Bible Study: Daniel 3-4
OK Men,
Chapters 3 and 4 of Daniel contain one familiar story and another that’s not so familiar. In fact, it’s borderline weird, but that doesn’t mean God’s not in it! Reminder: Chapter 3 is historical, and Chapter 4 is both prophetic and historical.
Chapter 3:
What’s New: In chapter 2 we learned about King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Verse 1 tells us the dream happened “in the second year of his reign.” After Daniel’s interpretation of his dream, King Neb would go on to say, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings,” in verse 47. What’s new to me is that by the beginning of chapter 3, it seems King Neb has forgotten about Daniel’s God, the one true God.
Despite seeing God’s power revealed in Daniel’s interpretation of the dream, King Neb is constructing an image of gold that is 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. He’s also placing it in the “plain of Dura,” which is flat land, so it can be seen for miles. We don’t get a sense of how much time has passed from dream to golden statue, but whether it’s king’s, prophets, or simple men like us, we know humanity is forgetful.
Who is God: No matter the circumstances, God is still God. The fiery furnace was heated to seven times hotter than usual (v19), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tightly bound (v20), and the heat was so intense it killed the guards that brought them to the furnace (v22). Not only were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unharmed, but their bounds were destroyed. “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods,” (v25). God is always with us, even when it looks like he’s not. He is with us in the fire of life, and he is able to destroy that which binds us.
Scripture doesn’t tell us what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were feeling once they were sentenced to the furnace. Basic humanity tells me they were probably nervous, scared, and anxious. Whatever they were feeling, their faith never wavered, and that is inspiring. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up,” (v17-18).
“But even if he does not…”
God is always able, but sometimes he “does not”. Those are the times when the depth of our faith is truly tested. Even if he lets you go through the trial and fire, will you still trust in him? When life is at its hardest, will you still praise him just because he’s God?
Chapter 4:
What’s New: King Neb addressed Daniel as, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians,” (v9). Remember, Belteshazzar was the name given to him when he was brought to Babylon from Jerusalem. Daniel has proven himself to be a God worshipping man, not a “magical chief”. I imagine an eyeroll from Daniel at this title given him from King Neb. It makes me think about how I may have been called things that were untrue. Perhaps even behind my back. People will use titles to describe me, some are true, some are false, but none of them have to define me. The truth about me, and my identity, are rooted in what God says about me. Nothing more. How have people described you in ways that were false?
Who is God: God controls more than I realize. My own sanity is a gift! He could take it in an instant if he wanted. He gave Nebuchadnezzar the dream as a warning. He did not humble himself, so God humbled him in a crazy, jaw-dropping way! But in the end, King Neb that Daniel’s God, our God, is the One True God. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just.” (v37). How many Babylonian citizens were then restored to God, and now have eternal salvation, because of his transformation and humility?
Important Info: Chapter 4 is odd yet interesting. Some facts are needed to get a better grasp.
The Great Tree King Nebuchadnezzar sees in his dream is himself. For a full interpretation of the dream from Daniel, pay close attention to verses 22-26.
King Neb was given the mind of an animal because of his stubbornness toward God. This is a real illness called “Lycanthropy,” which is a form of schizophrenia.
Verse 16 warns, “Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.” Babylon only recognized 2 seasons, summer and winter. Therefore, “till seven times pass by for him” is about 3 1/2 years.
The Babylonians believed his “madness” was a divinely inspired good thing, which is why they kept him alive during this time.
Archeologists have uncovered bricks from the ancient city of Babylon. Many of King Neb’s writings have been found on these bricks. One brick in particular mentions a period of 4 years where he did no public works and did not delight in his kingdom. Perhaps this is a passing reference to his time with Lycanthropy.
OK Men - How has this book of Daniel been landing on you? What are you enjoying? What has been new to you? How are you seeing God in these scriptures? Leave a comment!
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