Daniel 4:8 - But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. I told the dream before him, saying,
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What does "Daniel 4:8" mean?
Let's break down Daniel 4:8:
"But at the last Daniel came in before me..." This indicates that King Nebuchadnezzar had consulted other wise men and advisors (mentioned earlier in the chapter) but they were unable to interpret his dream. Daniel was the last resort.
"...whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god..." Belteshazzar was the Babylonian name given to Daniel after he was taken captive. Nebuchadnezzar is pointing out that this name was given in honor of his own god. This is a significant detail: Nebuchadnezzar is acknowledging Daniel's name and thus, perhaps subconsciously, acknowledging the power he associates with it and the deity it references.
"...and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods." This is the key statement. Nebuchadnezzar believes Daniel possesses a unique divine insight. He believes that Daniel is inhabited by or connected to supernatural power - specifically, the spirit of the holy gods (plural). It's important to note that Nebuchadnezzar is a polytheist, believing in multiple gods, hence "gods" and not "God" as monotheists (like Daniel) would use. He doesn't necessarily understand the source of Daniel's wisdom correctly, but he recognizes its exceptional quality.
"I told the dream before him, saying..." This simply states that Nebuchadnezzar then recounted his dream to Daniel, hoping for an interpretation.
In Summary:
Verse 4:8 sets the stage for Daniel's role in interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. It highlights:
Daniel's status as a last resort, implying the failure of other wise men.
Nebuchadnezzar's respect for Daniel, even though Daniel is a captive and follower of a different god.
Nebuchadnezzar's belief in Daniel's extraordinary spiritual insight, attributing it to the presence of "the spirit of the holy gods." This belief is crucial for understanding why Nebuchadnezzar sought Daniel's help in the first place.
The verse introduces the next stage: Nebuchadnezzar sharing his dream with Daniel.
The verse reveals Nebuchadnezzar's limited understanding of the one true God (Daniel's God), but also his acknowledgement of a higher power working through Daniel. This sets up the important interpretation that follows, and ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar's eventual conversion (later in the chapter).
Daniel 4:8 - But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. I told the dream before him, saying,
What does "Daniel 4:8" mean?
Let's break down Daniel 4:8:
"But at the last Daniel came in before me..." This indicates that King Nebuchadnezzar had consulted other wise men and advisors (mentioned earlier in the chapter) but they were unable to interpret his dream. Daniel was the last resort.
"...whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god..." Belteshazzar was the Babylonian name given to Daniel after he was taken captive. Nebuchadnezzar is pointing out that this name was given in honor of his own god. This is a significant detail: Nebuchadnezzar is acknowledging Daniel's name and thus, perhaps subconsciously, acknowledging the power he associates with it and the deity it references.
"...and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods." This is the key statement. Nebuchadnezzar believes Daniel possesses a unique divine insight. He believes that Daniel is inhabited by or connected to supernatural power - specifically, the spirit of the holy gods (plural). It's important to note that Nebuchadnezzar is a polytheist, believing in multiple gods, hence "gods" and not "God" as monotheists (like Daniel) would use. He doesn't necessarily understand the source of Daniel's wisdom correctly, but he recognizes its exceptional quality.
"I told the dream before him, saying..." This simply states that Nebuchadnezzar then recounted his dream to Daniel, hoping for an interpretation.
In Summary:
Verse 4:8 sets the stage for Daniel's role in interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. It highlights:
Daniel's status as a last resort, implying the failure of other wise men.
Nebuchadnezzar's respect for Daniel, even though Daniel is a captive and follower of a different god.
Nebuchadnezzar's belief in Daniel's extraordinary spiritual insight, attributing it to the presence of "the spirit of the holy gods." This belief is crucial for understanding why Nebuchadnezzar sought Daniel's help in the first place.
The verse introduces the next stage: Nebuchadnezzar sharing his dream with Daniel.
The verse reveals Nebuchadnezzar's limited understanding of the one true God (Daniel's God), but also his acknowledgement of a higher power working through Daniel. This sets up the important interpretation that follows, and ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar's eventual conversion (later in the chapter).