“King Nebuchadnezzar, To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.” Daniel 4:1-2
When we read Daniel 4 we immediately realize that something very major and significant has just happened. Daniel introduced us to King
Nebuchadnezzar in the first three chapters. We met a proud, fierce king who answered to no one. From the Chief of the Eunuchs in chapter 1 to the bowing subservient leaders of the kingdom in Chapter 3 we watched mighty men cower in front of an arrogant king who thought and acted as if there was no authority or power mightier than him. Additionally we learned he was a notorious idolater. He was a man of insatiable ambition, proud and haughty who used his authority as a club. We also realize that for 3 chapters in Daniel God has been working on
Nebuchadnezzar. God placed Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s court as a
witness and testimony to the one true God. We watched Daniel and
his three colleagues be an unwavering witness of grace, dignity and respect. Through their witness Nebuchadnezzar came to know that the God of these three men is different than any idol he serves. Yet this knowledge is only in his head, it has not yet moved his heart to trust in God alone.
It is thought that Daniel 4 is approximately 23 years into his reign. That shows us when God is working on a man’s heart it may take a long time but the length of time does not mean God is not working. We also know that Daniel and his three colleagues were likely praying that God would turn the king’s heart away from idols to him. As a side note this also shows us how horrible hell is. If God would allow the capture of Jerusalem and the captivity of many of his people to put a witness in front of an evil king in order that he might become a true belie ver we begin to recognize the value of just one soul to God.
Daniel begins chapter 4 by quoting the words of Nebuchadnezzar. When we read his words we meet a man who is different, who’s heart is changed.
King Nebuchadnezzar The king speaks. This is significant because he is not ashamed of has happened to him. He does not try to hide his faith (he has had good role models in Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael).
To the nations and peoples of every language Next we see Nebuchadnezzar’s desire is to let everyone know the change that has happened to him. The treasure of what he now knows about God is so important he desires to share it with others. He is in a unique position as king to reach peoples who speak a variety of languages. His authority still remains, none will challenge that but now he uses his authority to spread the good news about Jehovah God. We see the magnitude of this change from Daniel 3 where Nebuchadnezzar had commanded the people and nations and languages to worship the golden image of himself he set up on the plain of Dura. Now he goes in a diametrically opposite direction.
Who live in all the earth We see the heart of Nebuchadnezzar. Long before the great commission was spoken he was concerned that
the “whole world know”.
May you prosper greatly! Up to this point Nebuchadnezzar’s words were that of a normal decree. Here the tone changes. This self-centered, arrogant king is concerned about the welfare of those around him. The great commandment – that he love the Lord God with all his heart, has produced a love for others – the second great commandment. The word prosperity used here is translated peace in other places it is used. His prayer for all people is that their peace may abound. In the few words he speaks to them, and in the story that Daniel will tell, we will learn how peace with God came to the king
and how people throughout the world can have that same peace with God. If you know Christ as your Savior, plan on meeting Nebuchadnezzar in heaven – we are meeting a man whose life God has completely transformed. Salvation never just affects the mind, it changes a person completely.