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TROUBLING THOUGHTS

Text: Daniel 4:19-27
10 September 2012

TROUBLING THOUGHTS

1. Daniel’s initial response

a) Astonished

b) Troubled Daniel 4:19

2. Nebuchadnezzar’s kind and understanding response

a) Daniel was encouraged to speak up

b) He is not to be troubled by his thoughts

DANIEL’S EXPLANATION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S SECOND DREAM

1. Opening words

a) Diplomatically correct

b) His wish – that the dream had to do with the king’s enemies Daniel 4:3

2. The Tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Daniel 4:20-22

a) Grew to great heights

b) Great strength

c) Greatness highly visible

d) Fruitful

e) This tree represented Nebuchadnezzar and all that he had achieved in life

3. A holy watcher

a) He comes from heaven Daniel 4:23

b) He gives a decree from God Daniel 4:23

i) Imagery of a tree employed

ii) Tree to be cut down

iii) Only a stump would remain

iv) Change of imagery to a man that will graze like a beast of the field

4. Interpretation of the Dream Daniel 4:24-26

a) Nebuchadnezzar was that great tree

b) He would become like a beast

c) Purpose:

i) To humble the king till he truly recognised that God, the Most High rules the kingdom of men

ii) All human kings are given rule by the Most High

d) The kingdom will be returned to Nebuchadnezzar after “seven times” (seven years)

e) Admonition to King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:27

i) Break off sins

ii) Be righteous

iii) Show mercy to the poor

iv) Perhaps God will spare him and even bless him