Nebuchadnezzar's Madness

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon experienced a dream that troubled him, which none of the magicians or astrologers could interpret. He eventually summoned Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, to explain a vision of a great tree that reached to heaven and was subsequently chopped down by a holy one (Daniel 4:8-14). Daniel was astonished for one hour before informing the king that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself. Daniel advised the king to break off his sins by showing righteousness and mercy to the poor, though the text does not say if the king immediately complied (Daniel 4:27).

Twelve months later, while walking in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar praised the might of his own power and the honor of his majesty. While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice from heaven declared that the kingdom had departed from him. He was driven from men to eat grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven. This state continued until his hair grew like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws (Daniel 4:33). The text does not say exactly where he resided during this specific interval, only that he was dwelling with the beasts of the field.

At the end of the designated time, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven and his understanding returned to him. He blessed the Most High and praised Him whose dominion is an everlasting dominion (Daniel 4:34). His counselors and lords sought him out again, and he was established in his kingdom with excellent majesty added to him. The passage concludes with the king extolling the King of heaven, noting that those who walk in pride He is able to abase (Daniel 4:37).