And at the end of the days 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 Who lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What are You doing?
Daniel 4:34-35
Remember what Daniel said to the king? “Seven times (years) shall pass” and now at the end of the seven years Neb lifted up his eyes unto heaven and his understanding returned unto him. For seven long years he was driven from civilized people because he had become a raving maniac and had lived like an animal. Does that sound like severe punishment for his pride and failing to honor God. If you think that severe, what is the punishment for rejecting the salvation that is provided through the blessed, only begotten Son of God? Reverently read the following two verses of Scripture: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15
After seven years Neb was restored to his right mind and what is the first thing that he does; he “blessed the Most High, and he praised and honored him Who lives forever, whose dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation;” or in other words, forever.
What then happened to Neb? “My counselors and my lords sought me out; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now 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. Daniel 4:36-37
It would seem that Neb had truly come to believe in the God of Israel even though there is no continuing record of his life after his restoration. History tells us that he died in 562 b.c. after ruling 43 years. The ensuing years of Babylonian history till its overthrow by Cyrus in 539 b.c. were marked by progressive deterioration, intrigue, and murder.
God called Neb his servant for he was chosen to punish the Hebrew people for their idolatry, etc., but now he is just another pin point in history, for in the end God punished him for his cruelty to the Jewish people. There is another lesson to be learned in that. Remember Genesis 12:3? Amen and amen.
