Daniel 4:2
I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.
Original Language Analysis
דִּ֚י
H1768
דִּ֚י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
3 of 10
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
עִמִּ֔י
toward
H5974
עִמִּ֔י
toward
Strong's:
H5974
Word #:
5 of 10
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Daniel 3:26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.Psalms 66:16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions documented kings' accomplishments and divine favor. Nebuchadnezzar subverts this genre—instead of boasting of conquest, he testifies to God's humbling work in his life. The term 'signs and wonders' appears in Exodus describing God's acts against Egypt (Exodus 7:3), now applied to God's work on a Gentile king. This universalizes God's sovereign power—He works 'signs and wonders' among all peoples, not just Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does personal testimony of God's work in our lives carry persuasive power beyond doctrinal arguments?
- What does the king's willingness to publicly share his humiliation teach about authentic testimony requiring vulnerability?
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Analysis & Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar declares his purpose: 'I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.' The phrase 'signs and wonders' (Aramaic: atha v'timhaya) describes miraculous divine interventions demonstrating God's power. 'The high God' acknowledges supreme divine authority. Critically, these signs were 'toward me'—personal experience, not abstract theology. The king testifies from direct encounter with God's sovereignty. This models effective witness: sharing personal experience of God's transformative work rather than merely asserting doctrines.