And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof 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 of the field, till seven times pass over him;
Daniel recounts the dream's judgment section: the holy watcher descending from heaven commanding the tree's destruction while preserving the stump, binding it with iron and brass. He reiterates the transformation—dwelling with beasts, wetness from heaven's dew, eating grass with cattle, heart changed from man to beast for seven times. This careful recounting ensures the king understands what's coming: comprehensive humiliation (tree hewn down), preservation (stump remains), restraint (bound with metal), degradation (dwelling with animals), and duration (seven years). The repetition of 'seven times' emphasizes the judgment's measured nature—it has defined limits, isn't permanent, and serves redemptive rather than merely punitive purposes. God's goal is Nebuchadnezzar's restoration after humbling, not his ultimate destruction.
Historical Context
The binding of the stump 'in the tender grass of the field' reflects ancient agricultural practice where valuable stumps were preserved for eventual regrowth by protecting them from damage. This practical detail grounds the vision in recognizable reality while carrying symbolic meaning: God preserves remnant even while judging pride. The seven-year period in ancient Near Eastern thought represented completeness—sufficient time for thorough transformation. For a king accustomed to luxury, the prospect of dwelling outdoors, exposed to weather, eating grass, living among animals represented complete status reversal. Ancient concepts of kingship as semi-divine made such degradation almost incomprehensible, yet Daniel announces it will occur.
Questions for Reflection
What does the preservation of the stump teach about God's redemptive purposes even in severe judgment?
How does the seven-year duration demonstrate both the thoroughness and the limits of God's discipline?
Why is it significant that judgment has defined boundaries rather than being permanent or open-ended?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel recounts the dream's judgment section: the holy watcher descending from heaven commanding the tree's destruction while preserving the stump, binding it with iron and brass. He reiterates the transformation—dwelling with beasts, wetness from heaven's dew, eating grass with cattle, heart changed from man to beast for seven times. This careful recounting ensures the king understands what's coming: comprehensive humiliation (tree hewn down), preservation (stump remains), restraint (bound with metal), degradation (dwelling with animals), and duration (seven years). The repetition of 'seven times' emphasizes the judgment's measured nature—it has defined limits, isn't permanent, and serves redemptive rather than merely punitive purposes. God's goal is Nebuchadnezzar's restoration after humbling, not his ultimate destruction.