“And the watcher’s order, ‘Leave the stump with its roots in the ground,’ means this: God will restore your kingdom to you once you come to your senses and understand that Heaven rules over all.
“Your Majesty, please be willing to do what I say and accept my advice. Renounce your sins by doing what is right. Turn from your wickedness by showing mercy to the poor and unfortunate, and perhaps your prosperity will continue.”
All that was predicted happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. A year later, while strolling on the roof of his royal palace in Babylon, the king began to boast: “Look at you! Is not this Babylon the great? By my brilliant wisdom, I built all this as my royal residence to display the glory of my majesty.” The words were no sooner out of his mouth than a voice spoke from out of heaven:
“Here is my verdict concerning you, King Nebuchadnezzar: I have now taken your kingdom from you! You will be driven far from human society for seven years. You will make your home with the wild beasts, and you will eat grass like cattle until you have learned that I, the Most High, am sovereign over the kingdoms of men and can give them to whomever I please.”
It was no sooner said than done: Nebuchadnezzar was forced to live like a wild animal and was driven far from human society and ate grass as cattle do. Night after night he was damp with the dew of heaven, his hair grew remarkably long like eagle’s feathers, and his nails became like a bird’s talons.
“When the appointed time had come, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes to heaven, and my sanity returned to me. And I blessed the Most High, praising and glorifying him who lives forever:
“His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and his dominion endures from one generation to the next.
All who dwell on earth are regarded as nothing compared to him.
He does whatever he pleases with the armies of heaven
and with those who dwell on earth.
No one can restrain his mighty hand
or dare ask him, ‘What are you doing?’
At the moment I began to praise him,
I was restored to my right mind.
The Most High gave me back
the majesty and splendor of my kingdom.
My advisers and noblemen came looking for me.
I was restored to my throne,
and still more greatness was added to me.
And now I, Nebuchadnezzar,
praise, extol, and glorify God, the King of heaven!
All his works are right and true,
and all his ways are right.
He knows how to humble those who strut around in pride.”
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