BAD NEWS FOR THE KING

Upon hearing the dream, Daniel was momentarily astonished, then fearful. Urged by Nebuchadnezzar to explain it, the prophet said:  "O my lord, may the dream apply to those hating you, and its interpretation to your adversaries.  The tree  that you beheld, that grew great and became strong . . ., it is you, O king, because you have grown great and become strong, and your grandeur has grown great and reached to the heavens, and your rulership to the  extremity of the earth." (Daniel 4:18-22)  In the Scriptures, trees can symbolize individuals rulers, and kingdoms.  (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:7, 8;Ezekiel, chapter 31)  Like the immense tree of his dream, Nebuchadnezzar had "grown great and become strong" as the head of a world power.  But "rulership  to the extremity of the earth," involving the whole kingdom of mankind is represented by the great tree.  It therefore symbolizes Jehovah's universal sovereignty, particularly in its relationship to the earth. -Daniel 4:17.

A debasing change was in store for Nebuchadnezzar.  Pointing to this development, Daniel added: "Because the king beheld a watcher, even a holy one, coming down from the heavens, who was also saying: 'Chop the tree down, and ruin it.  However, leave its rootstock itself in the earth, but with a banding of iron and of copper, among the grass of the field, and with the dww of the heavens let it become wet, and with the beasts of the field let its portion be until seven times themselves pass over it,' this is the interpretation, O king, and the decree of the Most High is that which must befall my lord the king." (Daniel 4:23, 24)   Surely courage was needed to give the powerful king that message!

What would befall Nebuchadnezzar?  Imagine his reaction as Daniel added: "You they will be driving away from men, and with the beasts of the field your dwelling will come to be, and the vegetation is what they will give even to you to eat just like the bulls; and with the dew of the heavens you yourself will be getting wet, and seven times themselves will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler of the Kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it."  (Daniel 4:25)  Apparently even Nebuchadnezzar's court officials would "drive him away from men.' But would he be cared for by compassionate herdsmen or shepherds?  No, for God had decreed that Nebuchadnezzar would dwell with "the beasts of the field," eating vegetation.

Just as the tree was cut down, Nebuchadnezzar would be toppled from world rulership-but only for a time.  Daniel explained:  "Because they said to leave the rootstock of the tree, your kingdom will be sure to you after you know that the heavens are ruling." (Daniel 4:26)  In Nebuchadnezzar's dream the rootstock, or stump, of the felled tree was allowed to remain, although it was banded so that it would not grow.  Similarly, the "rootstock" of Babylon's king would remain, though banded from flourishing for "seven times."  His position as world ruler would be like the banded tree stump.  It would be kept safe till seven times has passed over it.  Jehovah would see to it that during that period nobody would succeed. Nebuchadnezzar as Babylon's sole ruler, although his son named Evil-merodach may have carried for him as acting ruler. 

In view of what was foretold concerning Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel courageously urged:  "Therefore, O king, may my counsel seem good to you, and remove your own sins by righteousness, and your iniquity by showing mercy to the poor ones.  Maybe there will occur a lenghtening of your prosperity." (Daniel 4:27)  If Nebuchadnezzar would turn away from his sinful course of oppression and pride, perhaps this would change matters for him. After all, some two centuries earlier, Jehovah had determined to destroy the people of Assyria's capital, Nineveh,  but he did not do so because its king and his subjects repented. (Jonah 3:4, 10; Luke 11:32) What about proud Nebuchadnezzar? Would he change his ways? 

Next time: THE DREAM'S INITIAL FULFILLMENT

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999