Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most influential foreign kings in the biblical record. In world history, he was known as one of the greatest kings to ever live. Holy Scripture speaks of him in human terms as the “king of kings” (Dan. 2:37; 4:1; Ezek. 26:7).
He is known to us as a man who had dreams and was desperate to have them interpreted. Time and again, his wise men were powerless to solve the riddle and to put his mind at ease. It was only Daniel (through the power and insight of Almighty God) who could tell him what the dreams were about.
Daniel 4 records one of these events. At the height of his power, the king had another troubling dream. From this encounter, we learn a number of important lessons:
God can reach the very hardest of hearts. (Never give up on the one you fear may never change!)
God is merciful. (God warned…then humbled…then restored the king.)
God is powerful. (Daniel 2:21; 4:17, 32, 34-35)
God is holy—He hates and will not tolerate sin.
God deserves all praise / honor / glory. (Ps. 106:1)
God leaves the choice up to us. (Daniel 4:27)
We are called to live in light of what we know about the Almighty God.
Will we “look down” on all that we think that we have “made” (Daniel 4:30)? Will we “look up” at the One who made all things? (Daniel 4:34)
