Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Daniel 4: The Lord shows his power to the most powerful man

The Jews are in Babylon. Jerusalem and the temple has fallen. King Nebuchadnezzar and the gods of Babylon seem to have the power, not the God of the Jews, however, the Lord is good, not only to Israel but also to the most powerful man of that age: Nebuchadnezzar. He has a dream and is advised by Daniel:

27 “So, king, take my advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for others. Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life.”

28-30 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Just twelve months later, he was walking on the balcony of the royal palace in Babylon and boasted, “Look at this, Babylon the great! And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory!”

31-32 The words were no sooner out of his mouth than a voice out of heaven spoke, “This is the verdict on you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your kingdom is taken from you. You will be driven out of human company and live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like an ox. The sentence is for seven seasons, enough time to learn that the High God rules human kingdoms and puts whomever he wishes in charge.”

Thus, the Lord humbled the most powerful man of that time. What was the result? Did he resent to be humbled?

36-37 “At the same time that I was given back my mind, I was also given back my majesty and splendor, making my kingdom shine. All the leaders and important people came looking for me. I was reestablished as king in my kingdom and became greater than ever. And that’s why I’m singing—I, Nebuchadnezzar—singing and praising the King of Heaven:
“Everything he does is right,
    and he does it the right way.
He knows how to turn a proud person
    into a humble man or woman.”

He praised the Lord and was glad to be humbled. May the Lord humble me too  and take care of me.


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