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3.4.0 Daniel 4: The Conversion of the King

Chapter 4: The Conversion of the King

Daniel 4:1-37

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is a "Babylonian State Document." It is the personal testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar. It is divided as follows:

I.The Introduction

II.The Dream

III.The Interpretation

IV.The Fulfillment

V.The Recovery

VI.The Conclusion

I. The Introduction -vs. 1-3

It is a proclamation by the king.

A. It is universal - vs. 1 ( A world-wide testimony)

B. It is beneficial - vs 1 ( "Peace be multiplied unto you")

C.  It is voluntary - vs. 2 ("I thought it good")

D. It is experiential - vs. 2 ( "hath wrought toward me")

E. It is enthusiastic - vs 3 ("How great are His signs")

F. It is humble - vs 3 ("His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom")

G. It is knowledgeable -vs. 3 ("His dominion is from generation to generation")

II. The Dream -vs. 4-18

"I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest… and flourishing." Conditions of Security and luxury

A. Time of the Dream -vs. 4

1. This is a deceitful peace -God alone gives peace.

2.To be without trouble is not safety -

3.To be prosperous does not mean all is well.

B. Contents of the Dream -vs. 10-17

1. "A Tree"

2."The height…great"…"Reached unto heaven."

3."The Tree grew" - "Was strong" - Fruit…much"

4."A watcher…cried…Hew down the tree"

5."Leave the stump" - For seven years.

6."The intent…the living may know that the Most High Ruleth."

C. The Effect of the Dream -vs. 5

1. "I saw a dream -

2.The effects -"Afraid" -"troubled"

3.Wise Men Called- vs. 6-7

4."Daniel Came in " -vs. 8

5.The King tells the Dream -vs 9-18

III.The Interpretation -vs. 19-27

A. The Dream troubled Daniel vs. 19.

"It is Thou 0' King" -vs. 20-21

B. The Dream was for the King's Enemies -vs 19b

C. The Dream was to Reveal God's Judgment -

1. Daniel tells of Heaven's interest in the matter. -vs. 23

2.And the Meaning of the dream -vs. 24-26

D. 4. The Dream Gives the Reason for Judgment.

 "'Thy sins."- vs. 27 A warning - An Occasion to Repent.

IV.The Fulfillment -vs. 28-33

A. The Truth of it.

"All this came upon the King Nebuchadnezzar" -vs 28

B. The Time of it.

"At the end of twelve months" -vs. 29

C. The Reason for it.

"Is not this great Babylon that I have built." -vs. 30

D. The Quickness of it.

"The same hour" -vs. 33

V. The Recovery -vs 34-36

A. Repentance

"At the end of the days I lifted up mine eyes" -vs 34

B. Revelation

"To Heaven"

C. Restoration

1. "Mine understanding returned unto me." -vs 34

2."Mine honour and brightness returned unto me." -vs 36

VI. The Conclusion -vs 37

Nebuchadnezzar: Praise Extol Honor -The King of Heaven —Truth ways judgment.

A. Regeneration— "I praise and extol and honour the King of Heaven."

B. Recognition - "All whose works are truth."

C. Revival- This is the King on the throne praising and honoring the Lord.