Here in Daniel 4, we have a unique look into the power of God over the affairs of humanity. God again communicates his truth with Nebuchadnezzar through a dream. This time the truth is directly related to Nebuchadnezzar and his rule as King of Babylon. Through his dream, God informs him that he is going to experience a 7 year period of exile, living as an animal in the wild, among the animals. This is to humble Nebuchadnezzar and remind him that God is actually in control of the kingdoms of earth, not Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that God is truly in control over all the kingdoms of earth and asserts key attributes of God: his power, his truth, his justice, and his sovereign power over all. Because of all that God is, we can trust him and his work in our world.
Daniel records events of the captivity of Judah (the two southern
tribes combined following the civil war of Israel and the division of
the twelve tribes). Daniel appropriately presents the sovereign work of God even in these foreign lands and over these foreign governments. Kings and kingdoms are subject to God, even when while they may not fully realize it. Through the narrative section (Chs. 1-6), Daniel demonstrates the sovereign hand of God at work presently among humanity. In the final prophetic section (Chs. 7-12), Daniel demonstrates the sovereign hand of God at work to build his kingdom in the future.
