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Royalty and Ruin
on the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a
man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass
over him. This decision is by the decree of the watchers ... in order
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that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of
men, [and] gives it to whomever He will.”
The Attempt to Discover the Meaning
Greatly troubled, the king repeated the dream to the wise men.
But although the dream was very explicit, no one could interpret it.
In his perplexity the king sent for Daniel, who was admired for his
integrity and unrivaled wisdom.
After relating the dream, Nebuchadnezzar said, “Declare its
interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to
make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit
of the Holy God is in you.”
The meaning of the dream was plain to Daniel, and its signifi-
cance startled him. Seeing Daniel’s hesitation and distress, the king
expressed sympathy for his servant. “Do not let the dream or its
interpretation trouble you.”
The prophet realized that God had laid on him the solemn duty
of revealing to Nebuchadnezzar the judgment about to fall on him
because of his pride and arrogance. Although its dreadful mean-
ing had made him hesitate, he must state the truth, whatever the
consequences to himself.
“The tree that you saw,” he said, “is you, O king, ... for your
greatness has grown ... to the end of the earth. And inasmuch as the
king saw a Watcher, a Holy One, ... saying, ‘Chop down the tree and
destroy it, but leave its stump,’ ... this is the interpretation. ... They
shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of
the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall
wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over
you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,
and gives it to whomever He chooses. And inasmuch as they gave
the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom
shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules.”
Daniel urged the proud monarch to repent in order to avert the
threatened disaster. “Break off your sins by being righteous, and