Day 07 of Journey Through Daniel | THE CUTTING DOWN OF A COSMIC TREE

COMMENTARY Daniel 4 records the story of another dream that comes to Nebuchadnezzar. Like the dream in chapter 2 and the story in chapter 3, this dream focuses on another large object: a tree. This was not just any large tree. The tree that Nebuchadnezzar sees has cosmic features. It is described as standing in “the middle of the land” (literally: the center of the earth), is so tall that its “top touched the sky,” and is “visible to the ends of the earth” (Daniel 4:10-11). Although Nebuchadnezzar is confused about the meaning of the dream, cosmic trees like this one were likely familiar images to the king. Cosmic trees frequently appeared in Mesopotamian iconography as symbols of imperial power. In fact, in some depictions, Mesopotamian kings are portrayed as personifications of cosmic trees. The Bible, which was written in this cultural context, uses the image of cosmic trees in several places to offer critiques of proud kings and their kingdoms. Ezekiel 31 describes the empire of Assyria as a cosmic tree that “towered higher than all the trees of the field” and was “the envy of all the trees of Eden in the garden of God.” As the prophecy goes on, it tells how God cut down the great tree of Assyria because of its pride and evil ways. Nebuchadnezzar, who incidentally was instrumental in conquering Assyria, missed the meaning of the dream, perhaps out of ignorance or stubbornness. However, the dream’s significance shouldn’t be lost on us. Just as the great tree of Assyria was cut down, the cosmic tree of Nebuchadnezzar would be “cut down,” too (Daniel 4:14). Just as the cosmic tree of Nebuchadnezzar was cut down, so too could God bring down the proud rulers of our society. Sometimes it might seem like self-absorbed autocrats are running the world. However, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream reveals an alternative perspective on reality: “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people” (Daniel 4:17). SCRIPTURE Daniel 4:1–18 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree 1 King Nebuchadnezzar, To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! 2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. 3 How great are his signs, How mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation. 4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. 5 I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. 6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. 7 When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. 8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) 9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. 11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed. 13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. “ ‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him. 17 “ ‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’ 18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” QUESTIONS 1. At a time when people are vying for seats of power across the nation, what does Daniel 4:17 communicate to you: “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people”? 2. Scripture often describes the kingdom of God in upside-down terms. How does Daniel 4:17 reflect this upside-down value system? Where do you see our society making progress in embracing upside-down ideals? Where can we do better?