Daniel 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.

The leaves {H6074} thereof were fair {H8209}, and the fruit {H4} thereof much {H7690}, and in it was meat {H4203} for all {H3606}: the beasts {H2423} of the field {H1251} had shadow {H2927} under {H8460} it, and the fowls {H6853} of the heaven {H8065} dwelt {H1753} in the boughs {H6056} thereof, and all {H3606} flesh {H1321} was fed {H2110} of it {H4481}.

Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant; it produced enough food for everyone. The wild animals enjoyed its shade, the birds in the air lived in its branches, and it gave food to every living creature.

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed.

The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was food for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the heavens dwelt in the branches thereof, and all flesh was fed from it.

Daniel 4:12 is a descriptive verse from King Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, recorded in the book of Daniel. This dream features a majestic tree that symbolizes the king himself and his vast, powerful kingdom. The verse paints a picture of this tree at its zenith, highlighting its immense influence and the widespread benefits it provided to all who lived under its shadow.

Context of Daniel 4:12

This verse is part of a prophetic dream given to Nebuchadnezzar, which troubled him greatly. Daniel, God's prophet, is called upon to interpret it. The dream vividly portrays a colossal tree, reaching to heaven and visible to the ends of the earth (Daniel 4:11). Verse 12 specifically details the tree's abundance and the sustenance it offered. This idyllic description serves as a prelude to the dream's unsettling conclusion: the tree is to be cut down, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's impending judgment and temporary madness, a divine humbling for his pride.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Dominion and Influence: The flourishing leaves and abundant fruit represent the immense power and reach of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian empire. His kingdom extended over many nations, providing resources and stability to diverse peoples.
  • Provision and Sustenance: The phrase "meat for all" and "all flesh was fed of it" emphasizes the kingdom's role as a provider. People from various regions and even surrounding creatures found their sustenance and livelihood within the vastness of his reign.
  • Protection and Refuge: The imagery of "beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof" portrays the kingdom as a place of safety, shelter, and refuge for its inhabitants and even those from outside. It speaks to the peace and security enjoyed under his rule.
  • Divine Sovereignty (Implied): While describing Nebuchadnezzar's power, the overall narrative of Daniel 4 underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers. The tree's eventual cutting down (detailed later in the chapter) serves as a stark reminder that even the most powerful human kingdoms are subject to divine will. For a broader understanding of God's control over kingdoms, see Daniel 2:21.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "meat" here is mazon (מָזוֹן), which broadly means "food" or "sustenance." It highlights the comprehensive provision offered by the tree. The imagery of a large tree symbolizing a powerful kingdom or ruler is a recurring motif in ancient Near Eastern literature and the Bible, seen also in Ezekiel 31:3, where Assyria is similarly depicted as a towering cedar.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:12, in conjunction with the rest of the chapter, offers several timeless lessons:

  • Stewardship of Power: It reminds those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, or family—of their responsibility to provide for, protect, and serve those under their care, just as the tree provided for all.
  • Humility in Success: The verse describes the height of Nebuchadnezzar's power before his fall. It serves as a powerful reminder against pride and self-exaltation. True wisdom recognizes that all blessings and authority ultimately come from God (James 1:17).
  • God's Ultimate Control: Even when human kingdoms seem all-encompassing, this passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate sovereign, who "removes kings, and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 13:19

    It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

  • Ezekiel 31:6

    All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.

  • Ezekiel 31:7

    Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.

  • Ezekiel 17:23

    In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

  • Lamentations 4:20

    The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.

  • Mark 13:32

    But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

  • Jeremiah 27:6

    And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.
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