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Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 1-4
Daniel was a youth when he was taken to Babylon with the first wave of exiles (605 B.C.). He was among those who had good appearance, were intelligent, and showed wisdom and understanding. Nebuchadnezzar wanted such youths to train for his own service. The king had a daily ration of food for the youths, but Daniel had already determined in his mind that he would not let himself be defiled. God granted favor to Daniel, so his decisions worked for his own good.
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. He challenged his wise men to tell him the dream and interpret, but they were unable to do so. Finally, Daniel was brought before the king and was able to declare the dream and the interpretation. The dream revealed what would happen in the future with the coming kingdoms. It also foretold the coming of God’s spiritual kingdom that would be greater than all earthly kingdoms.
Nebuchadnezzar was pleased with Daniel’s abilities and promoted him, making him ruler over the Babylonian province and the chief over Babylon’s wise men. Later, the king would have another dream that Daniel would interpret for him. This time, the dream told what would happen to Nebuchadnezzar himself, how he would be driven from mankind to dwell with beasts. Essentially, he was told he would lose his mind. Shortly thereafter, this dream came to pass. Nebuchadnezzar was forced away from mankind, began to eat grass like the beasts. This was done in order to bring the king to a proper mindset about his relation to God. He needed to learn that God rules in the kingdoms of men. This experience taught him just that.
“God rules in the kingdoms of men.” This is the primary theme that Daniel’s work teaches.
Discussion
1. Why did Daniel not want to eat what the king had planned?
2. Describe and discuss Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream. How was it fulfilled in history?
3. Describe Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream. How was it fulfilled? What lessons did he learn?
4. Discuss the theme of Daniel.