Big Idea: In contrast to this world’s belief systems, God communicates his sovereignty to powerful leaders through his Spirit in faithful servants.

Understanding the Text

Daniel 4:1–37 is woven into the book’s overall literary structure in two ways. First, it advances the narrative of chapters 1–6, in which the first four focus on Nebuchadnezzar (chaps. 1–2 with historical markers and 3–4 without) and the last two show the transition from Belshazzar of Babylon to Darius the Mede (chaps. 5–6). Second, it begins the third of three parallel pairs of chapters (4 and 5) in the book’s concentric Aramaic center section. Comparatively, Daniel 4 and 5 present contrasting Babylonian kings and varying structures, yet they share the same general content and theme: God’s judgment of proud rulers. Rea…