“Humbled by God”

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Daniel 4:34-35)

Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most successful rulers of the ancient world.  By ruthless and violent tactics he amassed an empire whose domain reached the end of the earth.  Ironically, God subdued this powerful ruler, thus prompting this inspiring ascription of praise.

This Babylonian ruler marks a typical example of misguided worldly achievement. Both nations and individuals alike may have little material prowess yet be great in moral stature. One's worth is not measured by the sum of one's earthly possessions, but by his understanding of his true purpose in this world.

Before arriving at this lofty goal, one must conquer himself.  Nebuchadnezzar, from the lofty heights of Babylon, the Great became prideful.  “Look what I have done!”, was his attitude. There is no sin that so frequently condemns as selfish pride.  This is especially true when self becomes the center of the universe.

God has a limit on his patience, and when his boundaries are crossed God takes action! When the sin of any nation or individual is full or complete God will punish!  Thus, in an instant, the sovereignty of this great Babylonian king was removed.

At the end of seven days, Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. In Homer Hailey's commentary of Daniel he states: “when one's mind is demented and his reason warped toward self and God by pride and arrogance, these can only be corrected when the individual looks to heaven and realizes the truth concerning himself and God.” The spirit of self-sufficiency must be removed and replaced by humility and dependence.

Thus, Nebuchadnezzar breaks forth in praise of Jehovah.  God was ruling long before any king appeared on earth. He is the "Most-High" God, the Everlasting. His purpose will be accomplished, and no man or nation can restrain Him.

By George Slover

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