Can God humble a king? Perhaps it’s something we all dream about. What would our world look like if its leaders were humbled before a righteous and holy God?
God’s people were in captivity because of their great sin, but God did not leave them alone. He cared about their welfare and how they were governed. He even cared about the life of Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar was arrogant, although I’m sure he thought he wasn’t. But he had a dream and in that dream was a large tree. The tree was cut off but later restored.
He called Daniel to interpret the dream and Daniel was terrified. Because it was about king Nebuchadnezzar being cut down. Not exactly a message you wan at to give a king who has a fiery temper and has already threatened your life. But Daniel delivered the message.
Not only did Daniel deliver the message, but he urged the king to repent. What’s powerful is that he told the king to repent BY doing what is right. This is kind of what we forget in the arena of repentance. It’s not just turning from sin but turning and doing righteousness.
God waited a year for Nebuchadnezzar to turn his heart. He either did for awhile and reverted back to his old ways, or not at all. But a year later he was standing in his palace stating he had made this beautiful city for the glory of his own majesty. The Lord moved to humble him.
Boanthropy is what took over (the medical term of thinking you are an ox). Or zooanthropy (when you think you are an animal). These are medical conditions. Mental health issues. And Nebuchadnezzar was so struck down by that he grazed on grass like the animal he thought he was.
Eventually Nebuchadnezzar repented. And when he did, it was with full repentance. He proclaimed the praises of the eternal God and noted that God is able to humble even the most proud. Truly his worship was beautiful. And we hope it lasted but we don’t know much more beyond this chapter.
God cares for people. The Jews, the Christians and even the pagans like Nebuchadnezzar. He desires that all men and women come to salvation. That then should be the heart of us all. That our prayer. Even for our own leaders.
