From Splendor to Shadow

Nebuchadnezzar's Short-lived Repentance

For a time the counsel of the prophet was strong on Nebuchadnezzar; but self-indulgence and ambition had not yet been eradicated from the king's heart, and later these traits reappeared. His rule which heretofore had been to a great degree just and merciful became oppressive. He used his God-given talents for self-glorification, exalting himself above the God who had given him life and power. SS 269.3

For months the judgment of God lingered. But instead of being led to repentance by this forbearance, the king indulged his pride until he lost confidence in the interpretation of the dream and jested at his former fears. SS 269.4

A year after the warning, Nebuchadnezzar, walking in his palace and thinking with pride of his power as a ruler and of his success as a builder, exclaimed, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” RSV. SS 269.5

While the proud boast was yet on the king's lips, a voice from heaven announced that God's appointed time of judgment had come: “O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” SS 270.1

In a moment the once mighty ruler was a maniac. His hand could no longer sway the scepter. Stripped of the power his Creator had given him, and driven from men, Nebuchadnezzar “did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.” SS 270.2

For seven years Nebuchadnezzar was an astonishment to all his subjects, humbled before all the world. Then his reason was restored and he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged the great mercy of God in his restoration: “I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever ... .” SS 270.3

“And for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.” SS 270.4

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. Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the lesson which 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 whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.” SS 270.5

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. SS 271.1