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Archaeology has discovered the
following inscription from Nebuchadnezzar on an artifact called
the Gratefend Cylinder,
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“Then built I the place, the seat of my royalty,
the bond of the race of men, the dwelling of joy and rejoicing
. . “
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The king was proud - “built I”? He did not listen
and suffered for it. Berossus and Megasthense, fourth century
writers, say that a Babylonian king suffered an unusual illness
of madness. There are various views about which illness the
king suffered. What disease he suffered is not important. God
could have created a unique one just for this man. But history
records that the king was proud and he did suffer.
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But at the end of that period I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised
my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and
I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who
lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation
And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as
nothing, But He does according to His will in the host
of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one
can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou
done?’ At that time my reason returned to me. And
my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory
of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking
me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and
surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar
praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His
works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble
those who walk in pride.” (NASB) Dan. 4:34-37
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Conclusion.
The king finally understood. I believe we will see Nebuchadnezzar
in heaven some day. These words of the king are unique. It is
his testimony about how he finally came to believe God and cling
to Him only. He also discovered two important truths. The first
truth is that if God does not help us succeed, we will not succeed!
God is our success! God is my real employer. Here is a verse
for us to remember,
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Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who
build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman
keeps awake in vain. (NASB) Psalms 127:1
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The second lesson he learned - a lesson we all need to learn
is that God,
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. . . IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE
HUMBLE. (NASB) James 4:6
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Have you ever felt that God was working against you? When we
are proud and take credit that belongs to God, He may be working
against us. Proud parents, proud church leaders, proud managers
of organizations may find that God will start working against
them. Early in Nebuchadnessar’s career God worked with
him. But eventually God worked against him until the king KNEW
WHO did it all.
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Humility is submission to and dependence on God!
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