Nebuchadnezzar’s Image and Dream

Read these two chapters together as they teach the cause and effect relationship between sin and judgment.

Daniel 3 – The Image

• The gold image, 75′ tall and 9′ wide, rose high above the plain of Dura (v. 1).
• The order, given by King Nebuchadnezzar, was that, on cue, all should bow and worship the image which he had erected (v. 2-6). Failure or refusal to bow down would merit immediate death by fire.
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not bow on cue; and their Babylonian adversaries were quick to accuse them to the king (v. 8-12).
• Although given a second opportunity to comply, the three steadfastly refused to dishonor their God (v. 13-18).
• Left with no alternative, the king sentenced them to death by fire; but God delivered them unharmed (v. 19-27).
• King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the power of their God, decreed that none should speak against their God, and promoted the three men of faith (v. 28-30).

Daniel 4 – The Dream

• This is not the first dream that Nebuchadnezzar had, nor is it the first of his dreams that Daniel interpreted for him (v. 1-9).
• The dream about a great tree that was cut down foretold the demise of Nebuchadnezzar (v. 10-26).
• Daniel’s counsel was that the king repent (v. 27).
• But a year later, Nebuchadnezzar was boasting again of his greatness and his accomplishments; and God spoke from heaven and announced the king’s punishment for his pride (v. 28-32).
• When the time of his temporary insanity was over, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the greatness and sovereignty of God (v. 33-37).

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