This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Daniel 4:4-37, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a very powerful king named Nebuchadnezzar who had a scary dream. He dreamed of a huge tree that provided food and shelter for all kinds of animals, but then a holy being came down and commanded that the tree be chopped down, leaving only a stump. The holy being also declared that the king would live like a wild animal for seven years until he learned that the Most High God rules over all kingdoms and gives them to whomever He chooses.
The king called upon his wise men to interpret his dream, but none of them could. Then, a man named Daniel came forward, saying that the Spirit of the Holy God was with him, and he could interpret the dream. The king told Daniel his dream, and Daniel listened carefully. He then explained that the tree represented the king and that he would lose his power and live like an animal until he humbled himself before God.
The king was understandably alarmed by Daniel’s interpretation, but Daniel assured him that he could avoid this fate if he turned away from his wicked ways and showed mercy to the oppressed. He said, “Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
A year later, the king was walking on his palace roof, admiring his power and glory, when a voice from heaven declared that he would lose his kingdom and live like an animal. The king was shocked and cried out, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”
And so, the prophecy was fulfilled, and the king was driven from his throne, eating grass like a cow, and his hair and nails grew long like an eagle’s feathers and birds’ claws.
After seven years, the king looked up to heaven, and his senses were restored. Nebuchadnezzar gave thanks and praise to God, saying, “I bless 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; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?'”
He continued, “At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Nebuchadnezzar’s experience taught him the importance of humility and acknowledging God’s sovereignty. He learned that even the mightiest king is subject to God’s rule and that only by submitting to God and doing what is right can one avoid destruction.
Biblical Lessons
- God is the Most High God who rules over all kingdoms and gives them to whomever He chooses.
- Pride goes before a fall, and those who humble themselves before God will be exalted.
- God is just and merciful, and His ways are right and true.
- It is important to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit to His will.