I’m reading in the book of Daniel, where Daniel reveals a dream to Nebuchadnezzar the King. The King was mighty and very proud and full of himself, but when he had a dream, he went to Daniel…a prophet of God, to find the meaning of his dream.
Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar; Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.” Daniel 4:27
In other words, perhaps if Nebuchadnezzar would show more humility to the poor around him, if he would acknowledged God as the One who gave him his abundance, perhaps things would go better for him. He didn’t take Daniels advice to do good and as a result he lost everything.
While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:31-32
Because of his disobedience Nebuchadnezzar had to pay a price for not acknowledging God.
That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. Daniel 4:33
After living like that for a while, Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses and lifted his eyes to heaven to praise God.
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 and praised and honored Him who lives forever: Daniel 4:34
When he decided that he would continually praise the Most High God, his bounty was restored.
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom is from generation to generation.
35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain His hand
Or say to Him, “What have You done?”
36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
Our God is one of Love, and He hated to see how the King was misusing the poor, and all the good gifts He had given him. So Nebuchadnezzar came to know God after going through a very difficult experience.
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Daniel and the three other Hebrew men also did right in their diet.
The King offered them all the splendor from His own table.
They turned it down, and ate food that was not offered to idols.
God gave them favor for their actions.
That is so true. When we are obedient and do the things which God requires of us, things will go so much smoother for us.
What a great post. It is a beautiful thing how God entwines us all 🙂 I just finished Daniel. 🙂 He had so much faith it gave the king faith in God.
Just think, if Daniel didn’t have faith in God he could have lose his life a number of times.
Yes, and would not have been so favoured, and protected even in the most dire of circumstances 🙂