Another Dream

Something happened to king Nebuchadnezzar that showed him that God rules over men. Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful men who ever lived. He conquered and did whatever he wanted to every nation he fought against. He exalted whoever he wanted; he killed whoever he wanted. Whatever he said was the law. Naturally he was proud of his status and accomplishments.

Nebuchadnezzar was enjoying his life in his palace when he had a dream that made him afraid. He called for all the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. He wanted them to tell him what the dream meant but none of could interpret it for him. In the end he asked Daniel what it meant.

A Great Tree

He told Daniel that in his dream he had seen a great tree. The tree grew and became strong until its top reached to heaven and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. It looked attractive and its fruit was so abundant that it produced food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the air lived in its branches.

Cutting It Down

Then Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream that a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. The watcher commanded that the tree be cut down. Only the stump of the tree was to be left in the earth amid the tender grass of the field. The watcher also said that its mind should be changed from that of a man to that of a beast. It should be with the beasts in the field for seven times. The watcher said that this would happen so 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 lowest of men.

The Tree Represents the King

Daniel also became alarmed when Nebuchadnezzar told him this dream. He told the king, "My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! 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. The king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Hew 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 lot be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him'.

Warning the King

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 times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom he will. 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 tranquillity."

Nebuchadnezzar Becomes Like an Animal

All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king said, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" While the words were still in the king's mouth, a voice from heaven reminded him about the dream and told him that it was being fulfilled. It happened right away. He lost his reason. He was driven from among men, and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.

His Reason Returns

After seven periods of time Nebuchadnezzar's reason returned to him, and he blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives for ever. The Lord's dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the people of the earth are accounted as nothing. He does according to his will in the host of heaven and among the people of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What are you doing?"

At the same time Nebuchadnezzar's reason returned to him. The glory of his kingdom, his majesty and splendor returned to him. After all these things Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the King of heaven for all his works are right and his ways are just. Those who walk in pride he is able to abase.