#Daniel — Word For Wednesday — Founded on the Bible

Daniel 4:12 NLT

It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

The Dream

Let’s give the context of this verse. Daniel, a prophet of the Old Testament, was one of the satraps under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. One night, the King had a dream about an enormous tree with healthy leaves, fruitful, flourishing, and provided food and shelter for everyone. In the second half of the dream, an angel decreed for the tree to be chopped down to a stump and remain that way for seven years. Summoning all of his satraps and magicians, he wanted the interpretation of that dream. Only Daniel was able to give the King it's meaning.

Symbolism
Very disturbed by the context, Daniel gave the King a warning. The flourishing tree was a symbol of Nebuchadnezzar. God had blessed him and gave him the land that he had conquered. But, he is being warned that his weakness will be his downfall.

Pride before a fall

One year later, Nebuchadnezzar was strolling on his rooftop admiring the view. Full of himself, he credited Babylon and all of it's magnificent structures to be built by his own mighty power and for his own prominence. The moment he elevated himself above God, the devil had the authority to torture him. He lost his mind and remained insane for seven years.

God exalts the humble

But over time, deep within his soul, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before Almighty God. The moment he gave God the eminence He deserved, the devil lost permission to torment his mind. Once again, the tree that symbolized King Nebuchadnezzar, was enormous with healthy leaves, fruitful, flourishing, and provided food and shelter for everyone.

Pay attention to divine warnings
Let’s consider the goodness of God. When we are about to step over the line and take credit for our successes, He will alert us in a way that we will understand. He will never dominate our wills, so we may receive a divine dream warning us to choose wisely. God does everything in His power so we can remain blessed and be a blessing.

That’s what leaves mean in this verse.