (Daniel 5:22). Despite knowing his grandfather’s testimony, Belshazzar ignored it.

The Interpretation: Mene, Tekel, Upharsin
1. Mene – “God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.”
2. Tekel – “You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.”
3. Peres – “Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

That same night, Babylon falls as the Persians enter through the drained Euphrates River. Belshazzar is slain, fulfilling God’s judgment.
Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar faced God’s warnings, but their responses differed. One repented and was restored; the other remained defiant and perished. Their stories remind us that salvation is a choice.

Paul’s words resonate today: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

May we learn from history and choose humility before God.