“Now I … 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.” Daniel 4:37
Imagine a leader who ruled with unmatched authority, his name known in every corner of the world. His armies conquered nations and his infrastructure projects were unmatched. When he looked around at all he had built and achieved, he felt certain that no one compared to him. He was successful and unstoppable. His power and control seemed limitless.
This portrait could describe a variety of modern-day world leaders. But it actually (and accurately) describes King Nebuchadnezzar, whose Babylonian empire was the dominant world power of the sixth century B.C.
Nebuchadnezzar had it all—wealth, power, and glory. His city was a wonder of the world, his achievements dazzling. And when he looked out over his empire, with astonishing pride he declared, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).
But beneath that confidence lay a dangerous delusion—the belief that power and stability were his to command. Because control is fragile, isn’t it? How many times in a day are we reminded that we, in fact, do not hold the universe together?
In that moment, the Lord intervened. Before the words left Nebuchadnezzar’s mouth, a voice from heaven declared, “The kingdom has departed from you” (v. 31). Just like that, the most powerful man in the world lost everything: his throne, his sanity, and his dignity. His mind broke and he was driven away from people, living like an animal and eating grass in the fields.
The man who once ruled the world couldn’t even rule himself.
But even in this humiliation, God was not cruel. He was merciful. He was teaching Nebuchadnezzar something the king could never have learned in his palace: that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to whom He wishes (v. 32). It is God’s rule which surpasses all human authority and power and His dominion is ultimate.
It took seven years before the former king was finally able to admit that he was under a greater authority: “I … lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever” (v. 34).
We may not rule empires, but we all build little kingdoms: our families, our jobs, our plans. And when we’re reminded we aren’t in control—when things fall apart, when we’re humbled or confused—that’s not God’s cruelty. It’s His sovereignty wrapped in grace. He’s teaching us that He alone reigns, and that should bring us peace and comfort.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your greatness. Yours is the only kingdom which is everlasting. I pray that the Spirit reminds me as often as I forget that earthly power, wealth, and influence are fleeting. I don’t want to chase after those things. Help me faithfully follow You and submit to Your authority alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want More?
Read 1 Samuel 2:7–8. How do you see God’s ultimate sovereignty over world leaders reflected in these verses? How much do you rely on earthly leaders for solutions to the world’s problems versus relying on the Most High? When trouble comes your way, who do you look to first? How can you live as a loyal subject of the eternal King while serving faithfully in this world?
