Nebuchadnezzar Learns Humility

King Nebuchadnezzar sent a message to peoples, nations, and languages throughout the earth. He wanted them to know the signs and wonders the Most High God had done for him. He said God's kingdom lasts from generation to generation. Then he began his story: he had been resting in his house and flourishing in his palace when a dream frightened him.

The king called for Babylon's wise men, but they could not explain the dream. At last Daniel came in, the one also called Belteshazzar. Nebuchadnezzar told him what he had seen: a huge tree stood in the middle of the earth. It grew strong and tall, with beautiful leaves and plenty of fruit, giving food and shelter to animals and birds.

Then a holy watcher came down from the sky and called for the tree to be cut down. Its branches were to be removed, its leaves shaken off, and its fruit scattered. But the stump was to stay in the ground, bound with iron and bronze. Then the message turned to a person who would live among the animals for seven times, so that the living would know the Most High rules human kingdoms and gives them to whomever he wills.

Daniel was troubled by the dream, yet he explained it faithfully. The great tree meant Nebuchadnezzar himself and his greatness. But the king would be driven away from people and live with the animals of the field until he learned that the Most High rules. Because the stump remained, the kingdom would be restored later. Daniel urged the king to turn from his sins by doing what is right and by showing mercy to the poor.

Twelve months later, Nebuchadnezzar was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. Proudly, he spoke of great Babylon as something he had built by his own power for his own glory. While the words were still in his mouth, a voice from the sky declared that the kingdom had departed from him. That very hour it happened, and he lived away from people among the animals for seven times.

At the end of those days, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven, and his understanding returned. He praised the Most High, saying God's dominion is everlasting and no one can stop his hand. His kingdom was restored, and he was established again. So the king ended his story by praising the King of heaven, whose works are truth, whose ways are justice, and who is able to humble those who walk in pride.