Topical Bible: Seven: Years: The Insanity of Nebuchadnezzar For

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The period of seven years during which King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon experienced a divinely ordained insanity is a significant event recorded in the Book of Daniel. This episode serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over human kingdoms and His ability to humble the proud.

Biblical Account

The account of Nebuchadnezzar's insanity is found in Daniel 4. The chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar recounting a troubling dream he had, which none of his wise men could interpret. Daniel, known for his God-given ability to interpret dreams, was summoned. The king described a vision of a great tree that was cut down, leaving only the stump bound with iron and bronze. Daniel interpreted the dream, revealing that the tree symbolized Nebuchadnezzar himself. The decree from the Most High was that Nebuchadnezzar would be driven away from people and live like an animal until he acknowledged that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes" (Daniel 4:25).

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

Despite the warning, Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to the fulfillment of the prophecy. As he walked on the roof of his royal palace, he boasted about the greatness of Babylon, attributing its splendor to his own power and majesty. At that moment, a voice from heaven declared that his royal authority was taken from him. "You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox, and seven times will pass you by until you acknowledge that the Most High is ruler over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes" (Daniel 4:32).

The Period of Insanity

Nebuchadnezzar's condition lasted for "seven times," which is generally understood to mean seven years. During this period, he lived in the wilderness, his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails like the claws of a bird (Daniel 4:33). This humbling experience was a direct consequence of his arrogance and failure to recognize God's ultimate authority.

Restoration and Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty

At the end of the seven years, Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. He lifted his eyes to heaven, and his understanding returned to him. He praised and honored the Most High, acknowledging His eternal dominion and the insignificance of human power in comparison to God's sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar declared, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride" (Daniel 4:37).

Theological Significance

The seven-year period of Nebuchadnezzar's insanity is a profound illustration of the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human pride. This narrative serves as a reminder that all earthly power is subject to God's will, and true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 4:32
And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make you to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... number," and those of the First Book of Kings; [4404] And he had seven hundred wives ...
of the flesh, at the beginning of his reign and in his early years he built ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm