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Prophets and Kings
whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy
kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that
the Heavens do rule.”
Having faithfully interpreted the dream, Daniel urged the proud
monarch to repent and turn to God, that by rightdoing he might avert
the threatened calamity. “O king,” the prophet pleaded, “let my coun-
sel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness,
and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a
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lengthening of thy tranquillity.”
For a time the impression of the warning and the counsel of the
prophet was strong upon Nebuchadnezzar; but the heart that is not
transformed by the grace of God soon loses the impressions of the Holy
Spirit. Self-indulgence and ambition had not yet been eradicated from
the king’s heart, and later on these traits reappeared. Notwithstanding
the instruction so graciously given him, and the warnings of past
experience, Nebuchadnezzar again allowed himself to be controlled
by a spirit of jealousy against the kingdoms that were to follow. His
rule, which heretofore had been to a great degree just and merciful,
became oppressive. Hardening his heart, he used his God-given talents
for self-glorification, exalting himself above the God who had given
him life and power.
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.
A year from the time he had received 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,
that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my
power, and for the honor of my majesty?”
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.
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Upon his ears fell the mandate of Jehovah: “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.”