Nebuchadnezzar’s madness is recorded in Daniel 4 and serves as a powerful testimony of God’s sovereignty and the humbling of human pride. The Babylonian king, despite witnessing God’s power through Daniel and the deliverance of the three Hebrews from the fiery furnace, grew proud of his empire and accomplishments.
God warned Nebuchadnezzar through a dream, which Daniel interpreted. The dream described a great tree that would be cut down, symbolizing the king’s fall. Daniel 4:25 revealed the judgment:
“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field… till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.”
Daniel urged him to repent, but Nebuchadnezzar did not heed the warning. A year later, while boasting about his achievements, God’s judgment fell. Daniel 4:30–33 recounts:
“The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built…?’ While the word was still in the king’s mouth… he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen…”
He lived like an animal, driven away from society, until he acknowledged God’s rule. After this period (likely seven years) he lifted his eyes to heaven, and his reason was restored. Daniel 4:34 says:
“And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High…”
Nebuchadnezzar’s account ends not with disgrace, but with praise for God. Verse 37 concludes:
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven… those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”
This account teaches that God alone exalts and humbles. Even the greatest earthly king must bow to the true King of heaven. It is a warning to all rulers and individuals not to glorify self, but to submit to the authority of God.
