Daniel 4 Humbled By God

Nebuchadnezzar is proud of all that ‘he’ has built. God gave him warning in a dream and now he is humbled by God for his attitude.

Nebuchadnezzar insisting on knowing the truth of his dream reminds me of the story of Eli the priest and his sons. God told Samuel what was going to happen to Eli’s sons because of their sin. Eli wanted to know the WHOLE truth of Samuel’s encounter. So does Nebuchadnezzar.

We are not given a fixed date in history for this story. I’m curious if it happened during the time that Judah was rebelling against Nebuchadnezzar. There is at least a five-year period where Judah refuses to submit to Nebuchadnezzar, but they are not dealt with for some time. Is it possible that Judah was let go so long because Nebuchadnezzar was not in his right mind during that time? Maybe and maybe not. After Googling Nebuchadnezzar’s exploits during the time of rebellion, probably not. Just one more piece that I have to try and place in history. Let’s rejoin our story, whenever it happens to take place, and see where the Spirit takes us.

♥ ♦ ♥

Nebuchadnezzar is having a contemplative evening. He was considering all that he had accomplished in his life and the twists and turns it had taken. Some good places and some difficult ones, but all in all, a good life.

These are the thoughts he ponders before drifting off to sleep. During the night, a vision appears to him in a dream. It is strange and frightening. When he wakes, he can’t shake the dread that this dream has brought. He paces in his chambers the rest of the night, trying to figure out its meaning.

Morning breaks and Nebuchadnezzar rushes through his morning routine and comes to his throne room to issue a decree. “Bring all the wise men of Babylon to me, for I have had a dream and am in need of an interpretation.”

Memories of a previous ‘dream delimit’ touch the back of the guard’s mind as he bows and then goes to complete the king’s command.

Men start assembling before the king in small groups; “the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in” (Daniel 4:7). At first, they were afraid that the king was going to do as he did the last time, and insist that they tell him what he had dreamt first. They are nervous as they stand before him.

Nebuchadnezzar surprises them, for when they are all standing before the king, he tells them his dream. Even knowing the dream, none of them can understand it any better than he does.

“We are sorry, my king, but we have no interpretation to give you.”

Nebuchadnezzar surprises them again, by not ordering their execution or imprisonment, like he did the last time. They assume that there must be something different about this dream than the last one, but they are at a loss to know what that might be.

Just as the groups of wise men are leaving, Daniel enters the throne room. He was occupied when the decree went out, so he was late in receiving the summons. The wise men make as though they will remain, but the king motions them out with a wave of his hand.

Nebuchadnezzar is visibly relieved to see Daniel. He knows he will receive and answer now. Daniel bows and then comes to stand before the king. Nebuchadnezzar immediately launches into his tale.

“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation. The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it.

“I saw in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. He proclaimed aloud and said thus: ‘Chop down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches. But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth. Let his mind be changed from a man’s, and let a beast’s mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him. The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may 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.’ This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you” (Daniel 4:9-18).

Daniel immediately understands the dream, but he prays that his interpretation is wrong or that it applies to someone else. Yet, he knows the truth. He is trying to figure out how to share this information with the king.

Nebuchadnezzar recognizes stalling when he sees it. And he recognizes the pain on the face of his faithful advisor. He feels compelled to ally Daniel’s fears. “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you” (Daniel 4:19a).

Daniel’s shoulders drop and he takes a deep breath. There is no getting out of this. But he can soften it first.

“My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!…” Daniel nearly pleads. Then he straightens his shoulders and launches into the words from the Lord. “…The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth, whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived— it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth. And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,’ this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king, that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules…” Daniel comes closer to the king and assumes an attitude of supplication. “… Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:19b-27).

Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t know what to say. He sits silent for a full minute while Daniel watches. “Thank you for your service” Nebuchadnezzar finally says.

Daniel bows, then leaves the throne room. His mind and spirit are troubled. “When will this happen? What is his sin? Is there anything more I can do to prevent this from happening?” Daniel truly cares for the king and does not want to see this evil befall him, but he knows that God does not speak idol words. If Nebuchadnezzar does not repent of the sin he is being confronted with, this madness WILL fall on him.

Nebuchadnezzar is thinking about the dream and its interpretation as well. “What am I supposed to do with this information? What sin could Belteshazzar’s God be speaking of? Even if I knew the sin, could I repent of it and be spared?”

The dream and its interpretation plague Nebuchadnezzar for nearly a month. It comes to his mind unbidden or as he is about to make a decision. But each day it comes less often, until one day, it is completely forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar no longer worries about going mad and eating grass.

The dream is not lost in Daniel’s mind. He remembers it and looks for ways to steer his king away from danger. He also knows that God is in control. He leaves the king in His hands.

Nebuchadnezzar is on his balcony looking out over the city. He is surveying all the buildings he commissioned and designed. The grandeur of it nearly takes his breath away. He spreads his arms wide and declares to the heavens; “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 3:30).

While he can still taste the words on his lips, the ‘heavens’ answer him audibly. “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:31-32).

The king has enough time to flash back to his dream, remember its interpretation, and recognize his sin before falling to the floor. From that moment he has no more thought in his mind than that of a wild animal.

Fear grips his animal mind and he feels trapped by the coverings on his body. He begins to screech as he claws and pulls at them until they fall away.

His servants come running at the strange sounds emanating from the king’s balcony. When they appear, the animal feels even greater fear. It MUST escape! He darts between the hands trying to grab him and flees into a labyrinth of doors and hallways. Voices and footsteps pursue it crazed creature. It doesn’t realize they are trying to help, or even recognize familiarness in them. All it knows is that it HAS to escape.

Out of sheer luck, the creature finds itself outside in the king’s garden. It makes a break for it and is through the hedges and into the forest in minutes. Finally, it can breathe. The sounds of the men chasing it are far behind. They don’t know of its escape.

Daniel feels in his spirit that the time of the king’s testing has come. He hurries to the palace as fast as he can go. When he arrives, he finds the entire staff up in arms. Everyone is running around and calling out to one another as well as calling the king’s name. Daniel stops one of the servants.

“What has happened. I must know immediately.”

“The king has gone MAD! He tore his clothes from his body then went running through the palace. We don’t know where he is now. We are trying to find him. Someone has also gone for the doctor.”

“Call off the search and gather the staff together now.”

Daniel’s voice is like a splash of cold water in the face of hysteria. The servant goes to call all the other servants. They meet in the kitchen. Daniel waits until everyone is in attendance before beginning.

“Almost to the day, a year ago, the king had a dream. In this dream, there was a tree that grew huge. It touched the sky. The birds nested in it. The animals found shade under it. And its fruit provided for the land. Then an angel from Heaven came down and called for the tree to be cut down, its branches torn from it and its leaves stripped. The stump was to be bound in iron for seven periods of time.”

Daniel sees some of the servants nodding. They remember the dream. “This tree is the king himself. The Lord has cut him down, torn off his branches and stripped his leaves, as it were. He has the mind of an animal right now. And for seven years, he will continue this way. But he WILL be restored at the end of that time. For now, we need to be patient, and allow him the space you would any wild animal. He is not dangerous to anyone, but ANY animal will become dangerous if threatened. I will monitor his whereabouts during this season, and the Lord has already said that his food will be the grasses of the field. He is in no danger for my God is watching over him. He is bringing him a lesson that will sustain him the rest of his life.”

“What are we supposed to do in the meantime?”

“You are to go about your business as always. Those who served the king, will serve those who stand in for him during this time. I will advise you of who that will be when it has been arranged. It will most likely be one of his sons and an advisor.”

Daniel looks at every face in the room before giving his final instructions. “This matter is to remain here. It is not to be broadcast to the people of the land. The king is ill. He needs our discretion, especially when he returns to the throne.”

Heads nod all around. It isn’t a solemn promise, but it is enough for now.

Daniel’s next task is to find a suitable replacement to stand in for the king, who will relinquish the throne when the seven years is up. This is probably going to be the hardest task of all.

Daniel goes to the garrison where Arioch is in command. When he finds him, he takes him aside. “I need to speak with you regarding a matter of utmost urgency and secrecy.”

Arioch calls his second in command over to him. “I’m going to be unavailable for some time. You take charge until I relieve you personally.”

After setting that in order, the two men walk away. Daniel takes Arioch to his own home, as this is the most secluded place he knows. Once the door is shut, Daniel explains the situation to Arioch and asks for his counsel on how to proceed from here.

“I suggest calling the king’s closest aids and his eldest son. His son should stand in during his absence. You did say that he would be restored, right?”

“Yes. After a period of seven years. The actual prophecy said ‘seven time periods’, which is open to interpretation. I suggest being prepared for seven years, as seven days, seven weeks, or even seven months may bring relief, but I wouldn’t count on it. I’m certain it won’t be seven decades, as the king would be too old to return to the throne if that were the case.”

Arioch agrees with Daniel’s assessment. The two of them come up with a list of names to bring together. “The more people we tell, the greater likelihood the information will make it to the other nations. We have to protect Babylon during the king’s… unavailability” says Arioch.

It takes two days to set up all the pieces, including Daniel finding the place where the ill Nebuchadnezzar has chosen to make his den. Daniel knows that God will protect the king until He restores him to his right mind, but Daniel believes that it is his responsibility to keep track of him.

Babylon, under Arioch’s military leadership, and Nebuchadnezzar’s eldest son’s authority, maintain their boarders for the time being. Nothing of consequence happens during this time, and the secret of the king is kept within the borders of Babylon.

Seven years to the day of Nebuchadnezzar’s fall into insanity, he opens his eyes and recognizes his surroundings. He doesn’t know how he got here, but he is near a lake he frequented as a boy. He isn’t alarmed until he rises and catches a glimpse of his own form. He is completely naked, his fingernails look like claws, his hair hangs below his shoulders, and he is filthy from head to toe.

He doesn’t know what to do. “First things first, I need a bath!” Nebuchadnezzar tells himself. He walks into the lake and begins washing himself.

Daniel’s man who has been watching the king this week, hurries to Daniel. He begins pounding on the door. As soon as Daniel opens it, his man begins speaking.

“The king is in the river bathing himself. He isn’t licking the surface of the water like he had been doing.”

Daniel knows the timing. He has been expecting this visit. “Thank you. I will attend to him. Send word to the palace to prepare a nourishing meal for the king. He will be arriving before the day is out.”

While Daniel is receiving the message, Nebuchadnezzar is glorifying God.

“I bless the Most High, and praise and honor Him who lives forever, for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:34b-35; tense changed).

Daniel brings several things to the lake with him. He has clothing, scissors, shaving gear, and soap. When he reaches the lake, the king is sitting in the middle of the lake on a rock. He is trying to figure out how to deal with his nakedness.

Daniel calls out to him. “My king, I’ve come to help. I have brought you several things, one of which is clothing.”

“Bless you my friend!”

Nebuchadnezzar makes his way to shore where Daniel is holding out a robe behind his back with his face turned to the forest. After Daniel feels Nebuchadnezzar take the robe, he drops his arm and waits. Nebuchadnezzar quickly dresses.

“You can turn around now. And, thank you. I was trying to figure out what to do, after praising your God.”

“I’m glad you offered Him praises. It is hand that has worked this ‘lesson’ in your life.”

“Now it’s time to return to the human world.”

“Would you like to shave, cut your hair, and trim your nails first? You would make a more presentable picture that way.”

“I think that is wise. You can assist me.”

“I would be honored to do so, my king.”

“Hopefully, my subjects will feel the same way.”

“We have all been waiting for this day. Your throne has been kept warm by your son, and your borders safe by your army. Your advisors await your return, so Babylon can continue to grow in strength.”

“And with a humbler leader.”

Daniel says nothing as he assists the king in making him look more presentable. When they are finished, the two walk to the palace. Waiting on the steps are the king’s advisors, his son, and his chief commander. Word had spread from the kitchen staff of the king’s impending return.

Nebuchadnezzar greets them all and then moves inside to conduct business. It wouldn’t be proper to deal with all that needs attending on the steps of the palace, for the whole city to see.

As Nebuchadnezzar is being caught up on the events that he has missed, he eats the sumptuous meal his servants prepared. He offers it to those around him graciously. Most refuse as they are not hungry, but Daniel and the king’s son join him.

Within a week, it is as if the king was never absent; other than the new humility he exhibits. Babylon continues to grow under his hand and Daniel serves him faithfully. Both are MORE than happy that this dream episode has concluded. They will face whatever comes next, as it arises.

Nebuchadnezzar decides to write to those who follow him on the throne the events of this time.

“King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and his dominion endures from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:1-3).

(to be continued)

I can’t imagine how the king would feel, waking up from such a long ordeal. Did he realize time had passed? Did he know immediately that it was a fulfillment of his dream? Did he have to struggle to regain his throne? So many questions. But, if you have spent any time with me, you probably expect them.

One thing that stands out in this story though is God’s protection. I don’t know what kind of dangers were in the land of Babylon, but I would bet that there were many of them. From wild animals to over ambitious competitors. God not only preserved Nebuchadnezzar’s physical body, but He reserved the throne for him to return to. I wonder why. Was this lesson for Nebuchadnezzar crucial to what was to come for the nation? Did Nebuchadnezzar carry this lesson into the rest of his dealings? God NEVER does anything without a reason. I have a feeling we will have to ask for His take on the events when we reach Heaven.

Thank You Father God for watching over me. I haven’t had the experience of ‘total madness’, but I have done things that no ‘sane’ person should. And You protected me in the midst of them. You even protected me from myself! THANK YOU. And thank You for bring me out of those dark places. You NEVER lost track of Nebuchadnezzar while his mind was absent, and I KNOW that You NEVER lose track of me. All I have to do is look at all the ‘fingerprints’ You have left in my life.