Royalty and Ruin

Nebuchadnezzar’s Short-lived Repentance

For a time the counsel of the prophet weighed strongly on Nebuchadnezzar; but self-indulgence and ambition still lived in the king’s heart, and later these traits reappeared. His rule, which up to then had been just and merciful to a great degree, became oppressive. He used his God-given talents for self-glorification, exalting himself above the God who had given him life and power. RR 184.7

For months the judgment of God lingered. But instead of being led to repentance by God’s restraint, the king indulged his pride until he lost confidence in the interpretation of the dream and laughed at his former fears. RR 184.8

A year after the warning, while walking in his palace and thinking with pride of his power as a ruler and of his success as a builder, Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” RR 185.1

While the proud boast was still on the king’s lips, a voice from heaven announced that God’s appointed time of judgment had come: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 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.” RR 185.2

In a moment the once mighty ruler was insane. He was no longer able to rule. Stripped of the power his Creator had given him, and driven from society, Nebuchadnezzar “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.” RR 185.3

For seven years Nebuchadnezzar was an astonishment to all his subjects and was humbled before all the world. Then God restored his reason and he recognized the divine hand in his affliction. In a public proclamation he acknowledged the great mercy of God in restoring him: “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... . RR 185.4

“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.” RR 185.5

The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God, a wise and compassionate king. He now acknowledged the power of the Most High and earnestly sought to promote the fear of Jehovah and the happiness of his subjects. At last Nebuchadnezzar had learned the lesson that all rulers need to learn—that true greatness consists in true goodness. He acknowledged the living God, saying, “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.” RR 185.6

God’s purpose was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history. RR 185.7