When Kings And People Repent. Part [6] 04/23/2025 (Morning thought)

Daniel 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.

That last verse, which speaks of Babylon having fruit and food for all, means that it was the bread basket of the then known world, for all the nations of earth had to trade with Babylon, since that kingdom was represented as the head of gold, in the image that was depicted in Nebuchadnezzars dream.

Thus, when the scripture states the following:  “The beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it” we should understand it to mean that ancient Babylon was the dominant kingdom at that time, and all nations were more or less dependent on it for survival. But like so many other kings, Nebuchadnezzar was ill affected with pride, as he relished, and reveled in the thought that his kingdom was the greatest, and that everyone was dependent on him.

This led him to take the glory of his achievements to himself, and it required the distinct intervention by God, to bring him to his senses. There are times in the history of the nations of earth, when God finds it necessary to stop kings and people in their tracks, lest they be destined to irretrievable ruin.

Daniel 4:15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

When Kings And People Repent. Part [5] 04/23/2025 (Evening thought)

Daniel 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

True repentance also took place in ancient Babylon, after Nebuchadnezzar was made to eat grass for 7 years. As he emerged from dwelling with the beasts of the field, he acknowledged his sin and his folly, as did the king of Nineveh. And God, who is rich in mercy, and always quick to forgive, changes his fortune and restores him to his former position, because the prerequisites stated in our first passages were fulfilled.

As the king retraced his steps, he saw, and he pointed out to all who will take heed, the reasons for his fall. Then, just like David did, he acknowledges the God of heaven, in bringing righteous judgements upon him, and Nebuchadnezzar makes a U-Turn for the better, not only confessing and forsaking his sin, but also encouraging every citizen under his jurisdiction to follow his lead.

Daniel 4:10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!