Nebuchadnezzar was a run-of-the-mill human. Yes, he was rich and powerful. But under the surface he had to fight with the same pride and egotism you and I struggle with (although, I admit, he had more to be egotistical about!). And he had the same sense of right that lies somewhere in our grey matter. In fact, he had a keen sense of liberty and justice. Thus, history records him as a wise and kind but firm ruler. God used him to set many injustices aright, some because of his sense of justice, and some because of his ambition.

Nebuchadnezzar subdued Tyre after a long and famous struggle. Egypt had been a little easier project a few years before (just before he succeeded his father, Nabopolassar, to the throne). "As he added nation after nation to the Babylonian realm, he added more and more to his fame as the greatest ruler of the age.

“It is not surprising that the successful monarch, so ambitious and so proud-spirited, should be tempted to turn aside from the path of humility, which alone leads to true greatness. In the intervals between his wars of conquest he gave much thought to the strengthening and beautifying of his capital, until at length the city of Babylon became the chief glory of his kingdom, ‘the golden city,’ ‘the praise of the whole earth.’ His passion as a builder, and his signal success in making Babylon one of the wonders of the world, ministered to his pride, until he was in grave danger of spoiling his record as a wise ruler whom God would continue to use as an instrument for the carrying out of the divine purpose.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 515.

Twice God appealed to the better side of Nebuchadnezzar’s heart. The first time, He prevented anyone but Himself through Daniel to answer the king’s queries about the future of his kingdom. And the second time, when Nebuchadnezzar rebelled against the idea of God superseding him as monarch of the civilized world, He turned his rebellion into wasted time and material. All the officials of his kingdom marveled at and listened to three of his subjects, completely ignoring Nebuchadnezzar’s great national symbol and idol towering over their heads.

But Nebuchadnezzar was all too human. At first he was impressed with God. Later, when the newness wore off, he returned to his old ways with even more zeal than before. So the third time God tried to turn this proud heart into an intentionally good one, just as he always tries to draw every heart to the better side of life.

That night Nebuchadnezzar dreams. He sees a very large tree. The tree is visible from far away. It towers above everything else, demanding your attention. (Having stood at the base of the world largest living thing—a tree named General Sherman—I think God knows well what kind of symbol to use for something big and important.) This tree is as healthy as it is large. And it is filled with fruit. I suppose the squirrels love to play chase among its branches. Sparrows fly from its branches to hop around and peck at the ground with endless patience, and then return to the safety of its branches. Swallows dart here and there above it, catching insects so invisible to us down below. Rabbits bite, blade by blade, the green grass that surrounds that mighty trunk. A little bit farther, a few cows chew their cud in the cool shade. Deer feed on the lowest leaves, at dusk, and wolves howl at any moonbeams that perseveringly break through the shadows of its branches. This tree is the “mall” of this natural world.

Then comes the Divine command to cut the tree down but to leave the roots. We might liken it to closing down a shopping mall. Its doors and windows are boarded up. But rather than tear the building down, we turn it into a barn. Then came the words that should have explained the dream to Nebuchadnezzar: “Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:16, 17).

When the “wise,” the scholars, and the university men couldn’t explain the dream, Nebuchadnezzar knew just where to turn—to Daniel. Daniel immediately understood the dream. Would you have understood it so quickly and accurately? And in spite of the risk, Daniel accurately interpreted this dream, appealing to the king to improve his choices before it was too late. At first Nebuchadnezzar did. But over the next year he lost this impression from the Holy Spirit also. And as he did, he became oppressive to his subjects. One year later, the “tree” was cut down. Nebuchadnezzar lost his intelligence. Instead of being likened to a tree, he became like one of the cows sitting in the shade of the tree. Seven years he was an “animal.” You can imagine what you would think if this happened to the president or prime minister of your country!

When Nebuchadnezzar’s years of grazing were over, his intelligence returned. Would you have trusted him then? Babylon did. And what was the king’s reaction to this humiliation? Nebuchadnezzar praises God.Humiliation and disgrace can be devastating, but instead of complaining, Nebuchadnezzar actually thought the best response was simply to thank God.

“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 honoured him that liveth for ever, 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 doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (verses 34–37).

Have you thanked God for allowing you to be humbled recently? Nebuchadnezzar and I will, by the grace of God, be thanking God together in a few more years. Thanking God that He made Himself of no reputation for us, to save those of us who through humiliating experiences found Him. I would rather be side by side with Nebuchadnezzar and talk with him any day than allow myself to wallow in despair because God has had to chop down my ego a notch or two at times. Why not just submit to His pruning instead?

What about you? God has tried to turn you from a house of good and bad divided against yourself into a temple of marble and gold, that He may be close friends with you. I know, because that is His “lifework” right now. And someday you will discover Him, if you haven’t already. It may be sometime when you make a great fool of yourself, or it may not be. I don’t know. But I do know this: I pray that when Nebuchadnezzar and I gather around in the Universe’s capital to give our thanks, face to face, to that great Lover and Saviour of fools, you will be there to join us in the most joyous celebration this entire Universe has ever experienced. And I pray that you learn to thank God here, soon, for only the thankful have the benefit of eternity.