Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: Individualism is cut down but Jesus Christ is always there for us

Part 2 of 2 of Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion testimony.
click for part 1 of 2 of Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion testimony.

Daniel 4:19-37

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.

• Consequences follow those who use the Bible to criticize today’s government.
• Today’s motto is, “Either you are for us or against us”.
• Strong individualism comes before the degradation.
• Individualism is cut down, but Jesus Christ is always here for us.
• Individualism serves the creature not the Creator.
• Judgment comes from the throne of God against defiant individualism.
• Jesus Christ is always here when we realize our need for God.
• No matter how low we see ourselves, we can always come to Jesus Christ.
• How the Salvation of Nebuchadnezzar came about.
• Nebuchadnezzar praises the God of Jesus Christ.
• Christian governing power is rendered ineffective under the government of the beast.

Consequences follow those who use the Bible to criticize today’s government. “Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.” Daniel 4:19a. From part 1 of Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion testimony, we know all of Daniel chapter 4 is from a letter Nebuchadnezzar sent to all the world. Now, he is letting everyone know how troubled Daniel felt about revealing the meaning of the dream. Like today, anytime a follower of Christ uses the word of God to criticize or pronounce doom on those who live and govern by the mark of the beast is bound to suffer negative consequences. At the same time, those who govern by the mark of the beast are filled with soothing, humanitarian, and churchy sounding words to solicit the response they are looking for.

Today’s motto is, “Either you are for us or against us”. Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!” Daniel 4:19bThe best way to avoid wrath from those who live for the “democratic” society of the mark of the beast is to fight against their enemies. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that he wished the dream was about Nebuchadnezzar’s enemies. They live by the creed, either you are for me or against me. What Daniel was about to say was definitely against Nebuchadnezzar.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we stand on the Bible even when it is against those we share God’s word with. We know Bible prophecy is against the global government because it governs through the mark of the beast. They do not want to hear that their “democratic” society is mentioned step-by-step in the Bible and is categorized as the climax of Satan’s reign on earth. They automatically consider us to be against them because we believe God, acknowledge the need for Jesus Christ, and embrace the Holy Spirit.

Strong individualism comes before the degradation. “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth,” Daniel 4:20 Daniel is beginning to describe the power and authority of Nebuchadnezzar, whose influence was global. He was one individual with the leverage to rule the masses. Even today, all power and influence are within the thing which forms what a person thinks, feels, and does. It synchronizes a person to the mark of the beast and the masses of the world are all on the same sheet of music. They are demanding their “democratic” rights and conformity to the agenda of the global government of the beast.

“…whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home— ” Damiel 4:21 In the name of Nebuchadnezzar, the world was living in prosperity with a practice of inclusion for all. For example, the USA had always been known as a unique and individualistic nation known for its prosperity, military power, influence, and being the melting pot of the world’s people. However, within the global government of the beast, the USA is expected to put aside its individualism and conform to the global agenda.

Today, it’s obvious the USA is nothing like what it used to be before WW2. Daniel 8 explains how the USA lost its individualism to the New World Order. Likewise, individuals within the “democratic” society of the mark of the beast are shunned and agitated. It’s happening in every city around the world. Even so, Jesus Christ does not want us to be above others as an outstanding individual, He wants us to be one in His Spirit, but set apart from the broad way of mainstream society.

“…it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.” Daniel 4:22 Daniel came right out and told Nebuchadnezzar that he was that tall and fruitful tree that included everybody into his sphere of influence. Nebuchadnezzar was an individual with enormous power and influence, and his strong individualism would lead to his degradation. As followers of Christ, we never want to exalt ourselves above others, but to live humbly with others. If we are going to be exalted, it will be because others want us to be not because we exert ourselves above others,

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 

Matthew 23:9-13

Individualism is cut down, but Jesus Christ is always here for us. “And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field;” Daniel 4:23a. There is a memo coming down from God’s executive office, and it reads, “Cut Down the Tree and Destroy It!” This is referring to an individual, Nebuchadnezzar, who created a global empire in his own name. It also applies to everyone who puts themselves above everyone else, and even above the need for God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Although God cuts the pride of individuals down, no matter how far away we are from Him, there is always the opportunity to reconcile to God through Jesus Christ. A stump with its roots is left in the tender places of our soul, with bands around it to keep it intact. That stump makes it possible to come alive to God at the moment we come to Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.

Individualism serves the creature not the Creator. “…let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him’; ” Daniel 4: 23b.Today, we live in a society where people are brought down from being the creation of a Divine God to being just another species of animal. The creature is being worshipped instead of the Creator. The world is under the influence of humanism rooted in the mark of the beast. They call it individual freedom, democratic choice, etc. to allow individuals to embrace sin.

Individualism of the “democratic” society is designed to allow each individual to live by the mark of the beast. The beliefs of the masses are being influenced by the thing which forms what they think, feel, and do. Humanitarian and churchy sounding words of love, support, kindness, goodwill etc. are being used to lift up esteem while condoning every type of sin. They throw out the idea of sin and Jesus Christ while saying the human animal is what it is. They are united to the mark of the beast and as a society through the “666,” which is blaspheme towards God (6), disregard for Jesus Christ (6), and by trampling on the Holy Spirit (6).

Judgment comes from the throne of God against defiant individualism. “…this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king:” Daniel 4:24 Any decree/judgment that comes on us from God will be according to our relationship with Jesus Christ. When He looks on our heart, He is looking to see where Jesus Christ is and how He is being treated by us.

“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen.” Daniel 4:25a. Nebuchadnezzar was driven from his throne while the global Babylonian empire carried on. The judgment of God often comes through instruments of this world, including people. For example, people who are full of themselves are not useful to those who want people to live by the mark of the beast, and prideful people are rebellious to God who wants to make us the home of the Holy Spirit. A “lone wolf” full of pride has no place in this world.

Those who govern by the mark of the beast wants to degrade us to the point to where we deny God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, then to accept that we are just a human animal not created by a Divine God. In contrast, God wants to humble us to the point to where we realize our soul is nothing without Him, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is always here when we realize our need for God. “They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:25b. Those who oppose God use humanitarian and churchy sounding words, which is like dew to keep our esteem and hope alive while being encouraged to live life by the mark of the beast. At the same time, the dew from heaven keeps us aware of how important the love, kindness, and goodwill of God is, which comes through the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ.

Whether we are humbled to the point of non-existence or lifted up to places of power and influence, it is all according to the hand of God. Even in a lowly and afflicted condition, we are to be reverent to those in authority, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1 That is why we are encouraged to hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ during this time that the government of the beast has global dominion and requires everyone to live by the mark of the beast. Aggressive rebellion and violence against those in authority are not God’s way.

No matter how low we see ourselves, we can always come to Jesus Christ. “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.” Daniel 4:26 When Nebuchadnezzar comes to know that God rules, he will return to his place in the kingdom. No matter how bad things become for us, there is always something in the soul that is able to come back to life. That is the stump with the roots that will always live in us regardless of how low we sink. Through Jesus Christ, we experience the resurrection power of God within the soul.

“I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!”
(Church Hymn)

“Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.” Daniel 4:27 As the Holy Spirit says in Micah 6:8,

“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?”

How the Salvation of Nebuchadnezzar came about. “All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.” Daniel 4:28 Everything that Daniel said would happen to Nebuchadnezzar actually did happen. Historical records say that for a few years, close to seven, Nebuchadnezzar moved to Arabia where he lived as an eccentric. During that time, one of his other sons (not Belshazzar) ruled in his place. After being dethroned and living as an eccentric for several years, he returned to his throne after dethroning his son.

“At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon.” Daniel 4:29 Babylon was the global empire of that day, which Nebuchadnezzar took credit for building. Today, this would be like a major politician walking around other global leaders, or maybe walking about the halls of the United Nations. “The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30 Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself above other global leaders and God.

Imagine a world leader telling other world leaders that the global government of the beast only exists because of him. Even exalting himself above God. Today, we know how ludicrous that is because government is rooted in the thing that forms what people think, feel, and do. Nobody has a monopoly on that, and nobody really has any idea of how it works. We do know it synchronizes a person to the mark of the beast. Also, nobody is able to exalt themselves above the God of Jesus Christ.

Any person who exalts themselves above God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are in for a big letdown. When an individual lives by the mark of the beast, they exalt themselves above God and are in for a fiery end, “…it opposes and exalts itself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that it sits as God in the temple of God, showing itself that it is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 The temple of God is our body.

“While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!” Daniel 4:31 As soon as Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself above God and all the world, he was dethroned and lost all power and influence. Today, this would be like a major global politician being removed from all governing responsibilities, and probably accused of being deranged, mad, a right-wing extremist, etc.

“And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws..” Daniel 4:32-33

Exalting ourselves above God and all the world brings consequences to us from God and all the world. Being tossed out from the presence of society would mean undesirable work (if any employment at all), minimal resources of money and possessions, no authority, no respect, and little physical comforts. Without God, we would be living like animals on nothing more than the desire for food and shelter.

With Jesus Christ, we come into a right relationship with God and there is a renewing of our mind. We become aware that He is the King of kings, and kings and kingdoms will all pass away but the name of Jesus will live forever.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

“Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”

Romans 12:1-3 and Luke 12:22-25

Nebuchadnezzar praises the God of Jesus Christ. What Nebuchadnezzar says would be like a major politician of today denouncing the global government of the beast and denouncing the masses who live by the mark of the beast. He lifts God up as being the only eternal Kingdom and said no one on this earth can lift a finger against God.

“And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom is from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, “What have You done?”

Daniel 4:34-35

Christian governing power is rendered ineffective under the government of the beast. “At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me.” Daniel 4:36 Those are about the last words heard from Nebuchadnezzar, and this letter of his testimony is probably the last the world had heard from him. After the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar, he returned to his throne and was not heard from again. According to historical records, he developed a mysterious illness and he died, probably poisoned. His corrupt son, Belshazzar, became king in his place for a very short couple of years, then was conquered by Darius the Mede.

What happened to Nebuchadnezzar is what happens in places like Russia, where opposition to those in authority end up dying from poisoning, or imprisoned, or falling out of windows to their death, or mysteriously dying in other ways. Today, we can ask where are all of the Christian power figures in places of government? They are pretty much non-existent, and definitely not publicly coming out as a Christian through public news media etc. As Jesus Christ says, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26

What ever happened to Nebuchadnezzar after his conversion, he was powerless to help the Israelites, although he shared the same God as them,

1. Nebuchadnezzar was responsible for bringing the Israelites into captivity but was not able to lift a finger to free them. Daniel and all the children of Israel remained in captivity for whatever remained f Nebuchadnezzar’s life, through the reign of Belshazzar, all through the reign of Darius, and through about a year of the reign of Cyrus.
2. Nebuchadnezzar was responsible for mercilessly putting down the Israeli armed rebellion with military violence. God used Nebuchadnezzar to bring His judgment against the Israelites for their rebellion against Him. God expects us to live in the Spirit of Christ and walk in the Gospel of peace.
3. Nebuchadnezzar was responsible for the destruction of the temple of God but was not able to allow the Israelites to build a new one. The new temple was built under Cyrus.
4. Nebuchadnezzar took items away from the temple of God and put them into his treasury but was not able to lift a finger to restore them to the Israelites. His son Belshazzar used them to “party” with, involving substance abuse, casual sex, etc.

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” Daniel 4:37 Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony went throughout all the world. It would be like a major politician letting the world know that that the God of Jesus Christ is King of kings, above the power and authority of the global government of the beast.

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:1