Daniel 4 Summary

King Nebuchadnezzar declares God's greatness through signs and wonders. Troubled by a dream he cannot interpret, he summons his wise men but they cannot explain it, so he calls Daniel (Belteshazzar), recognizing the spirit of the holy gods in him. Daniel reveals the dream shows a great tree that grows to heaven with leaves and fruit for all creatures, yet a watcher commands it to be cut down, leaving only the stump with a band of iron. Daniel interprets the tree as the king himself, and the judgment means he will be driven from men to live like beasts for seven times until he acknowledges God's rule over kingdoms. After twelve months, Nebuchadnezzar walks in pride boasting of Babylon, but immediately a voice from heaven announces his kingdom is departed. He is driven from men, eating grass like oxen until he lifts his eyes to heaven, his understanding returns, and he blesses God, praising the Most High whose dominion is everlasting.