Definition: Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 4. It's a really interesting story about a king and God’s protection! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Daniel was tricked into believing he was a captive of all the nations, which meant he wasn't truly free or loyal to his king. God, however, is determined to keep him safe. Let’s break it down word by word: “Let his heart be changed from man’s…” – This means Daniel’s heart needs a fundamental shift in its perspective and understanding of things. It's not just about changing his feelings, but about fundamentally altering his way of thinking. It suggests he was being manipulated by someone who wasn’t telling the whole truth. "...and let a beast’s heart be given unto him…” – This is the tricky part. "Beast’s" refers to a symbolic representation of a powerful, potentially evil force – like temptation or pride. It's saying that God is giving Daniel a heart filled with something dangerous and disruptive. “…and let seven times pass over him.” - This is the key part! This phrase means God will give Daniel seven times of trial and hardship. It’s a period of intense suffering designed to test his faith, his loyalty, and his understanding of who he truly is. It's about pushing him to the edge and revealing his true character. What does this story tell us? God’s Sovereignty: This verse emphasizes that God is in control and doesn't give up on anyone, even when things seem hopeless. Importance of Faith: It highlights how deeply faith can impact our lives – it can change our perspective and make us vulnerable to temptation. Testing & Perseverance: The seven trials aren’t just about suffering; they’re about demonstrating unwavering loyalty and trust in God, even when things are difficult. In essence, Daniel's story is a powerful illustration of God's protection and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith. --- Would you like me to: Explain this passage further? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like loyalty or trust)? Give you another example from the Bible?