I am pleased to declareThis phrase indicates a personal testimony from King Nebuchadnezzar, showing a shift from his previous prideful stance to one of humility and acknowledgment of God's power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often issued decrees to proclaim their achievements or the achievements of their gods. Here, Nebuchadnezzar's declaration is unique as it centers on the God of Israel, rather than the Babylonian deities. This reflects a significant transformation in his understanding and acceptance of the Most High God.
the signs and wonders
The terms "signs" and "wonders" are often used in the Bible to describe miraculous events that demonstrate God's power and authority. In the Old Testament, these terms frequently refer to the miracles performed during the Exodus (Exodus 7:3,Deuteronomy 6:22). In Daniel, these signs and wonders include the miraculous events surrounding Daniel and his friends, such as the interpretation of dreams and the deliverance from the fiery furnace. These acts serve as evidence of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His ability to intervene in human affairs.
that the Most High God
The title "Most High God" emphasizes God's supreme authority over all other gods and rulers. This title is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God's ultimate power and sovereignty (Genesis 14:18-20,Psalm 7:17). In the context of Daniel, it highlights the contrast between the God of Israel and the gods of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar's use of this title signifies his recognition of God's unparalleled authority, a significant admission from a king who once saw himself as the supreme ruler.
has performed for me.
This personal acknowledgment by Nebuchadnezzar underscores the direct impact of God's actions on his life. The king's experiences, including his humbling period of madness and subsequent restoration, are seen as divine interventions meant to reveal God's power and mercy. This personal testimony aligns with the biblical theme of God using individuals' lives to demonstrate His glory and purpose (Psalm 66:16,Acts 22:15). It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of personal testimony in witnessing to God's work in one's life (John 9:25,Acts 4:20).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who experienced a humbling encounter with God, leading to his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
2.
DanielA Jewish exile in Babylon who served in the king's court and interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, demonstrating God's wisdom and power.
3.
BabylonThe empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, known for its grandeur and as a place of exile for the Israelites.
4.
The Most High GodA title for God emphasizing His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms.
5.
Signs and WondersMiraculous events orchestrated by God to reveal His power and authority, often leading to a deeper understanding or transformation.
Teaching Points
Acknowledging God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, and His power is unmatched.
Testifying to God's WorksLike Nebuchadnezzar, we should be eager to share the ways God has worked in our lives, giving Him glory.
Humility Before GodNebuchadnezzar's experience teaches us the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
The Purpose of MiraclesUnderstand that signs and wonders are meant to point us to God and deepen our faith, not just to amaze us.
Transformation Through EncounterPersonal encounters with God can lead to profound changes in our beliefs and actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 4:2?
2.How can we "declare the signs and wonders" God has done in our lives?
3.What does Daniel 4:2 teach us about God's sovereignty and power?
4.How does Daniel 4:2 connect with other biblical accounts of God's miracles?
5.In what ways can we recognize God's work in our daily experiences?
6.How can sharing God's works strengthen our faith and the faith of others?
7.What does Daniel 4:2 reveal about God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms?
8.How does Daniel 4:2 demonstrate God's power and authority?
9.Why is it important for Nebuchadnezzar to declare God's signs and wonders in Daniel 4:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 4?
11.Throughout 2 Corinthians 4, aren't these grand spiritual claims inconsistent with more concrete Old Testament narratives that focus on tangible signs and wonders?
12.What does "God Most High" signify?
13.Hebrews 2:4 mentions 'signs, wonders, and miracles'--why is there no verifiable historical or archaeological evidence for these supernatural events?
14.How can signs and wonders performed by false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-2) align with the belief that only God can grant miracles?What Does Daniel 4:2 Mean
I am pleased•Daniel 4 opens with King Nebuchadnezzar speaking in the first person. After years of pride, exile to the fields, and restoration, his heart is now genuinely “pleased” to speak well of God (Daniel 4:34-37).
• Joy is a natural response to God’s saving work. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips” (Psalm 34:1).
• Like Mary’s song when she was “greatly rejoicing in God” (Luke 1:46-47), true testimony springs from delight, not duty.
to declare• The king’s pleasure drives him to verbal proclamation. Saving encounters with God are meant to be told, not tucked away. “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3).
• Jesus told delivered men to “proclaim what great things God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). Such public confession gives God the credit He deserves and encourages others to trust Him.
the signs and wonders• “Signs” point to God’s character; “wonders” leave observers in awe. Together they summarize the miraculous dealings God used to humble and restore Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:33-36).
• Throughout Scripture, signs and wonders authenticate God’s message and messenger:
–Exodus 7:3-5—plagues confirmed Moses’ call.
–Acts 2:22—Jesus was “accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs.”
–Hebrews 2:4—God testified to the gospel “by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
that the Most High God• The title highlights God’s unrivaled supremacy. Nebuchadnezzar had once worshiped many deities, but now acknowledges the one true Sovereign (cf.Daniel 3:26; 4:17).
• “Most High” asserts that no earthly king or spiritual power outranks Him (Deuteronomy 32:8;Psalm 83:18).
• Recognizing God’s loftiness is the heart of repentance; pride collapses when confronted with His majesty (James 4:6-10).
has performed for me• Nebuchadnezzar personalizes God’s work: the Almighty didn’t merely act in history—He acted “for me.”
• The psalmist echoes this: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
• Personal testimony turns abstract theology into living reality. Paul did the same: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst… so that in me, the foremost, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
• Sharing what God has “performed for me” invites hearers to expect His gracious intervention in their own lives.
summaryDaniel 4:2 shows a once-arrogant king transformed into a joyful witness. Each phrase traces the journey: delight in God (“I am pleased”), readiness to speak (“to declare”), focus on divine activity (“the signs and wonders”), exaltation of God’s supremacy (“the Most High God”), and personal appropriation (“has performed for me”). The verse models how every redeemed life should overflow—celebrating, proclaiming, and personalizing God’s mighty works so others may see His greatness and turn to Him.
(2)
Signs and wonders.--Comp.
Isaiah 8:18. The appearance of various scriptural phrases in this letter leads us to believe that Daniel must have written it at the king's request.
The high God.--Referring to his language (Daniel 3:26).
Verses 2, 3. -
I thought it good to show 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. The Greek versions for these two verses are in absolute agreement, hence one is not surprised to find that in the Syriac of Paulus Tellensis, these verses, with that preceding, are marked with an asterisk, which proclaims them not to have been regarded by their translator as a genuine part of the Septuagint, but to have been added from Theodotion. They are in close agreement with the Massoretic text. In these two verses the Peshitta is also at one with the Massoretic text. It is possible that this may have been the actual beginning of the document; on the other hand, it may have been simply the suggestion of some later scribe of how such a proclamation might have begun. The latter is, perhaps, the more probable. At the same time, it vindicates its position by being a not unnatural expression of feelings such as Nebuchadnezzar might well be supposed to have had after such an experience as he had passed through. It may even be that the signs and wonders to which Nebuchadnezzar refers are not merely those of his dream and its fulfilment, but all the signs that had been manifested in his reign.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I am pleasedשְׁפַ֥ר(šə·p̄ar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8232:To be fair or seemlyto declareלְהַחֲוָיָֽה׃(lə·ha·ḥă·wā·yāh)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2324:To showthe signsאָֽתַיָּא֙(’ā·ṯay·yā)Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 852:A portentand wondersוְתִמְהַיָּ֔א(wə·ṯim·hay·yā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 8540:A miraclethatדִּ֚י(dî)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, becausethe Most Highעִלָּאָ֑ה(‘il·lā·’āh)Adjective - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 5943:highest', a name of GodGodאֱלָהָ֖א(’ĕ·lā·hā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 426:Godhas performedעֲבַ֣ד(‘ă·ḇaḏ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5648:To do, make, prepare, keepfor me:עִמִּ֔י(‘im·mî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5974:With, equally with
Links
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OT Prophets: Daniel 4:2 It has seemed good to me (Dan. Da Dn) 
