Daniel 4. 19-37 Dealing with Authority
Daniel 4. 19-37 Dealing with Authority
The passage before us refers to the Dream of a tree which Nebuchadnezzar had while he was in position as a strong king, ruler over everything he surveyed. If your group have not already read Daniel 4: 1 - 18 then you may like to ask them to read it before the group meeting, or alternatively it might be a good thing to read the passage as you begin the session, so that everyone is clear what the dream is.
To consider what is happening here, it is good to be clear about Daniel’s history with interpreting dreams. It has been the key dream, which he has already discussed with N. These have been considered in previous house group sessions but you may like to recap if necessary.
You may like to begin the session with prayer and/or the lighting of a candle.
Read: Daniel Chapter 4: 19 - 37
Verse 19: Sets the scene of the relationship.
Q: How do you think that each of them is feeling while they discuss the dream?
Q: Why do Daniel’s thoughts “terrify him?”
Q: How does N try to encourage Daniel?
Q: What does the section “My Lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!” tell us about their relationship and mutual understanding?
The tree in the dream is large and strong – perhaps a reminder of the statue in the first dream.
Q: What do verses 20 – 22 tell you about how Nebuchadnezzar has grown in power and strength over the years?
Q: Is this a reflection that N is competing with the one true God and not heeding the previous warnings?
Q: Are you aware of those in authority today who have had similar warnings and yet did not make appropriate changes?
Verse 23: Look at the way the tree acquires a gender. The messenger comes down from heaven and issues an order. Then “Let him …………
Q: What do you think is the meaning of “seven times”?
This is a stark warning for N. Daniel is having to speak truth to Authority. To interpret the dream which tells of a king’s downfall in the presence of that King could easily lead to him being thrown into jail or a lot worse.
Once again Daniel is determined to follow his God rather than the king and is strong and brave but has also learnt the court courtesies so that he will be able to communicate well.
Q: Do you ever have to face people who have authority over you and have any kind of difficult conversations?
Q: How do you approach such events?
Q: Can this passage teach us anything about how to speak to and challenge authority figures?
Verse 26 “Your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that heaven rules.” Heaven was a Jewish title for God which is later reflected in the NT expression “kingdom of heaven”.
Q: How does N react to this information?
Verse 26 – 33 The dream is fulfilled. Notice that it does not happen immediately N is given time to respond and renounce his sins, but he does not do so for a whole year. Once again God – Yahweh – the King of Kings is gracious and compassionate and has given plenty of time and opportunity for reflection and a change of ways. However, when the time comes, he will act and do what he has said because he is the God of Justice as well as mercy.
Q: Have we ever been given time to reform and yet not taken the opportunity?
Take a short time to reflect individually on this and only if you wish to, share it with someone else or the whole group.
Verses 14 – 37 are written as the words of Nebuchadnezzar as he admits to seeing the error of his ways and turns to the living God and acknowledges his sovereignty.
Q: What can we learn from this dream and its interpretation which applies to us today? Is this simply something for that time and those people?
Q: This still has huge relevance for us today. For example, we are faced with people in authority who do not follow the ways of God.
Q: Should we challenge them and hold them accountable?
Q: How could we do that?
Q: What if we are the people with authority? Are we using our authority wisely and are we prepared to make changes in our lives?
Q: Do we accept God’s power and supremacy every day and throughout our lives? Are we willing to listen to his word and bow to him?
Prayer - You may like to take time in prayer accepting before God how we make ourselves more important than others and do so many things to upgrade our own positions.
Think about how we could show God to others and work with those around us to see his supremacy and the value of trusting and responding to him. God still works in amazing ways today and he longs for all of us to follow in His paths. May His Blessings be upon us all as we walk with the Holy Spirit through the journey of life.