Main Idea: The Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and can humble even the greatest of earthly rulers.
A Look at the Text:
Following the first dream Nebuchadnezzar had, he later had a second dream. A dream of a great tree that was cut down (Dan. 4:4-17). This dream was given so that the living would know that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men (Dan. 4:17).
The tree represented Nebuchadnezzar and the strength of his reign (Dan. 4:20-22).
Just as the tree was cut down, so Nebuchadnezzar would be cut down. He would be driven from among men and would be out in the field as an ox for seven periods of time, possibly seven years (Dan. 4:25).
In light of this future warning, Daniel urged the king to flee from his sin and to show mercy to the oppressed; perhaps if he were to change, he could lengthen his prosperity as king (Dan. 4:27).
Unsurprisingly, the proud king didn’t heed the warning.
One year later, Nebuchadnezzar was walking atop his palace roof, boasting about what he had built (Dan. 4:28-30). As soon as the words left his mouth, a message sounded from heaven telling him that he would be driven from his dwelling place and would eat grass like an ox (Dan. 4:32). Then, just as the dream predicted and the message from heaven confirmed, Nebuchadnezzar went mad and lived amongst animals until his hair and nails grew out and he resembled a wild animal (Dan. 4:33).
Then, after the seven periods of time were over, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returned, and God reestablished him in his former position (Dan. 4:34).
In response, the king would praise the God of Heaven, rather than himself (Dan. 4:34-35). He recognized that the King of Heaven was able to humble those who walked in pride (Dan. 4:37).
Bringing it Home:
Nebuchadnezzar went from the glory of a palace to a pasture. God drove Nebuchadnezzar to his knees to humble him. To make it known to him that what he thought he had built was actually not his own doing.
Pride takes credit for the gifts of God in one’s life. It can be easy to see the work of our hands and glory in it. To believe that our natural blessings are indeed the work of our hands.
Let us always know that every good thing in our lives comes as a gift from God (Jas. 1:17).
He is the One who should get the credit for the blessings we enjoy. Even more, He is the very source of our life and breath, truly of everything (Acts 17:25). If it weren’t for Him presently sustaining us, we would have nothing. If He didn’t give us life, breath, strength, wisdom, or time, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish a single thing.
With this in mind, we must flee pride, knowing that God can most certainly humble the proud but will give grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5).
Challenge:
Do I take credit for God’s work?