Day 248 ~ 2010

Originally posted in a forum in 2010 - this post may contain links which are no longer valid, if you find a non-working link, please let me know and I will attempt to find a replacement or make a correction as necessary.

Day 248

Nebuchadnezzar's tree vision, his second dream - Daniel 4:4-27

Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt - (Jer 43:8-13; 46:13-26) - 569 or 570 B.C.

Nebuchadnezzar's seven years of madness (569-562 or 595-588 B.C.) - Daniel 4:28-33

Nebuchadnezzar converted, then dies; Evil-Merodach succeeds - Daniel 4:34-37

Release of Jehoiachin from prison - 2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah 52:31

Kindness shown him (Jehoiachin) - 2 Kings 25:28-30; Jeremiah 52:32-34

Birth of Salathiel - 561 B.C.

Death of Jeremiah - 560 B.C.

World leaders of the time - Evil Merodach slain; Neriglissar begins reign in Babylon - 560-566 B.C.

Cyrus reigns in Persia - 559-529 B.C.

Birth of Budda - 557 B.C.

Nabonidus reigns in Babylon, Belshazzar, a son co-reigns much of this time - 556-539 B.C.

Birth of Confucius - 551 B.C.

Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the interpretation (550 or 539 B.C.) - Daniel 7:1-28

Captivity Psalms - Psalm 67, 123, 130 and 137

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Daniel was a slave to Nebuchadnezzar, he was at this beck and call, he had no options and/or choices for who he would serve...not even to the decision of his name. Though I find it interesting that his 'true' name, Daniel, is repeated and honored, versus his pagan name.

Neb knew who to call when there was a need for someone with the 'spirit of the holy gods in him'. Daniel was the 'master of the magicians'. I wonder if being in charge of those who were not followers of the one true God and probably used many forms of divination and/or black magic to get their 'answers' was difficult.

Daniel 4:9 - "...master of the magicians..."

- master - H7229 - rab - (Chaldee); corresponding to H7227: - captain, chief, great, lord, master, stout.
- magician - (Chaldee); the same as H2748: - magician. H2748 - From the same as H2747; a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles): - magician.

The phrase spirit of the holy gods is used in the passage 3x - Neb recognized that Daniel had some special abilities, not yet ready to ascribe it all completely to the one true God. Though Neb references the most High in relating his dream. V17 - H5943 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H5942; supreme (that is, God): - (most) high. Does Neb really understand that there is only 1 true God...I do not think he does yet.

Daniel instructs Neb to 'break off thy sins' and 'thine iniquities' (v27) break - H6562 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H6561; to discontinue: - break off.

- off thy sins - H2408 - (Chaldee); from a root corresponding to H2398; an offence: - sin.

- iniquities - H5758 - (Chaldee); from a root corresponding to H5753; perverseness: - iniquity.

Evil-Merodach - H192 - Of Chaldee derivation and probably meaning soldier of Merodak; Evil-Merodak, a Babylonian king: - Evil-merodach. From Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary: the fool of Merodach; the fool grinds bitterly

The Psalms again...I should write in my 'regular' Bible next to the Psalms when and where these were being sung and/or spoken...a beautiful reminder that we can, by HIS grace, call out to Him in every season and situation. That if we are HIS children, HE will hear us. He will sustain us, no matter what the trial or tribulation. We are always encouraged to look forward to our living hope, secure in the heavenlies, purchased by the sinless Lamb of God.