Study 18
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 4:19-37
Dear Brethren,
“DANIEL..WAS ASTONISHED FOR A TIME, AND HIS THOUGHTS TROUBLED HIM…” Daniel 4:19
King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream! In that dream, there was a gigantic tree that grew so tall that it “reached to the heavens” (Daniel 4:11). The tree appeared healthy and strong, and was very fruitful as well. In that pleasant dream,
“The beasts of the field found shade under it,
The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches,
and all flesh was fed from it.”
Daniel 4:12
This part of the dream may not have been difficult to interpret! Surely that tree could be easily applied to King Nebuchadnezzar and his great empire!
However, there was a second part of the dream. In the second part of the dream, King Nebuchadnezzar dreamt that there was
“…a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.
He cried aloud and said thus,
Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit.”
Daniel 4:13
This part was which “the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and soothsayers… did not make known… its interpretation…” Daniel 4:7
As Daniel listened to this dream related to him by King Nebuchadnezzar, he knew exactly why “the magicians, the astrologers etc” kept silent and did not explain to the king the dream.
The difficulty was not in the interpretation, but in its application! Who would dare tell the king its true meaning? If the tree was indeed Nebuchadnezzar, then the chopping down of the tree also meant that the king would be cut down!
For a moment, Daniel was also troubled. How would he tell the king the real truth? This king was easily angered! Daniel would be inviting death if he told the king the whole truth!
COURAGE TO TELL THE TRUTH
The King could not help but notice the hesitation of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar urged him to speak the truth, even if it was unpleasant and bitter.
Daniel found courage to speak to the King plainly, even if it meant losing his life. He told the king that the dream was indeed all about him! He was that great tree in the dream, and because of his great pride, God would humble him! What courage! How we must develop such courage and integrity in our life!