37 verses
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a mighty tree foretells his temporary judgment, madness, and eventual restoration, illustrating divine sovereignty and the necessity of humility.
The chapter begins with King Nebuchadnezzar proclaiming peace and recounting the wonders of God. He experiences a disturbing dream of a great tree that symbolises his own power, prompting him to seek interpretation from Babylon’s wise men, astrologers, and Chaldeans. Daniel—called Belteshazzar—reveals that the tree represents the king and that a watcher and a holy one have decreed that the tree be cut down, its branches and leaves removed, but the stump left to live as a beast for seven times. This decree results in Nebuchadnezzar’s madness, making him live like animals for a year while his body becomes covered with feathers and claws. After the appointed time, his mind returns, and he praises the Most High, acknowledging God’s everlasting kingdom. The chapter concludes with the king’s restored glory and his acknowledgement of divine authority over all.
mixed
The chapter presents both judgment and restoration, reflecting divine sovereignty and the possibility of redemption.