24 this is the interpretation , O king , and this is the decree of the Most High , which has come upon my lord the king : 25 that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field , and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven ; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until e you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever e He wishes . 26 'And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree , your kingdom will be assured to you after e you recognize that it is Heaven that rules . 27 'Therefore , O king , may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor , in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity .'
28 "All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king . 29 " Twelve e months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon . 30 "The king reflected and said , 'Is this not Babylon the great , which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty ?' 31 "While the word was in the king's mouth , a voice came from heaven , saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar , to you it is declared : sovereignty has been removed from you, 32 and you will be driven away from mankind , and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field . You will be given grass to eat like cattle , and seven periods of time will pass over you until e you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever e He wishes .' 33 "Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled ; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle , and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until e his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 4:24-33
Commentary on Daniel 4:19-27
(Read Daniel 4:19-27)
Daniel was struck with amazement and terror at so heavy a judgment coming upon so great a prince, and gives advice with tenderness and respect. It is necessary, in repentance, that we not only cease to do evil, but learn to do good. Though it might not wholly prevent the judgment, yet the trouble may be longer before it comes, or shorter when it does come. And everlasting misery will be escaped by all who repent and turn to God.
Commentary on Daniel 4:28-37
(Read Daniel 4:28-37)
Pride and self-conceit are sins that beset great men. They are apt to take that glory to themselves which is due to God only. While the proud word was in the king's mouth, the powerful word came from God. His understanding and his memory were gone, and all the powers of the rational soul were broken. How careful we ought to be, not to do any thing which may provoke God to put us out of our senses! God resists the proud. Nebuchadnezzar would be more than a man, but God justly makes him less than a man. We may learn to believe concerning God, that the most high God lives for ever, and that his kingdom is like himself, everlasting, and universal. His power cannot be resisted. When men are brought to honour God, by confession of sin and acknowledging his sovereignty, then, and not till then, they may expect that God will honour them; not only restore them to the dignity they lost by the sin of the first Adam, but add excellent majesty to them, from the righteousness and grace of the Second Adam. Afflictions shall last no longer than till they have done the work for which they were sent. There can be no reasonable doubt that Nebuchadnezzar was a true penitent, and an accepted believer. It is thought that he did not live more than a year after his restoration. Thus the Lord knows how to abase those that walk in pride, but gives grace and consolation to the humble, broken-hearted sinner who calls upon Him.