Daniel 4: King Nebuchadnezzar

What an amazing testimony we have a chance to look at today in today’s reading of Daniel 4. King Nebuchadnezzar had authority over many nations and people of different languages. He had many leadership traits, people who worked under him, and resources to support his kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar could stay in his palace, be content, and live prosperously. I’m sure many would want to be in this position. Still, with it, all King Nebuchadnezzar lacked one thing, he didn’t acknowledge that God is Most High, sovereign over all.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 93:1

How did this life transformation take place? It started in a dream. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that terrified him. So he commanded all the people that he felt were wise or could possibly interpret it to come to him. They all came, and none could interpret until people told him about Daniel. Daniel listened to King Nebuchadnezzar to share his dream. Verses 10 through 17 share this dream. At first reading of these verses, you can understand why no one else could figure it out. Chopping trees, animals, roots bound with iron and bronze, and given the mind of an animal. In steps, Daniel ( also called Belteshazzar) and bravely interprets this dream. It was probably something that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t want to hear. He was the tree being chopped, and that the king had to renounce his sins and be kind to the oppressed.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 96:10

How would King Nebuchadnezzar respond? A year later he was still living his own lifestyle not acknowledging what God had said. God then fulfilled Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. He was transformed into the mindset of an animal. I had a conversation with a parent this evening about learning. We talked about how we all can learn differently sometimes. Some people listen and make the right choices following directions, others have to learn the hard way. King Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way until verse 34.

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward Heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; His Kingdom endures from generation to generation.

Our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 97:1

He reigns, our Lord has great plans for us when we listen. He has great plans for our leaders. Will you pray that we listen, that our leaders, as well as us, acknowledge that our Lord Most High reigns. Psalm 99:1

Now I, (Insert name here) Nebuchadnezzar praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.