Daniel 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:

Nevertheless {H1297} leave {H7662} the stump {H6136} of his roots {H8330} in the earth {H772}, even with a band {H613} of iron {H6523} and brass {H5174}, in the tender grass {H1883} of the field {H1251}; and let it be wet {H6647} with the dew {H2920} of heaven {H8065}, and let his portion {H2508} be with {H5974} the beasts {H2423} in the grass {H6211} of the earth {H772}:

But leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze, in the lush grass of the countryside; let him be drenched with dew from the sky and share the lot of animals in the pasture;

But leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven and graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth.

Nevertheless leave the stump of its 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:

Commentary

Daniel 4:15 is a pivotal part of King Nebuchadnezzar's second prophetic dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. This verse describes the divine decree concerning the great tree that symbolized the proud Babylonian king.

Context

In Daniel Chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezzar recounts a terrifying dream to his wise men, none of whom could interpret it. Daniel, however, reveals its meaning: the magnificent tree representing the king's vast power and glory would be cut down, signifying his temporary dethronement and humiliation. Verse 15 details the specific conditions of this judgment.

This dream serves as a stark warning to Nebuchadnezzar about his pride and failure to acknowledge God's ultimate authority. The judgment is severe, but the provision to "leave the stump of his roots" indicates that the kingdom, and the king himself, would not be utterly destroyed, implying a future restoration once humility was learned.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. Even the mightiest king is subject to His decree.
  • Humility and Judgment: The cutting down of the tree and Nebuchadnezzar's reduction to living "with the beasts" is a direct consequence of his pride and arrogance (as seen in Daniel 4:30). God opposes the proud, and this passage serves as a vivid example of divine judgment against human hubris.
  • Preservation and Restoration: Despite the severe judgment, the command to "leave the stump of his roots" and for it to be "wet with the dew of heaven" signifies God's patience and His plan for eventual restoration. It suggests that even in judgment, there is hope for repentance and a return to grace.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Stump of his roots": The Aramaic term implies that the essential life force and potential for regrowth remain. This is crucial for understanding the eventual restoration of Nebuchadnezzar's reason and kingdom.
  • "Band of iron and brass": These strong metals symbolize the unyielding nature of God's decree and the divine restraint placed upon the king. It suggests he is held captive by a force stronger than himself, yet also protected from complete annihilation, ensuring the stump's preservation.
  • "Wet with the dew of heaven": Dew in ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized divine blessing, freshness, and sustenance. Here, even in his degraded state, God's provision and presence are subtly maintained.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:15 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  1. God Humbles the Proud: Just as Nebuchadnezzar was humbled, God will humble those who resist His authority and live in arrogance. True wisdom begins with acknowledging His supremacy.
  2. Divine Discipline Leads to Growth: God's judgments, while severe, are often redemptive. They are designed to bring about repentance and a deeper understanding of His power and grace, leading to restoration.
  3. Hope in Humiliation: Even in the midst of trials or periods of humbling, God's sustaining hand is present ("wet with the dew of heaven"). There is always a promise of restoration for those who humble themselves before Him, as James 4:10 encourages us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord.
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Cross-References

  • Job 14:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

  • Job 14:9 (3 votes)

    [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

  • Daniel 4:25 (2 votes)

    That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

  • Daniel 4:27 (2 votes)

    Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

  • Ezekiel 29:14 (2 votes)

    And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

  • Ezekiel 29:15 (2 votes)

    It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.