Daniel 4-6: None Can Say, What are You Doing?

Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed God's power first hand.  He watched as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were delivered from the fiery furnace.  You would think he would have developed humility.  In His mercy, God gave Nebuchadnezzar a warning dream. I think God was giving Him an opportunity to repent, to realize that God was the One Who gave him his kingdom.


Daniel 4:25
Amplified Bible (AMP)

You shall be driven from among men and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as do the oxen and you shall be wet with the dew of the heavens; and seven times [or years] shall pass over you until you learn and know and recognize that the Most High [God] rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He will.


This warning dream was fulfilled and the king ate grass like a wild animal for seven years.  When his mind ("reason and understanding") was restored, he had learned his lesson in humility.  He realized that God alone is in control of the nations, and He is the one Who appoints and gives power to men.


Daniel 4:34-37
Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁴ And at the end of the days [seven years], I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding and the right use of my mind returned to me; and I blessed the Most High [God] and I praised and honored and glorified Him Who lives forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

 

³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. And He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say to Him, What are You doing?

 

³⁶ Now at the same time my reason and understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me, and my counselors and my lords sought me out; I was reestablished in my kingdom, and still more greatness [than before] was added to me.

 

³⁷ Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, Whose works are all faithful and right and Whose ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase and humble.

 

 

Nebuchadnezzar transitioned from worshipping Himself to worshipping and praising the One, True God!

 

When personally considering this story, I think about all the blessings and positions of authority in which God has placed me.  My attitude has been the opposite of Nebuchadnezzar, but still a form of pride.  I have resisted the positions in which I have been placed.  My personality is more of a "follower" than a "leader."  Yet, if God appoints those in authority than who am I to say, "What are You doing?"

 

 

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me that You work according to You will "in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth."  I ask, I require Your empowerment for any position of authority You provide.  I require Your wisdom and ability to perform excellently.  I "praise and extol and honor [You], the King of heaven, whose works are all faithful and right and Whose ways are just."  In the great and awesome name of Jesus, AMEN!!!