“Releasing The Shackles”

In Daniel 4:10-16, Nebuchadnezzar speaks of a dream that troubled him. After calling on the wise men of Babylon to give an interpretation, just as before, when they failed in Chapter 2, he was left disappointed. Nebuchadnezzar turned his attention to Daniel who had accurately told and interpreted the previous dream where others had failed.

In his dream, the king saw a tree. It was planted in the center of the earth. The tree was impressive and easily seen. It had grown so tall and strong that it could be observed from anywhere upon the earth. In addition, it was pleasing to the eye and highly productive, supplying an abundance of fruit and food for all. Likewise, this tree provided protection, and a place for others to call home. This magnificent tree was depicted as vital to both man and beast. However, a holy one, called a watcher, came down from heaven in the dream and ordered that the tree be cut. It was to be stripped of its beautiful leaves, and its nourishing fruit, scattered. Those under its protection and those who resided therein were allowed to leave. Yet, rather than leaving nothing, it was decreed that the stump of the tree with its roots be left.

A tree stump with its roots intact, has potential for regrowth, yet in his dream, a band of bronze and iron bound the stump and its roots. Fetters, in the bible were shackles or chains attached to the ankles of prisoners, to restrain movement and usually made of iron or bronze. In the dream, while the potential for regrowth was there, the root was shackled or chained as a prisoner, symbolizing a hindrance to regrowth. While the potential was there, it was restrained.

“What would it take for the shackles to be released?

Regarding this magnificent tree and everything that it represented, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, “…it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.” (Daniel 4:22) Although portrayed as possessing great power, the king learns that this power would be taken. Rather than a strong productive tree, He would be reduced to a stump with shackled roots. This would be his lot for seven periods of time. During this time, he would be one driven away from human society, living with wild animals and eating grass like the beast of the field. This would be his reality until, he knew, “…that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses, and inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.” Daniel 4:25-26

“What would it take for the shackles to be released?

For the bands of iron and bronze to be removed, allowing the roots to grow in the soil, it would take humility. Confirmation of that humility would be evident when the king acknowledged that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whoever he chooses. After accepting that the beautiful tree representing him in the dream, was only a reality because the GOD Most High allowed it, he could have the seat back, that GOD had given him.

Could it be that our spiritual growth is sometimes hindered because pride has us shackled? The potential is there, yet, we have not fully accepted that our success is dependent upon the Most High ruling in our lives.

What will it take for the shackles to be released? HUMILITY