4/9/12

"THE BOOK OF DANIEL" Chapter Four by Mark Copeland

 "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

                             Chapter Four

Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, this one of a great tree that fills the
earth and then is cut down but its trunk left intact, followed by a man
whose heart is changed and becomes like an animal (1-18).  Daniel
interprets the dream as applying to the king, that he might know that God
rules in the kingdoms of men (19-27).  A year later the dream is
fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar praises, blesses and honors the Most High
God, King of heaven (28-37).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  The Most High rules in the kingdoms of men

   *  He sets over the kingdoms of men the lowest of men, or whomever He
      chooses 

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Nebuchadnezzar's second dream - Dan 4:1-18
   - Daniel interprets the dream - Dan 4:19-27
   - Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation and praise of God - Dan 4:28-37

2) List three key elements of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. (10-17)
   - A large tree that fills the earth, but is cut down leaving only the
     trunk
   - A watcher from heaven, who makes pronouncements
   - A man whose heart is changed and becomes like a beast until "seven
     times" pass over

3) Who does Daniel say the dream applies to?  (22)
   - King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon

4) What statements reveal the lesson of the dream and its fulfillment? 
   (17,25,35)  
   - "That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to
     whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men."
   - "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever
     He chooses."
   - "He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the
     inhabitants of the earth."

5) What was Nebuchadnezzar doing when the dream's fulfillment occurred?
   (28-31)
   - Walking about his palace, boasting of his mighty power and majestic
     honor

6) Describe the king's behavior and appearance when he lost his
   kingdom. (33)
   - Ate grass like oxen, body wet with dew, hair like eagles' feathers,
     nails like birds' claws

7) What did the king do when his understanding returned? (34)
   - Blessed, praised, and honored Him who lives forever, for His
     everlasting kingdom  

8) What was restored to the king when his reason returned to him? (36)
   - The glory of his kingdom, his honor and splendor