Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.

This week’s reading: Daniel 4

Before diving into Chapter 4, it’s helpful to recall the earlier chapters of Daniel. In Chapter 1, Daniel and his friends, exiled in Babylon, refused the king’s food, demonstrating their loyalty to the LORD. Chapter 2 revealed Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, outlining the LORD’s plan for future kingdoms. In Chapter 3, Daniel’s friends boldly faced the fiery furnace, standing firm in their faith.

Commentators believe the events here in Chapter 4 occurred thirty years later, with Daniel now in his fifties. This chapter continues to reveal God’s work through Daniel and records the dramatic transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar.

– Read Daniel 4–

What happened?

Daniel 4:1-3 begins with King Nebuchadnezzar praising… the LORD?! That seems surprising. The self-important ruler of Babylon, who once glorified only himself, is now joyfully proclaiming the greatness of God. What led to such a dramatic change? The rest of Daniel 4 reveals how this transformation came about. Verses 4-37 serve as Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony, recounting the story of God’s grace in his life.

It all began when Nebuchadnezzar was disturbed by a dream—this wasn’t the first time his visions troubled him (see Daniel 2). As before, he sought answers from his counselors, but none could provide an interpretation. So, he called upon Daniel.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was of a towering tree that reached the heavens, visible to the ends of the earth. The tree provided food and shelter for all, but a divine messenger ordered it to be cut down, leaving only a stump bound with iron and bronze. That tree, Daniel explained, represented Nebuchadnezzar himself. 

Judgment was coming—the king would be humiliated and isolated. But there was a purpose: “so that you may know that Heaven rules” (4:26). Daniel’s interpretation came with an application. He urged Nebuchadnezzar to break away from his sin, to practice righteousness, and to show mercy to the oppressed.

Sadly, a year later, Nebuchadnezzar chose pride over repentance (4:28-30). As a result, he was humiliated–driven from his palace–and isolated like an animal, just as the LORD had warned. His downfall was the direct consequence of his pride. Yet even in judgment, the LORD was patient and gave Nebuchadnezzar a year to repent.

At the end of his days, Nebuchadnezzar’s heart was finally transformed. He “lifted his eyes to heaven” and publicly proclaimed the goodness of God. His kingdom was restored, but he was never the same. Nebuchadnezzar had learned that while God will judge sin, He desires to save the sinner, offering grace even to the most hardened heart.

What to remember?

• King Nebuchadnezzar praised the LORD (4:1-3)
• King Nebuchadnezzar troubled by a dream (4:4-17)
• Daniel dismayed by the dream’s interpretation (4:19)
• Daniel interpreted the dream (4:20-27)
• King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads to his fall (4:28-33)
• King Nebuchadnezzar’s repentance and restoration (4:34-37)

Meditation

• Break off your sin (4:27)

Daniel urges King Nebuchadnezzar to “break off your sin.” This call to action isn’t merely a suggestion; it is a plea for genuine transformation. Sin can often entangle us like a weed, wrapping around our hearts and minds and stifling our growth. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride had led him to isolation and humiliation, and Daniel confronted him. 

Maybe you feel like Nebuchadnezzar. You’re clinging to money, pride, anger, materials, or status to find freedom, but you’ve found slavery. Daniel reminds us to break up with sin and find freedom. What areas of your life need to be surrendered?

Maybe you feel like Daniel. You gently need to tell a loved one that they need to break up with sin. They’re at rock bottom. Their freedom has become slavery. You want to see their salvation, not humiliation. How could you help a loved one break up with sin?

• I lifted my eyes to heaven (4:34)

A look can change everything. The once-arrogant Nebuchadnezzar was changed when he “lifted his eyes to heaven.” Lifting his eyes symbolized a shift from self-reliance and pride to God-reliance and humility. He recognized that the true King, the One who reigns above all, is the LORD.

We are prone to look at ourselves, our success, our circumstances, our worries, or our failures. Before we know it, that self-absorption leads to destruction. 

But there’s an escape. There is a direction to turn our gaze that does not destroy us, but delivers us. What are you currently fixating on? Lift your eyes to Jesus. 

Prayer

Father,  

Like King Nebuchadnezzar, 

help me break off my sins and find true freedom in you. 

As I lift my eyes to you, 

remind me of your power and grace in my life. 

Thank you for your patient love. 

I love you, LORD. 

Amen.