Day 185

God’s Lesson to Nebuchadnezzar

Part Two
Daniel 4:19–37

I hope this dream is for your enemies,” Daniel said. “The tall, beautiful tree you saw, the tree that fed the whole earth, that tree is you, O king! You’ve grown great and strong. Your greatness reaches to heaven and your power covers the earth.

“The words of the holy one from heaven are God’s command. You’ll be driven away from everyone and live with wild animals. Seven years will pass. The stump means that your kingdom will return. This will happen when you learn that God is king. Take my advice. Leave your sins; care for others. Then God will give you more days of peace.”

All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar. One day, he boasted of his power; the next day it was gone.

Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from everyone. He ate grass like an ox. His body was bathed in dew. His hair grew long like eagle’s feathers. His fingernails were like bird’s claws. After seven years, Nebuchadnezzar celebrated and honored God: “All his works are truth; his ways are just. He is able to bring low those who walk in pride.”

Questions: What was the meaning of the beautiful tree? Why did Nebuchadnezzar lose his kingdom?