The Conversion of Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar tells the fourth chapter of Daniel in first person. First he discovered that the God of Israel could interpret dreams. And with his own eyes, he witnessed that God could deliver life from the pit of death. But in this article, he will discover that the God of Israel is the only true God.

In verse 4, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. Once again his wise men and astrologers are unable to interpret his dream. Daniel was called as a last resort. Nebuchadnezzar told Daniel that he has dreamed about a great tree. It’s top touched the sky, it leaves were beautiful, and it provided food for everyone. Even the animals used it for shelter.

Afterwards, someone from heaven comes and commands the tree to be cut down. The stump was bound in brass and iron. Then the messenger states, "Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.(Daniel4:15 NIV)"


Daniel told the King that he was the tree, and the one who commands the tree to be cut down is God. The stump in the ground represents Nebuchadnezzar restored to power, once he submits to God’s authority. But Daniel advised the King that he could prevent the dream from being fulfilled. All he had to do was to submit his life to God.

One year later Nebuchadnezzar is admiring himself. "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as a royal residence, by the mighty power and for the glory of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30 NIV)"
Before the King finished his statement of self-gratification, he heard a voice from heaven. "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you will acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes. (Daniel 4:31-32)"

This command of God came upon Nebuchadnezzar at that moment. His hair became like eagle feathers, and his nails like bird claws. He was driven from the city, and lived like a wild animal When the time came for Nebuchadnezzar to be restored to his old self, he proclaimed God for who he was. " All the peoples of earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: What have you done? (Daniel 4:35 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne, but now he was a King who humbled himself to God. He publicly announced God as the true Lord of all. However his successor never believed in God.