The Book of Daniel – Dan 4:1-18  Let seven times pass over him

[Study Aired March 7, 2024[

Dan 4:1  Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
Dan 4:2  I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me
Dan 4:3  How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 
Dan 4:4  I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 
Dan 4:5  I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 
Dan 4:6  Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 
Dan 4:7  Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. 
Dan 4:8  But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, Dan 4:9  O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. 
Dan 4:10  Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
Dan 4:11  The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 
Dan 4:12  The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
Dan 4:13  I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 
Dan 4:14  He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: 
Dan 4:15  Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 
Dan 4:16  Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. 
Dan 4:17  This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 
Dan 4:18  This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

In this study we will look at how the ‘dream-is-one’ principle is brought to life in God’s word with this particular section of Daniel, which speaks of a tree in the midst of the earth that is paralleled with the other dream that Nebuchadnezzar had of the statue in chapter 3 (Dan 4:10, Dan 3:1).

Dan 4:10  Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.

Dan 3:1  Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

Both the statue and the great tree of height represent Nebuchadnezzar and his influence on mankind, which influence has come from Satan, the god of this world (2Co 4:4, Rev 13:4), who has ruled in the hearts and minds of mankind since Adam and Eve. Nebuchadnezzar’s father is Satan, and like Christ and God, they are of one mind, and so what speaks to Nebuchadnezzar and his evil dealings on this earth is a reflection of the deeds of his father, the devil (Joh 8:41), who God has given to be the head of all the powers and principalities of this life against which we wrestle until this day, and can only overcome through Christ within us who is far above all those powers and principalities (Eph 6:12, Eph 2:3, Eph 1:21).

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

The progression being shown now in chapter 4 is that Nebuchadnezzar, or Satan, is going to be bound for a season, and this binding is represented by the “band of iron and brass” that will be put around the stump of the tree that was felled (Dan 4:23).

Dan 4:23  And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 

That period of the tree being bound with iron and copper represents the time during the thousand-year reign of the saints when Satan is bound (Rev 20:7), and is no longer able to destroy or deceive humanity at this point. Without the adversary’s influence on humanity and the spirit of God within anyone, there can be no spiritual growth taking place throughout the reign of the saints. The “stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces” is just the start of the rule of God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of this world, and those kingdoms will be ruled over with a rod of iron, a rulership symbolized by the band of iron around the stump of the fallen tree of great height. The copper band signifies that the world will produce the best that the flesh can produce but nothing beyond copper, no spiritual growth (Dan 2:34, Rev 11:15  iswasandwillbe.com/metals_copper-part-2/). 

This stone that hits the feet of the statue represents Christ and His Christ who will be given to be the rulers of the kingdoms of this earth (Rev 11:15). So the iron and copper band represents the unconverted hearts of mankind that cannot overcome during this stage and yet are producing many wonderful works in the earth, and yes, learning of His righteousness, but keeping it in hearts that are yet carnal (Isa 26:9). The iron ring being bound around the stump and the copper ring also represent the inability of Satan at this time to sift any of humanity or destroy their many wonderful works of copper until he is loosed for a season. The physical destruction of all flesh that is brought about by Gog and Magog typifies the spiritual destruction of the man of sin that will occur in the lake of fire where all of humanity and all the angelic realm will be judged, again the natural preceding the spiritual as it always does (Rev 20:7). 

The lion will in fact lie down with the lamb during the thousand-year reign of the saints under Christ, and that lion represents Satan at this time in history who has not yet been released from the bottomless pit, the abussos within all of mankind (Isa 11:6, Rev 20:3). Satan, like Christ, never went anywhere. Christ went into the clouds when he was ascending to heaven which represents His ascending into the hearts and minds of His people, the great cloud of witness (Heb 12:1), and Satan was bound in the bottomless pit, or the abussos of humanity, until the time that he was predestined to rise up out of the pit to accomplish the destruction of all flesh. This same scenario was carried out with Judas who, at a predestined time, betrayed Christ, as all the disciples did on that night. Judas was in their midst and betrayed Christ at the precise time it was ordained to happen (Joh 13:27).

All of these different variations of a normally ferocious beast lying down with normally tame beasts found in Judges 14:4 tells us the same point. Satan will be stayed at this point in his ability to affect humanity, and humanity will be in no danger of his spiritual influence on their hearts and minds. It will be a very productive time in the earth and a fattening of fatlings, as God has ordained this all to seek an occasion against humanity that will come at the end of this dispensation which is void of grace (Jdg 14:4).

Isa 11:6  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 

Jdg 14:4  But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

Nebuchadnezzar will have “seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan 4:32). These ‘seven times passing over’ typify the complete setting of the stage for both the devil and all of humanity to be judged in the lake of fire, where the eighth will be of the seven (Rev 17:11), meaning they will go into perdition, which is their time of judgment in the lake of fire resulting in their being purified and given salvation. 

The judgment of  Nebuchadnezzar’s life, or the seven times passing over, is not just symbolized by this one event with his being driven away and having his portion with the beasts of the field, nor was it accomplished by his seeing Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego delivered from the fiery furnace, or by seeing Daniel delivered from the lions’ den later in chapter 6 of Daniel. This rod of iron, like judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar, is not changing his heart, but nevertheless it is progressively happening, as it does in the spiritual realm for God’s elect via the seals, trumpets and vials. Judgment does not preclude that there will be conversion, which can only happen through the stone falling on us (Mat 21:44), or the lake of fire event, that will occur to all of humanity at the end of the thousand-year reign (1000 represents that process of judgment on flesh 10x10x10=1000 [2Pe 3:8]). 

Mat 21:44  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day [the judgment that is symbolized as 1000 years (Rev 20:7) during that time is as one day, because it is typical of the one day of the Lord in the lake of fire. This concept of 1ooo as 1 and 1 as 1000 is another way of saying what Christ said in John 3:5)].

This judgment of Nebuchadnezzar symbolizes the judgment in the earth during the thousand years with a rod of iron that does not change the heart of mankind. The theme in Nebuchadnezzar’s life is like that of Pharaoh of Moses’ time, who God repeatedly softened and hardened his heart for our sakes, to show us that we are the clay in the Master Potter’s hand, Who does what He wants and as many times as He has ordained (Rom 9:17). He will harden and soften anyone of our hearts as He sees fit (Isa 63:17). Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar never truly repented despite all these miracles that were being done right before his eyes, and this typifies how Satan and all the world will not change, regardless of all the miracles that occur during the rule of the saints on this earth, most notably the fact that they are seeing the resurrected body of Christ right in front of them (Luk 16:31, Isa 30:20).

Rev 17:11  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 

Isa 63:17  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. 

Luk 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Isa 30:20  And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: 

God will fill the earth to its completeness [7] (Hab 2:14) during the reign of the saints with His word, that is the complete “seven times shall pass over thee”, washing of the word, being baptized with water and then being baptized with fire in the great white throne judgment (1Co 15:46, Joh 3:5, Rev 20:14-15). 

1Co 15:46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 

Joh 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 

Rev 20:14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 

Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

It is later, after this natural judgment of the earth, that the seven last fiery spiritual plagues will be poured out upon humanity in the lake of fire and upon Satan (Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10, Rev 20:14-15). Chapter 3 typified the judgment of the elect via, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Christ’s judgment in this life, whereas Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment represents the judgment of the rest of humanity that is progressive and concludes in the lake of fire. The dream is one in that all men will be judged but each man’s judgment, and angels’ judgment is in the order God has ordained (Heb 9:27-28, 1Co 15:23-25).

Heb 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 
Heb 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

1Co 15:23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
1Co 15:24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 
1Co 15:25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Dan 4:1  Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 
Dan 4:2  I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 
Dan 4:3  How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 

Nebuchadnezzar declares the great works which God did toward him to “all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you” and typifies the initial peace that the rule of the saints will bring when God’s government is established. In reality his saying “Peace be multiplied unto you” is the same as saying  “Peace, peace; when there is no peace” seeing the lasting peace that passes all understanding can only come through Christ  (Jer 8:11, Php 4:7).

Jer 8:11  For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Nebuchadnezzar is driven out to live with the beasts of the field and loses his mind to ultimately be given a healthy mind. Initially, we read, “The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field.” This event is also analogous of Satan’s kingdom being taken from him during the thousand years (Rev 11:15).

Ecc 3:18  I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 

Nebuchadnezzar expresses his desire to let these things be known regarding what God has shown him via the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and he wants everyone to know, “I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.” Those works were wrought toward him, but they did not change who he was inwardly, which parallels with the unchanged heart of mankind during the thousand-year reign of the saints, who will see many miracles being performed by the saints, but their hearts will not be changed by those events. Nebuchadnezzar can see “How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation” as he acknowledges God’s miracles and greatness like Nicodemus did in the night, but was yet unconverted (Joh 3:2).

Joh 3:2  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to be judged and put through fiery trials as types of the elect whose words were being tried by fire (1Pe 1:7), actions which God accomplished according to His good pleasure (Php 2:12-13). The judgment of the Hebrew children typifies the elect being judged first today (1Pe 4:17), and the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar typifies the judgment of the rest of the world being judged later during the reign of the saints and then in the lake of fire. These verses demonstrate that God was judging Nebuchadnezzar in his dreams (Job 33:15-19).

Job 33:15  In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 
Job 33:16  Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 
Job 33:17  That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
Job 33:18  He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. 
Job 33:19  He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, “everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation” because He alone can declare the end from the beginning, from “generation to generation“, from age to age, in each book He has written that will be part of that everlasting kingdom (Psa 139:16). The generations of old, prior to Pentecost, typify for us what was accomplished through others for our sakes so we could understand how we are given dominion over sin today through Christ (1Pe 1:12). God’s elect are the generation today with Christ abiding in us who understand that we are guilty of all the blood of the prophet’s from Abel to Zacharias. Each generation accomplishes exactly what God has determined according to the counsel of His own will (Luk 11:51, Eph 1:11).

Psa 139:16  Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was none of them.

Luk 11:51  From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 

Dan 4:4  I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 
Dan 4:5  I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 
Dan 4:6  Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 
Dan 4:7  Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. 
Dan 4:8  But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,
Dan 4:9  O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. 

The dream is one, the great statue of chapter 3 is Nebuchadnezzar, and the tree of great height in chapter 4 is him as well. We know that the statue represents all the empires of the world, so this tree of great height should likewise represent all men of the earth who have been influenced throughout the ages by Satan who is typified by Nebuchadnezzar (Mar 8:24).

Mar 8:24  And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

This is the second time Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, or as he puts it “thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.” In both instances he initially seeks to “bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream“, which demonstrates his leaning unto his own flesh even after already having been clearly shown God’s power and gift to interpret the dream in the first instance with Daniel. Even when he finally does call upon Daniel, he refers to him from his mindset saying, “in whom is the spirit of the holy gods“, and “because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee“, thinking of the God of heaven and earth as being connected with “the spirit of the holy gods” (Isa 45:5).

Isa 45:5  I am Jehovah, and there is none else; besides me there is no God. I will gird thee, though thou hast not known me; 

Nebuchadnezzar makes a decree to bring in this group prior to calling on Daniel, “Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.” This group represents Babylon who cannot discern the spiritual matters of God because they are spiritually discerned. Nebuchadnezzar is blind and deaf and not discerning the voice of the true shepherd, and yet does finally call on Daniel after all other avenues are exhausted (1Co 2:14), “ whose name was Belteshazzar [secret treasure gatherer (PNB);  lord of the straitened’s treasure (BDB)], according to the name of my god.

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Nebuchadnezzar’s going to “the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers” first to find an answer to the dream he had (Dan 4:7) typifies our going into Babylon first to try to find the answer to the dreams and visions we’ve been given of God, but it takes the church, represented by Daniel, in order for that manifest knowledge to be made known to the king, (Eph 3:10). “O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.“

Dan 4:10  Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.
Dan 4:11  The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
Dan 4:12  The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 

These first three verses define what Satan’s kingdom looks like. It is appealing like the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and spoken of in desirable terms seeing this is what this tree represents in the midst of the earth (Gen 3:6, Gen 2:9). It is in the night that God gives this vision to Nebuchadnezzar while he is asleep, telling us that he won’t be able to understand the vision, being spiritually blind represented by his sleep upon his bed.

Gen 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Gen 2:9  And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

Verses 11 and 12 are a reiteration of the dream of the statue that also represents what filled the whole earth with its empires. “The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth” (Dan 4:11). The tree grew like the nations of the world have grown. The tree was strong like the many strong empires represented in the statue. The height of the tree reached unto heaven, which symbolizes the high-mindedness of the first man Adam controlled by powers and principalities in the heavens. All this is just as the case was with the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The tree’s influence is able to be observed throughout all the earth, again just as the statue that had the same influence over all the various empires that Satan, who is the god of this world, rules over.

The fruit of the tree is then described in verse 12, which, as mentioned, was desirous and representing the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:6) that has been the sole source of provision for the kingdoms of this world which have had the whole stay of bread and water taken away from them (Isa 3:1). That water and bread reside only on the tree of life that is presently being guarded by a flaming sword which turns every way, “to keep the way of the tree of life” (Gen 3:24). Of this tree that represents the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we read, “The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.“

Dan 4:13  I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 
Dan 4:14  He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

The “watcher and an holy one” that came down from heaven in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream makes a loud cry, “Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches” and typifies the heralding of the angel of the Lord and the great voices in heaven spoken of in Revelation 11:15 who represent the elect of God (Isa 40:9, Oba 1:21). 

Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Isa 40:9  O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God!

They are told to cut down the tree, which represents Babylon falling (Rev 14:8), and the branches represent the many harlot churches of the great whore that must fall, along with the leaves and the fruit that represent the millions of false doctrines which have brought no healing to the nations that God’s elect are going to be used to judge and destroy and replace with the undefiled word of God that will heal the nations in time (Rev 22:2). The beasts, meaning mankind, are told to get “away from under it“, which is another way of saying “come out of her my people.” “The fowls from his branches” having to get away typifies the need to come out from under the snare of the fowler who is the devil (Pro 6:5) who has twisted God’s words and blinded the world into believing in another Jesus (Mat 16:18-19, Luk 13:32).

Pro 6:5  Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Dan 4:15  Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 
Dan 4:16  Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

The timeline of this tree being felled is symbolically at the start of the thousand-year reign of the saints (Rev 20:4), and a greater judgment is to come at the end of the thousand years that will do away with “the stump of his roots in the earth” (Rev 20:7-8, Rev 20:14-15, Mal 4:1). In the meantime, they remain along “with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.“

The band of iron and copper represent the current condition of man’s heart without the influence of Satan at this time in the earth. He is being withheld at this stage from humanity, as described in these verses, (2Th 2:3-8), until he is revealed, which is when all the world will be judged along with the devil, and then that man of perdition will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming [lake of fire judgment] (2Th 2:3-8). The world is not spiritually mature here, symbolized by this tree stump being “in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.” Tender grass is for the spiritually young, as is the dew from heaven which is not rivers of living water that proceed from those who have God’s spirit within them in this age. The beasts in the grass of the earth are again telling us that the world cannot go on to spiritual maturity without God’s spirit within (Rom 8:9), which makes it possible for us to digest the stronger meat of the word (Heb 5:14).

Mal 4:1  For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 

2Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 
2Th 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 
2Th 2:5  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 
2Th 2:6  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 
2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 

2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Dan 4:17  This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 
Dan 4:18  This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

“This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones” represents the authority that is given to the body of Christ during this time of rulership, and the Lord has put the weak of the world in charge “to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” It’s true that Nebuchadnezzar represents the basest of men for our sakes, representing and typifying the ‘not many noble, weak of the world, chief of sinners’ elect who identify with these words now, “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” That kingdom of God is within the elect now who understand that all things are ours and that God does not need the wise of the world to establish His kingdom on this earth (1Co 1:26-29, Eph 4:4, 2Pe 1:10).

1Co 1:26  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 
1Co 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 
1Co 1:28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 
1Co 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Eph 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 

The Lord will ultimately have the world turn to the elect for the answers to all of their spiritual questions and concerns, as typified by this situation where Nebuchadnezzar went to Daniel to understand the interpretation of his dream. “Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.” The timeline of the world being given the true undefiled words of God have a yet unconverted world expressing their gratitude in the typical manner that Nebuchadnezzar did, who acknowledges in his own words that Christ is in us by saying, “for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.” Nebuchadnezzar does not know Daniel’s ‘new name’ and calls him “Belteshazzar” which brings to mind these verses that speak of Christ and his Christ (Mar 6:3-4, Rev 2:17). 

Mar 6:3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 
Mar 6:4  But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

Rev 2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Next week we will look at the second half of this chapter where Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is interpreted by Daniel in the rest of chapter 4 (Dan 4:19-37). 

The Book of Daniel – Dan 3:1-30  I see Four men Loose, walking in the midst of the fire

[Study Aired February 29, 2024]

Dan 3:1  Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 
Dan 3:2  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 
Dan 3:3  Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 
Dan 3:4  Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 
Dan 3:5  That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 
Dan 3:6  And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 
Dan 3:7  Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Dan 3:8  Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. 
Dan 3:9  They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
Dan 3:10  Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
Dan 3:11  And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:12  There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 
Dan 3:13  Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 
Dan 3:14  Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 
Dan 3:15  Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 
Dan 3:16  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 
Dan 3:17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Dan 3:19  Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 
Dan 3:20  And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:21  Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 
Dan 3:22  Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Dan 3:23  And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 
Dan 3:24  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 
Dan 3:25  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 
Dan 3:26  Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 
Dan 3:27  And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Dan 3:28  Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Dan 3:29  Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Dan 3:30  Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

If we follow the flow of the first three chapters of the book of Daniel, a pattern emerges which reveals the problem, the cause, and now in chapter three, the solution regarding how we are to overcome in this life as the body of Christ.

Chapter one introduced how the undefiled word of God is likened to the food that Daniel and his companions will eat while in captivity, as opposed to the king’s meat which typifies the churches of Babylon who have had the whole stay of bread and water taken away by the Lord, which is the problem (Isa3:1).

Chapter two explains how all the empires of the world have been blinded by the power of Satan that is manifested throughout the ages and represented by the dream about a multi-part statue of which Nebuchadnezzar dreamed. The dream is further interpreted in the seventh chapter of Daniel and Revelation 13:1-3 where various creatures are connected with the different sections of the statue. 

This statue represents the cause of all of humanity’s sinful behavior throughout the ages. The source of that cause is Satan who is typified by the head of the statue, which head is Nebuchadnezzar, a king of kings who ruled over Babylon as Satan has ruled over the kingdoms of this world, all being accomplished according to the counsel of God’s will (2Co 4:4, Eph 1:11). To make this connection even more evident for us, we have the composite beast spoken of in Revelation 13:1-2 which shows how all these beasts in Daniel chapter 2 and 7 are the same beast spoken of in Revelation 13:2, which beast is identified in Revelation 13:18 revealing that this beast is all mankind, and his destruction is prophesied and likened to the man of perdition spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8.

2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Rev 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 
Rev 13:2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon [Satan, the god of this world, represented by the dragon] gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The third chapter points to the solution through the miraculous destruction of this statue and all the beasts connected within us, a process of judgment typified by three men, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” and Christ, the angel who is in the midst of the fire with them making all this possible. These four men represent the whole of the elect who will be used to save all of humanity. We learn in this chapter, very graphically, that we are delivered from the bondage of sinful flesh by going into the fiery furnace, which is the same as going through the Red Sea and being put in the lion’s Den is where we learn how God can stay the mouth of the lions that represent the devil who wants to sift like wheat the people of God (Luk 22:31-32). These three events typify for us how the man of perdition is destroyed by the brightness of his coming, which man of perdition is symbolized by this great statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2Th 2:8).

Dan 3:1  Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 

Nebuchadnezzar was being shown, by the interpretation of the dream by Daniel, that he is the beast, and instead of repenting in sackcloth and ashes, he rather takes the interpretation of the dream to mean that he ought to build a statue in its likeness and have the people come and bow down and worship this idol. These actions point to these verses in Revelation that parallel what Nebuchadnezzar is doing.

Rev 13:9  If any man have an ear, let him hear [Nebuchadnezzar did not hear].
Rev 13:10  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. 
Rev 13:11  And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 
Rev 13:12  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 
Rev 13:13  And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 
Rev 13:14  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 
Rev 13:15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Nebuchadnezzar’s newly made statue is “threescore cubits [60 cubits], and the breadth thereof six cubits [6 cubits]” telling us that it represents mankind with those sixes in the measurements. It is built in the “plain of Dura” that is “in the province of Babylon” as it represents that time when we are a defiled temple of God whose Adamic height is connected to the beast [6.6.6] as well as the breadth of six cubits. The word Dura means “circle or dwelling”, and a circle has 360 degrees in it, which is a multiple of six [6x6x10] that points to our Adamic dwelling place that is carnal and not able to inherit the kingdom of God (1Co 15:50). It is not just the head that is gold now, but the entire image is made of gold, which confirms that Nebuchadnezzar, who was the head of gold in the dream, has affected every other lesser empire (the rest of the statue) with his proud and vain spirit, explained in these terms below in Revelation. His golden image is cankered as he has not been ‘tried in the fire’ and as such remains spiritually blind to the spiritual captivity that he is in, as is all the world – the entire statue.

Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Dan 3:2  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 
Dan 3:3  Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

This section of scripture points to Revelation 13:15. The statue that Nebuchadnezzar had built of gold, which he demanded the people to either worship or they would be killed, represents how the god of this world will demand our unwavering acceptance and worship of his idolatrous ways that permeate society today (1Jn 5:19). How Satan accomplishes this deception is through the multitude of leaders who provide a perverted version of that safety that can only come through God’s counsel found in the body of Christ (Eph 3:10). The world’s counsellors are typified by those who Nebuchadnezzar gathered together, “the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” The reason they have been gathered together is to stand in a unified way to acknowledge the beast [mankind’s power in themselves independent of God] that is represented by Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, “and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up“. This gathering to do what Nebuchadnezzar requires of the people puts them all in the category of Revelation 13:8.

Rev 13:15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Rev 13:8  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Dan 3:4  Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 
Dan 3:5  That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 
Dan 3:6  And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 

There we have it! Comply or die is the command that is set forth. The herald crying aloud is like the negative blowing of the last trump that will summon the first resurrection (1Co 15:52). This heralding we’re reading is a cry unto captivity in the devilish world of the sensual, being associated with “the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick“ and compelling the masses to “fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up” or else you will be “cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” The music represents the unified strong delusion of Babylon whose mantra says “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity”, taking away the singleness and undivided mind of Christ (2Co 11:3-5) and leaving the power in the hand of the beast to determine what is essential and not essential. All of this signifies how the man of sin operates on the throne of our hearts, demanding our acknowledgement of his power and rule, and wanting us to do nothing less than worship him, making Satan the sovereign figure in our life rather than God and Christ  (Joh 17:3).

2Co 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 
2Co 11:4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2Co 11:5  For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

Dan 3:7  Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 
Dan 3:8  Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

These verses again demonstrate the unity that is found in the world in regards to worshiping the beast and claiming our own righteousness and free moral agency in this life. It is “all the people, the nations, and the languages” who come and fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. What unites all the world is the belief that they have free moral agency [the golden image], and unless our names are written in the Lamb’s book, that is what the carnal mind will just naturally believe, all the while thinking the things of the spirit as being foolishness for they are spiritually discerned (Rev 13:4-7, 1Co 2:14). We will be hated by all men for his name’s sake, and it is “certain Chaldeans  [who] came near” at this time of worshiping the beast who “accused the Jews“, the Jews being a type of the elect who are hated and persecuted for obeying the commandments of God that we’ve been granted the patience and faith of Christ to hold fast to as a crown of life (1Co 2:15-16, Rev 2:10, Rev 3:11, Jas 1:12, 1Jn 5:2). It is “certain Chaldeans” who came near to king Nebuchadnezzar to be accusers of the brethren, the “certain” implying not all have this role in life, but God has already ordained the ones who would betray Christ and His Christ, and it is they of our own household that “certain Chaldeans” signify, just as it was the religious of Christ’s day, the Sadducees and Pharisees (Mat 10:36, Joh 6:71, Act 20:29, Php 3:18).

[See this article from Mike Vinson on this subject: Enemies of His Own Household]

Rev 13:4  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast [“all the people, the nations, and the languages“]: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 
Rev 13:5  And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 
Rev 13:6  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 
Rev 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations [“all the people, the nations, and the languages“. This shows us that we all go into captivity (Rev 13:10) and it is the very few who are called out of Babylon by God’s great power (Eph 2:8)] 

Rev 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown [1Co 2:15-16].

Jas 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

Dan 3:9  They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. 
Dan 3:10  Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:
Dan 3:11  And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Dan 3:12  There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Dan 3:13  Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 
Dan 3:14  Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

This section of scripture reminds us that the world is looking at what the body of Christ is doing, and are bringing their report to ‘the powers that be’ to let them know that “they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Satan knows he has a short time, and the fidelity of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is making Nebuchadnezzar furious in this story as does the faithfulness of the saints in this life cause Satan’s wrath to manifest (Rev 12:12). 

Rev 12:12  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Our life is a vapor that appears for a little while (Jas 4:14), and so in that sense Satan knows “he hath but a short time” to try and deceive the very elect, if it were possible, in every age since Pentecost (Mat 24:24). Of course it is not possible, and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being brought before the furious king was all purposed by God (Eph 1:11) to give a witness to Nebuchadnezzar and all others of the greatness of the God of heaven and earth that they serve (Mar 13:9). 

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mar 13:9  But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Dan 3:15  Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 
Dan 3:16  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 
Dan 3:17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 
Dan 3:18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

God has set the stage for the words that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are about to give to the king, and the first thing they tell him is, “There is no need for us to give you an answer to this question” [BBE], meaning “We already have our minds made up in regard to what we are going to do and so will answer you what God has given us the power to proclaim, and what He proclaims is that we are more than conquerors through Christ and that whether we are delivered or destroyed by this fire, we will live unto the Lord and be delivered regardless.” Their answer typifies the faithful witnesses we have been called to be through Christ (Rev 11:3, Rev 11:7) and whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s, and He will deliver us and not a hair on our head will be hurt (Luk 21:18). This all implies that our spiritual status in the Lord, our crown, is not going to be taken from us if we believe and know that we are more than conquerors through Him in every dire circumstance, via the faith of Christ we’ve been given (Mar 13:11, Rom 14:8, Rom 8:37, Eph 2:8-9).

Luk 21:18  But not a hair of your head will come to destruction. 

Mar 13:11  And when you are taken and given up to be judged, do not be troubled about what to say: but whatever is given to you in that hour, say: because it is not you who say it, but the Holy Spirit.

Rom 14:8  As long as we have life we are living to the Lord; or if we give up our life it is to the Lord; so if we are living, or if our life comes to an end, we are the Lord’s. 

Rom 8:37  But we are able to overcome all these things and more through his love. 

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Dan 3:19  Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

As we submit to Christ and resist the devil, he will flee from us (Jas 4:7), and regardless of what men can do to our flesh (Mat 10:28), we are being told with this story not to fear men, but fear God (Luk 12:5) who is all-powerful and able to take us through the fiery trials of this life (1Pe 4:12) which will perfect His workmanship in us (1Co 10:13, Eph 2:10). The furnace being “seven times more than it was wont to be heated” typifies for us the seven plagues that must be poured out upon God’s elect. Those plagues represent the cup we drink in this life (Rev 15:8) that Christ makes a way for us to partake of by the power of God who calls us to be more than conquerors through Him (Mat 20:23, Rom 8:37). 

Luk 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Mat 20:23  And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Dan 3:20  And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 
Dan 3:21  Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 
Dan 3:22  Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 
Dan 3:23  And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Binding Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by the most mighty men that were in his army, and casting them into the fiery furnace, represents how we are bound by our sins. It is “their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments” symbolizing their own righteousnesses, that cleaves to us in this flesh and must be thrown into the fiery furnace where Christ is in the midst to loose us from it (Joh 8:36).

The king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace was exceedingly hot, so that these mighty men who were putting them in the fire were killed themselves. These men represent the wood, hay and stubble (1Co 3:12), the carnal and natural things that are the first to be burned out of us (1Co 3:13-15). 

1Co 3:12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 
1Co 3:13  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 
1Co 3:14  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 
1Co 3:15  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Dan 3:24  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 
Dan 3:25  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 

Here we see God defying the laws of physics which tells us that nothing is impossible for our Father, and when He says He won’t try us beyond what we can endure He means it (1Co 10:13), and will always make a way for us to bear the trials He gives us, even if they destroy our flesh, or the proud image of the beast that we all start off as. The natural man “Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied” and asked his counselors, “Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” of which they responded “True, O king.“

Nebuchadnezzar then says “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” which is really an incredibly encouraging statement for us to contemplate. First of all there are “four men loose” which symbolizes that the whole [4] world will be loosed from sinful flesh or set free from sin by that fourth man who is in the midst of the fire, Jesus Christ (Joh 8:36, Rev 5:3, Act 4:12, Luk 17:24). It also tells us that the elect who are represented by the other three men will be saviors who come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau, setting the world free from sin with Christ as the Lord’s scapegoat (Oba 1:21). Three men in the fire also represents the process of judgement [3] we must go through in this life as God’s elect if we are going to be purified by God’s word which is likened to fire (Jer 23:29, 1Pe 4:17).

Jer 23:29  Is not my word like as a fire? [Joh 1:1] saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? 

Dan 3:26  Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 
Dan 3:27  And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Dan 3:28  Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Nebuchadnezzar came near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, but he did not get in it, symbolizing that he has not changed yet, but is being witnessed to, as the world will be, by those who have gone through the fiery words of God’s judgment in this life that will prepare the bride for the rulership that is set before the church (Rev 20:6). Again Nebuchadnezzar asks them to “come forth.” However, he does not go toward them because no man can go to the son unless the Father drags him (Joh 6:44). This also shows us how the Lord will use wicked men to accomplish His purpose in the elect, of being dragged into fiery trials (Psa 17:13, Luk 21:12, 1Pe 4:12, Rev 2:10).

Psa 17:13  Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:

Luk 21:12  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.

Rev 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

So they came forth and witnessed to all that had occurred to “the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” This all represents the witness that the elect will be to the world, showing them what God can do through the weak of the world, the not many noble or mighty of this world, who are judged first (1Co 1:26-29, 1Pe 4:17), and whose garments are spoken of in this way at this stage, “upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them” (Isa 33:14-15, Mal 3:2, Rev 16:15, Luk 21:18).

Isa 33:14  The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Isa 33:15  He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

Mal 3:2  But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap<:

Rev 16:15  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Luk 21:18  But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Nebuchadnezzar then spake, and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.” The angel who is sent is Christ (Joh 20:21, Joh 3:17-18) who is our savior, and God’s elect are sent for the same purpose of being saviors who are prepared to be those saviors through a process of suffering with Christ, enduring fiery trials symbolized by this event with “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” (Heb 1:13, Oba 1:21, 2Ti 2:11-12). The elect are called out of Babylon to yield their lives to Christ long before giving the ultimate sacrifice as was demonstrated here in this story. This tells us that he who is faithful in little is faithful in lots (Luk 16:10). The servants trusted in God, and that trust is forged through the many fiery circumstances the Lord causes (2Co 1:9). The world will change its evil ways as a result of the miraculous new creation they will see when the first resurrection occurs “and have changed the king’s word“, but this change of attitude is not a permanent conversion of the mind.

2Ti 2:11  It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2Ti 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 

Luk 16:10  He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

2Co 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Nebuchadnezzar does not typify someone who is converted at this point, but rather someone who has to see a sign, which is for the unbelieving (1Co 14:22, Joh 20:29), after which he says, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.“

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Joh 20:29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. [in type-and-shadow faith that is not unto salvation in their case, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believe the Lord can deliver them through life or death (Rom 14:8), without having to see him before they claim this news to Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3:16-18)]

Rom 14:8  For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

Dan 3:29  Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 
Dan 3:30  Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon. 

Nebuchadnezzar’s enthusiasm is not to be mistaken as conversion and is more akin with an ‘anon with joy’ spirit (Mat 13:20) receiving of those things that “the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego“, not his God, but rather their God, has performed. 

Nebuchadnezzar makes this decree, symbolic of the wrath of God that will abide on all mankind until it does not (Rom 1:18), words typifying what will happen to the first man Adam in all mankind: “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill.” In the negative shadow, Nebuchadnezzar is still in charge and calling the shots independent of truly understanding the sovereignty of God. 

Christ and His Christ, typified by Daniel (a type of Christ),  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, understand today that God is sovereign. However, Nebuchadnezzar at best, can only make a decree: “That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” Again he points to the outward miracle but does not have a change of heart in regards to his own personal relationship with God. He believes in God, in other words, like the Christians today and the Jews in Christ’s day who Christ said believed on him, but needed to continue in the truth to become disciples indeed, who are crushed under the stone as a result of being blessed to continue in the truth (Joh 8:30-36, Mat 21:44, Joh 6:44).

Mat 21:44  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Nebuchadnezzar then promotes “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon“, typifying for us when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ (Rev 11:15). This represents what will happen during the thousand-year reign of the saints, and like Israel of old, the Israel of God (Gal 6:16) will ‘spoil the Egyptians’ (Exo 12:36), as Nebuchadnezzar is doing by promoting “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.“

Next week, Lord willing, we will get into chapter 4 of Daniel where one of the main lessons being shown is how pride comes before a fall.

Dan 4:30  The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 
Dan 4:31  While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 

Pro 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 
Pro 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.