HUMBLED

Daniel 4:34-37
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The King’s Dream Comes True

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God's rule is forever, and his kingdom continues for all time. 35 People on earth are not truly important. God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand or question what he does.

36 At that time I could think normally again, and God gave back my great honor and power and returned the glory to my kingdom. The people who advised me and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.

As the emperor of Babylonia, Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed years of dazzling military and economic achievements. But like so many other influential leaders who preceded and followed him, he fell prey to the illusion that it was he who had accomplished these things. Tragically, he failed to recognize that God had allowed him to rise to power. Daniel warned Nebuchadnezzar that he would be humbled unless he acknowledged the Most High. The king refused to follow Daniel’s wise counsel. Nebuchadnezzar lost everything for seven years until God restored him. Nebuchadnezzar never forgot the truth that the Most High alone does as He pleases.