THE DECREE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR OR THE HAUGHTY TREE This chapter is unique in the Holy Bible where Daniel, the prophet, presents a royal decree revealing to the pagan king a divine talk with God in a dream. God talked with him twice in a dream (ch. 2) where He showed him the haughtiness of Babylon and its fall; and in the fiery furnace (ch. 3) where God revealed to him that He defies his oppression. Now He talks with him in a second dream to put him down, and to break his haughtiness. In the book of Job, “For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction” (Job 33: 14-16). In this royal decree, the old king confesses his pride and is not ashamed to witness to God who broke his pride, by chastening him until he lowered him to the level of animals. He admits that he was under God’s chastisement, and though it may appear severe, yet he deserves it. All what happened to him is a natural fruit of his evil life, for now he is reaping from what he has sown and drinking from the cup, which he had filled with his own hands. Daniel presented the decree in its original language. 1. The decree of Nebuchadnezzar 1-3 2. Calling the wise men to interpret his dream 4-8 3. The haughty tree 9-18 4. Daniel interprets the dream 19-27 5. Fulfilling the interpretation 28-36 6. Nebuchadnezzar glorifies God 37 1. THE DECREE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR “Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all peoples, nations and languages that dwell in all the earth: peace be multiplied to you” (1). St. Jerome said that the message of Nebuchadnezzar was recorded in the prophets, so no one can claim that Daniel did not write the book. He meant to direct his statement to that pagan man, Porphyry, who attacked the book of Daniel1. Nebuchadnezzar presented a royal message from his heart, after going through a period of divine chastening because of his pride. He was not ashamed to direct this message to all nations, and people living in all the earth. a. for it was the custom for kings to consider themselves rulers over all the earth, however the Babylonian Empire did not extend to the countries of Gaul and others. Thus, Rome, during the Roman Empire, was called the empire seat for the whole world, although the empire did not extend to the whole world, then. In his message, Nebuchadnezzar declares that: b. He testifies to his personal relationship with God, for God had done with him many wonders. Even if God had chastised him, yet he deserves all that. He glorified God 1 PL 25:644 B. 97 for His care and confessed his sins and stated that he deserved God’s chastisement. “I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God had worked for me. How great are His signs and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation” (2-3). c. He admits God’s surpassing power, “How great are His signs and how mighty His wonders” (3). St. Jerome said: [The king was restored to his throne, through God’s mercies, thus he praised the God of heaven and glorified Him for all His works are true and His ways are righteous. He is the Almighty who can subdue all those who walk in pride1.] d. He witnesses to God’s everlasting kingdom, and that His dominion never ends; but the earthy kingdoms – the kingdoms of men - will definitely perish. “His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation” (3). The beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s decree was written in a divine language, which led some people to think that this reveals how much Daniel has influence over the king and his language2. God talked with the king who was a ruler over all the earth at that time. But the king was still very proud, for he witnessed to God with his lips but his heart remained haughty. His witness to the Holy God was temporary, for still he worshipped the pagan gods and was attached to his wrong beliefs. 2. CALLING THE WISE MEN TO INTERPRET THE DREAM “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace” (4). Before Nebuchadnezzar talks about God’s judgments because of his pride, he says that he was at rest and flourishing in his palace, for he had conquered Egypt, Syria, Phoenicia, Judah, Arabia, at the year 34 or 35 after his reign. (Ezek.29: 17). These consecutive victories made him proud, for he felt that he is never defeated and that no one could attack him, therefore peace was secured. Some translate the word “selueh” or rest as abundance. When one has everything in abundance, he becomes like a horse, which no one can control once he indulges in eating. That is why God sometimes controls our stomachs so He doesn’t give us all that we desire, not to deprive us of it, but to teach us to walk in righteousness in the proper way, such that we do not harm ourselves or do wrong to Him. “I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation” (5- 7). Here, the king distinguishes this dream, that it is different from the other dreams, and that it is an unusual dream, which carries a divine message; that is why he called the wise men to interpret it. Daniel was in the palace but the king had completely ignored him, for he called the wise men, the astrologers, and the Chaldeans. When they failed to interpret his dream, the king sought Daniel. He wanted the skills of the magicians, although he knew the 1 Ibid. 2 cf. the New Bible Commentary, Eerdmans, 1971, p.693. 98 power of the divine interpretation. Often a lot we do the same thing. The prophetic word is in our hands and the divine knowledge not far from us, yet we ignore all that and we seek the temporal blessings. Let us seek the work of God, who is full of wisdom, power, love, and is dwelling inside us. Let us abide in his promises instead of seeking outside help! The magicians could not interpret the dream, although they had previously said: “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation” (ch.2: 4,7). The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, “You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you” (Is. 47: 13). “But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God, and I told the dream before him, saying” (8). When all the human devices failed, the king called God’s man, Daniel, and told him the dream. He, as a pagan king, believes that Daniel has “the Spirit of the Holy God.” (8) The king did not call Daniel, although he knew that he is able to interpret the dream, because he knew that the dream meant chastisement for him. That is why he did not seek Daniel’s interpretation except at the very end1. 3. THE HAUGHTY TREE “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation” (9). The king called him “Belteshazzar,” thinking that he is honoring him because he was referring to a pagan god. However, the name hurt Daniel’s feelings, for he preferred the name given to him by his parents, because it connects him with God. He also called Daniel “chief of the magicians,” which even hurt his feelings more because he did not want to be associated with the magicians who had deceived the world with their witchcraft. The king knew two things pertaining to Daniel: First, that he had “the Spirit of the Holy God” (9). Whatever he utters, is not from him but from the Holy Spirit. When all the human devices failed, the king called Daniel because he has the Spirit of the Holy God. Second, “that no secret troubles you” (9). helped eliminating the king’s worry. “These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down form heaven. He cried aloud and said thus: “Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts on 1 The New Bible Commentary, p. 693. 99 the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him” (10-16). Nebuchadnezzar liked the trees of Lebanon and used its wood for construction therefore; God compared him to a huge tree. Often the prophets refer to great men as trees, as was mentioned in the book of Ezekiel chapters 17: 5-7; 31: 3; Ps.1: 3 and 38: 35). The historian Herodot says that Ahasuerus saw a dream where he was crowned with an olive tree which its branches filled the whole earth, but soon the crown on his head was withered, so he realized that his reign will end. God wants that all those who have authority to be like trees in which others find their rest and satisfaction. But on the contrary they abused their authority and changed their ministry to exploitation and pride. Thus, the trees had to be uprooted; and the tree of the cross had to be planted to announce love, peace and inner joy to everyone. In this chapter, God warns King Nebuchadnezzar, making it clear to him in a dream that he is under severe chastisement because of his pride. In this warning, we still see the compassion of God in His dealings with man, for even the haughty pagan king, God was revealing to him the chastisement so he may return from his wickedness and repent. He gave him a whole year to examine himself, but instead of repenting, he became proud. Even when God was warning him, He compared him to a useful tree, which provides a shade for the animals of the wilderness, and food for men and animals as well as shelter for the birds. People brag, not because of their great virtues but because of their pride therefore they perish1. St. Jerome The king related to Daniel the dream of the huge tree which was characterized by the following: a. A tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great (10). In the midst of the earth, that is in the center, where the Babylonian Empire extended over all nations. Origen and St. Jerome see that Jerusalem, being the city of God where the temple was, is the center of the earth. Some people think that Babylon is the center of the earth because in it there is the royal palace of the antichrist and his kingdom. Since Nebuchadnezzar represents a planted tree in Babylon, the mother of proud adulterous, then the true believer represents a planted tree in Jerusalem, in the house of God. b. “The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth” (11). c. Its leaves were lovely (12) referring to the many constructions and decorations of the capital which Nebuchadnezzar had built. d. Its fruit abundant and in it was food for all, (12) referring to the huge fortune of Nebuchadnezzar. e. It shelters others for “The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches” (12). This is what God offers man, to make him king ruling himself, making him grow until he is in the bosom of the Father, who is glorified in all the earth, satisfying everyone, open with love for everyone! 1 PL 25:646. 100 When Nebuchadnezzar fell in pride, he deserved chastening. So God sent him an angel, called a watcher, a holy one coming down from heaven. The angel was called a watcher, for he is a spirit without body, does not sleep, and does not need rest, always alert day and night. He fulfills the will of God for the edification of His people, as David the psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word” (Ps 103: 20). The angel was also called the holy one for he does not carry any human weaknesses, for we are weak not just because of our sins but also because of the corruption that entered our lives similar to our forefathers, Adam and Eve, and affected our bodies as well as our hearts and minds. No matter how much man is sanctified, yet because he is still in the flesh, he is not called the holy one because he is surrounded by temptations and he has to struggle to overcome them. We have to differentiate between angels and human beings, between the struggling believers and those who have departed. In this chastisement, we notice the following: a. Whatever happened to the pagan king was not through a human plan, but through God’s permission, for He sent His watchful angel to implement this plan. He talked to him in the language of Chaldeans who believed in heavenly beings who condemn the works of men, and have power on determining destiny. b. There is mercy at the same time there is chastisement. God ordered that the roots remain in the earth so that the tree may grow again in humility and repentance. Do not completely uproot the tree, for chastisement is for a limited time (16). “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant” (Job 14: 7-9). God had allowed Nebuchadnezzar to eat the plant with the animals of the wilderness, yet He did not deprive him of the dew of heaven. c. The order to escape was for the animals, which were resting in the shade of the tree and for the birds in its branches. This referred to all the statesmen forsaking the king; this was the fruit of sin to feel isolated; to feel that everyone is abandoning us during the time of trouble. d. It is very clear from the dream that the tree symbolized a certain person, for he says, “Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast” (16). He did not say “it” referring to the tree but “he” referring to a person. e. What does God mean by the heart? He means the understanding, the will, the feelings and the inner soul as a whole. Of course trees do not have hearts, but this dream was a symbolic dream. The order was to remove from the king his empire and his human nature, for he does not deserve to live as a man. e. He did not appoint a king instead of him, but appointed his son until Nebuchadnezzar came back to his mind. f. In this statement (16), God is confirming to the king that he cannot escape from the chastisement. g. The purpose of the chastisement was to benefit others (17). “This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men. This 101 dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation; since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you” (17-18). The word “pethegma” probably means a decree or an edict, as was mentioned in the book of Esther 1: 20. What was declared was a heavenly decree, but why is the king referring the decree to the holy watchful angels, is it a divine order or an angelic one? No doubt that the order was divine, from God Himself, but referring it to the angels was because they had a positive role. The angels completely obey God’s commands and implement His orders, pray for the salvation of people and ask God to interfere to chasten those who blaspheme against Him. The decree issued from God was in harmony with the desire of the angels and their continued supplications, as if it was issued from them. 4. DANIEL INTERPRETS THE DREAM “Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.’ Belteshazzar answered and said, ‘My Lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!” (19). Daniel was astonished and very sorrowful at the disaster that will befall the king of Babylon. The king was a tyrant, he captived the Jewish people together with other nations. Daniel, being in the palace, was obliged to pray for him, for God said through Jeremiah, “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (Jer 29: 7). However, the seventy years were not accomplished thus the believers did not have the right to ask the king to go back to Judah, instead they submitted to him and served him faithfully without any hatred. Knowing that, Daniel was sad about what will befall the king. “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home - 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” (20-22). Here, Daniel’s amazing wisdom appears, for though his love to the king and his humility before him as well as his desire to rescue him from the disaster, yet he talked with him frankly and uttered the divine truth. Daniel is giving a practical lesson in service, for the true servant is compassionate toward sinners and desires their salvation. If he rebukes sinners, he does not forget that he himself is weak and at the same time, he does not agree with sinners at the expense of the truth, and does not cover up God’s wrath at sin. Daniel was compassionate with the king, but very courageously said: “It is you, O king.” He did not hesitate, did not present any excuses, nor was in any doubt, but with great certainty he declared to him that he was the tree. “And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven 102 times pass over him; this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king” (23-24). St. Jerome asked: “Who will bind the king with a band of iron and bronze?” And he answered, [Certainly, only the crazy and the insane are the ones tied in chains so that they would not harm themselves1.] Daniel was assuring that the dream and all the consequences in it applied to the king. But he still called the king “O king.” He respected him and revered him. “They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (25). Kings are often tyrant, they give orders and never submit to anyone, and they may even forget that they have a human nature. Here, Daniel presents the interpretation, not to show the king his weak nature but to tell him about God’s chastening. The king will be lowered to the animals’ level. “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” (26). In this verse, Daniel is preparing King Nebuchadnezzar to repent. He opens before him the door of hope, for God’s abundant mercies await the penitent. God chastises people, not to torture them but to discipline and elevate them, and grant them the gift of knowledge. For Daniel tells the king, “After you come to know;” Chastisement is a school where we enjoy the surpassing heavenly knowledge. “Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity” (27). Daniel kept silent for a while and he felt perplexed. The king felt the seriousness of the dream and encouraged Daniel to talk; assuring him that he will accept the news. Daniel was afraid and his thoughts scared him for two reasons: a. The fall of a great king to the lowest level, the level of animals, by having a heart of an animal. b. That he is the one, who is interpreting the dream although he wished the king well. The king encouraged Daniel to talk because he was curious and wanted to know the truth. Daniel made known the truth without insulting the king, to avoid accusing the king of false pride2. St. Jerome Daniel concluded his talk by opening the door of hope before the king, through repentance and deeds of mercy. Daniel wished that Nebuchadnezzar would repent so he would not fall under such severe chastisement. Therefore, he advised him to show mercy to the poor, thus turning from violence and selfishness to love and giving, so that he may find grace in the eyes of God. 1 PL 25:647C. 2 Ibid. 103 If you open your hands to the poor, Christ as well opens the gates of Paradise before you1.] Fr. Caesarus of Arles God postponed the punishment for twelve months to give Nebuchadnezzar a chance to do merciful deeds, but instead, in great haughtiness, he used to walk in his palace saying, “This is the great Babylon which I have built.” 2 We also read in the book of Jeremiah, that God is directing the Jewish nation to pray for the Babylonians, for the peace of the captives is associated with the peace of those who keep them captive3. St. Jerome 5. THE FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERPRETATION “All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (28-32). The Hebrew word “mehelek” refers to the king walking on the roof of the palace, as was the custom in the countries of the East. The king was able to see all Babylon from the roof, especially because the palace was built on a high hill. In pride, he thought he was a god and this is the reason why he was lowered to the level of animals. King Nebuchadnezzar gave himself the credit for everything, not to God who granted him the power and wisdom. Also, he ignored those who preceded him in building the city. Listen to what King Solomon, who built the temple, said, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who built it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps 127: 1). “That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation” (33-34). In his pride, Nebuchadnezzar gave himself the credit for building Babylon with its great fences, its gardens, its temple for Baal and the royal palace. Herodot refers Babylon to Semiramis and Nitocris, while Berosus and Abydenus said that the Babylonians or Nebuchadnezzar had added to the old city, so Nebuchadnezzar built a huge palace and fence. It is noted from Nitocris that Nebuchadnezzar’s wife had beautified the city. 1 Sermon 31:3. 2 PL 25:649. 3 PL 25:649A. 104 The critics have attacked this statement saying that, historically, Nebuchadnezzar had not built Babylon, but in the new discoveries, thousands of bricks with the engraving “Nebuchadnezzar, son of Nebopolassar,” were found in Babylon. The word “construction” here does not mean just building but also expanding with more additions1. We should not forget that most kings do not like to remember the glories of their predecessors and they give themselves the credit for everything. If he had not lifted his eyes to heaven, his understanding would not have returned to him. Saying, “my understanding returned to me” proves that he had not lost his outside appearance but his understanding2. St. Jerome Saying “from generation to generation“ does not mean the future generations, but as St. Jerome said that when his understanding returned to him he realized that the mystery of the kingdom of God passes from the Law to the Gospel3. “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, what have You done?” (35). Often, the tyrants think that God has no control over the affairs of men, and they can do whatever they like and no one can attack them. But now, the king admits that God is in control; He leads, guides, and controls everything on earth, as well as in heaven. “At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me” (36). Nebuchadnezzar did not repent in spite of the fact that God had forsaken him for twelve months after the dream. On the contrary, the king became very haughty, and the dream was fulfilled. The dream was fulfilled one year later, because God wanted to give the king an opportunity to examine himself and repent and care for the needy and the captives. However, he became haughtier. The king became like an animal of the wilderness eating the hay; he lost his mind and became crazy4. After the king of Babylon was neglected for seven years because he rebelled against the Lord, and after enduring the physical pain, he did not only restore his kingdom but fulfilled the will of God5.] Tertullian God, who moved Nebuchadnezzar to chasten His people by captiving them for a while, now declares to him that everything happen with His permission. He permitted that his statesmen arrested him because of his insanity; now He directs them to restore him to the kingdom without seeing God’s hidden hand. 6. NEBUCHADNEZZAR GLORIFIES GOD “Now, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase” (37). 1 The Bethany Parallel Commentary on the O.T., p. 1779. 2 PL 25:650. 3 Ibid. . 4 منشو ا رت النفیر: تفسیر الكتاب المقدس، ج 4، ص 335 5 On Patience 13. 105 At the end of the chastening period, his mind came back to him, so he lifted his eyes up to heaven as a penitent asking for God’s mercies. He had a contrite soul and glorified God. He realized that all kingdoms are vain in the eyes of God and that no one can rule forever. Probably, when Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven to glorify God, God stopped chastening him. Some believed that there were no historical proofs about Nebuchadnezzar being insane1. However, Berosus and Josephus2, the Jewish historians, referred to the craziness time of Nebuchadnezzar. . 1 منشو ا رت النفیر: تفسیر الكتاب المقدس 1988 ، ج 4، ص 325 2 Contra Apionem 1:20. 106 FROM THE INSPIRATION OF DANIEL (4) TRAIN MY SOUL, FOR SHE HAD GONE ASTRAY! You have granted me abundant blessings; I was filled and yet went astray. Who would train me but O You who cares for my salvation? Deprive me of some of your gifts, but do not deprive me of You, for You are my share and my eternal inheritance! May You grant me humility, for it builds my inner depths. I have ignored your love and your abundant blessings, for I had no control over myself! How hard it is for me to remain humble while You are overflowing me with abundant gifts! Let me continuously remember my weaknesses, so that I remain humble. Hold my hand and let me walk with You on the road of Your love! Grant me the spirit of Daniel the prophet and servant, so that I may desire the salvation of sinners and be compassionate toward them, but not at the expense of the divine truth. I do not fear any king no matter how tyrant he is, and I do not hide Your word no matter how strict it is! Your threatening had scared Nebuchadnezzar, but I find the sweetness of Your love in the midst of Your threatening to me. Teach me to consecrate all my life to Your obedience. Your threats and promises are for my edification. My sins have made me fall under the divine chastening and made me eat the pigs’ food. But now I come back to You, so may You carry me in the fellowship of the saints, lift me to the heavenly life and grant me a surpassing heavenly knowledge!
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