Paul, in the last episode of Ask Paul Tripp, episode 88, Sandy was asking about your interpretation

and application of the book of Esther. Today is somewhat related from Joseph, who asks in his

own words about this quote, unquote, non-essential detail. He was reading the August

30th entry from New Morning Mercies, where you write on Daniel chapter 4 and King Nebuchadnezzar's

humiliation. You say, the pride of the king had been destroyed by the finger of God. We don't know for

sure how long Nebuchadnezzar was in that humiliated,

animalistic state, but we do know that when he rose out of it and his senses returned,

his arrogance had been replaced with confidence. But then Joseph goes on to point out that

in Daniel chapter 4, there are four references to this phrase, quote, seven periods of time

pass over, unquote. So, he wants to know, does seven periods of time pass over, unquote. So he wants to know,

does seven periods of time mean seven years? And more importantly, why do you say we don't know

when there is detail in the chapter? But I guess then the larger question behind Joseph's question

is, I think, this. Do these types of historical details in Scripture matter,

particularly the Old Testament? How should we read them, interpret them, and apply them to our

everyday Christian lives right here, right now? If, as 2 Timothy 316 says, all scripture is

breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,

and for training and righteousness, or Paul, as you like to say, quote, every single word, unquote,

then shouldn't we be paying attention to these every single word details in the Old Testament?

Can you take some more time to answer this question and interpret and apply the details of

King Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation for us?

Well, I want to answer this question about this seven periods of time that's mentioned in Nebuchadnezzar

by remembering what the story is about again, because will set up why how we should look at

...