Chapter 7: The Humbling of the King

Years had passed. Daniel was no longer a young man — his hair had begun to gray, and he had served Babylon for decades. But Nebuchadnezzar's heart remained his own.

Then came another dream.

He saw a great tree at the center of the earth. It grew until its top touched the sky and could be seen from the ends of the world. Birds nested in its branches. Animals rested in its shade. All living things were fed from it.

Then a messenger came down from heaven and cried out:

"Cut down the tree! Strip its branches and scatter its fruit. But leave the stump in the ground, bound with iron and bronze. Let him be drenched with dew. Let him live with the animals until seven times pass over him — until he knows that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men."

Nebuchadnezzar woke terrified. His wise men could not explain it. So Daniel was summoned.

When Daniel heard the dream, his face changed. He did not want to speak.

DANIEL“My lord, if only this dream were about your enemies. The tree is you, O king. You have grown great and strong. But you will be driven away from people. You will live with the wild animals and eat grass like an ox — until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over all kingdoms. Please, O king — turn from your sins. Perhaps God will show you mercy.”

Twelve months later, Nebuchadnezzar stood on the roof of his palace, gazing over the city.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR“Is this not great Babylon, which I have built by my own power and for my own glory?”— Daniel 4:30

The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven:

"Your kingdom is taken from you."

Something broke behind his eyes. His thoughts scattered like startled birds. He stumbled from the rooftop, no longer knowing his own name.

He was driven from his throne, from his palace, from the company of men. He wandered the fields, eating grass like an ox. His hair grew long like feathers. His nails became like claws. Seven years passed.

Then one day, he lifted his eyes toward heaven — and his sanity returned.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR“Now I praise and honor the King of heaven. Everything He does is right. He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”— Daniel 4:37

His kingdom was restored. But Nebuchadnezzar was no longer the same man.