TEXT: DANIEL 4 "Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you."
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia... Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied..." The fourth chapter of the book of Daniel, is an epistle or letter written by king Nebuchadnezzar to all the people that dwelt on earth during his reign. Daniel did record and take into cognizance this letter. As a matter of fact, the Holy Ghost allowed this letter to become part of the scripture. We dare to call this letter a general Epistle of king Nebuchadnezzar.
This king had something to tell the world about God...his audience sparned across and beyond his generation. The epistle is addressed unto all people, and languages that dwell in all the earth. Infact, it was written in various tongues and tribes. It is a serious epistle.
So, the author of this Epistle is Nebuchadnezzar, king of the ancient Babylon: the audience or addressee is the whole inhabitant of this globe. It then means that therein lie light and refreshment for all humanity; it is an admonition and exhortation to all, especially to those in authority. There abides light for our feet and a lamp to our part in this Epistle from a man who saw the acts and signs of God almighty.
If we are diligent enough, we shall not fail to gain access into the knowledge of the holy: God's goodness and severity are made manifest in this short letter from one of the most powerful king that ever lived...in short, he was called "the king of kings." Nebuchadnezzar was actually the world rule in those days: kings submitted to him and all nations were tributary to his kingdom. We shall come to all of these presently. What then prompted this Epistle? Verses 2-3 tells us the reason, namely:
"I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation."
By this letter, Nebuchadnezzar would show to all the inhabitants of the earth the signs and wonders that God has manifested toward him...equally, by this letter, all men are to take note of what God would do to any man that takes this same step that Nebuchadnezzar took. God's mighty hand of judgement can be made manifest on any man that walk the way of this king.
Furthermore, the king intends to show to all mankind that God's miracles and wonders are great and His reign is forever : "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation"(Vs3) This epistle is designed to strike awe for God among all nations.
If a man reads it and bow his head in worship, then the letter has achieved it purpose; for the writer desires all men, by this epistle, to stand in awe of The high God, maker of heaven and earth. It is an epistle sadled with the responsibility to communicate to man the dominion of God over and above all men...the scope and dimension of His dominion, so that they can learn true worship and allegiance.
Arrogant kings and monrnach, yea, all who are in authority, would learn afresh that the kingdom belongs to God! Nebuchadnezzar, feared among all the kings of his time, was allowed to see a kingdom higher than his. It is an epistle that brings the kingdom and dominion of God to the fore...the most high rules in the affairs of men! To be continued. _________________ Emeka Joe Uzosike
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