Nebuchadnezzar Restored
November 26, 2022
Commentary
Finally, Nebuchadnezzar “lifted his eyes to heaven” silently acknowledged the sovereignty of God (vv.34-35). The king’s mind was restored, and he immediately started praising and honoring God. Nebuchadnezzar had seen God’s power displayed several times during his life, but it never had a lasting impact until now. We may recognize God’s existence and credit Him with wonderous miracles, but until we make Him our Lord, he will not change us.
Miraculously, Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne (vv. 36-37). In his sovereignty, God had preserved the kingdom for him during his years of madness. Daniel probably played an important role in this. This is a lesson to us, just as it was to the Jews back then, that no matter who you are, no matter how much power or wealth you possess, God has the power to take it all away and the power to restore it all back again.
Once more, King Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the Lord. He could see that God had been right and just in his treatment of him. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom he receives.” (Heb. 12:6). We will meet Nebuchadnezzar in heaven someday. His trial was what he needed to come to faith. The king’s final remark was a warning. Those who walk in pride will be humbled. “But he gives more grace. Therefore, he says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.’” (Jam. 4:6).
Nebuchadnezzar died about one year later, and his son Evil-Merodach, succeeded him as Babylon’s next monarch (Jeremiah 52:30-31).
Application
Have I recognized God’s sovereignty over every area of my life? Is there anything I’m still holding onto? Anything I’m taking pride in? or false credit for? Am I judgmental? Are there people who I have written off as hopeless, thinking they don’t deserve grace?
Daniel 4:34– 37 (NET)
34 But at the end of the appointed time I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and my sanity returned to me. I extolled the Most High, and I praised and glorified the one who lives forever. For his authority is an everlasting authority, and his kingdom extends from one generation to the next.
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he wishes with the army of heaven and with those who inhabit the earth. No one slaps his hand and says to him, ‘What have you done?’
36 At that time my sanity returned to me. I was restored to the honor of my kingdom, and my splendor returned to me. My ministers and my nobles were seeking me out, and I was reinstated over my kingdom. I became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all his deeds are right and his ways are just. He is able to bring down those who live in pride.