PRIDE PRECEDES DOWNFALL

Daniel 4:28-37 NKJV

“All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like 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 whomever He chooses.” That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding 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 is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?” At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”

INSIGHT

–King Nebuchadnezzar II, the mighty ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (605–562 BC), was greatly honored among kings of the ancient world. Under his leadership, Babylon rose to become one of the super powers and admired kingdoms of its time. King Nebuchadnezzar took pride in his achievements having a powerful military force that expanded the empire’s borders, bringing under Babylon’s control nations such as Judah and Egypt. He registered the success to his own power and strength, and the Lord took the kingdom from him. He was dethroned, and became like a beast eating grass, his hair grew like an eagles feathers and his nails like a birds claws. When he came to his senses and worshipped God, He was restored to his kingdom, his honor and splendor was also reinstated.

PRAYER

Dear Lord You are good, and Your mercy is everlasting. Your truth endures to all generations. We bless Your name our Lord Most High, we praise and honor You Lord who lives forever. Your dominion is an everlasting dominion, and Your kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing for You do according to Your will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. We repent for the many times we have harbored pride in our hearts, before You Lord and before men. May You grant us hearts of humility that we may fear You and always do Your will. God You are our Righteous Judge, You put down one and exalts another, may You have mercy on us. May You restore us in wisdom, knowledge and understanding unto us, honor and power. May You add unto us excellent majesty for the glory and honor of Your name. We honor You Lord and give You praise for all You have done and are going to do, in Jesus name. Amen

Blessed Week

Further reading: Psalms 75:4-7