Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Nebuchadnezzar the king sent a message to all peoples, nations, and languages who dwell on earth. He wanted to share the incredible signs and wonders that the Most High God had done for him.

The king was filled with awe at the greatness of God's signs and wonders. His kingdom would last forever, and his rule would never end from one generation to the next. Nebuchadnezzar was living in his palace, enjoying great prosperity when he saw a disturbing dream that haunted him throughout the night.

So the king ordered all the wise men of Babylon to come before him, but they failed to interpret the dream for him. It wasn't until Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, arrived that Nebuchadnezzar shared his dream with him.

Daniel was a master of the magicians and possessed the spirit of the holy gods. The king asked him to reveal the meaning behind the dream, which he had seen in his head while sleeping. In the dream, Daniel saw a towering tree that stretched high into the air, its branches visible from every part of the earth.

The tree was lush with leaves and produced abundant fruit, providing food for all who lived nearby. Wild animals took shelter beneath it, and birds made their nests among its branches. Every living creature found sustenance under its shade. However, a holy watcher descended from heaven, commanding that the tree be cut down, its branches lopped off, and its leaves scattered.

The roots of the tree were to be left in the earth, bound with iron and bronze, and nourished by the dew of heaven. The creature that once was human would now have an animal's heart. Seven periods of time would pass before he knew that the Most High God ruled over all kingdoms, giving power to whoever he chose.

This decree came from the heavenly guardians, and Daniel declared that it was a warning for all people to recognize that the Most High God controls the empires of men, granting them to whomever he desires. The king asked Daniel to interpret his dream, which the wise men of Babylon could not understand.

Daniel was deeply troubled by the vision and its meaning for one hour. Then he began to explain it to Nebuchadnezzar. The tree represented the king himself, who had grown strong and powerful, with dominion extending to every corner of the earth. However, a heavenly being appeared, commanding that the tree be cut down.

The roots were to remain in the earth, bound with iron and bronze, and nourished by heaven's dew until seven times had passed. During this time, Nebuchadnezzar would live among the wild beasts, feeding on grass like an ox and wetted by heaven's dew. This would be his fate until he acknowledged that the Most High God ruled over all kingdoms.

Nebuchadnezzar was instructed to break off his sins by living righteously and showing mercy to the poor. If he did so, he might enjoy a longer period of peace. As Daniel finished speaking, the word came true for King Nebuchadnezzar.

Twelve months later, while walking in the palace of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my power and for the glory of my majesty?" But a voice from heaven declared that his kingdom had been taken away.

The king was to be driven out among people, living with wild beasts, eating grass like an ox until seven times passed. This judgment fell upon Nebuchadnezzar immediately. He lost his human intellect and lived as a beast, covered in dew from heaven. His hair grew long like eagles' feathers, and his nails became sharp like birds' claws.

At the end of those days, Nebuchadnezzar regained his understanding and looked up to heaven, giving thanks to the Most High God for his eternal kingdom that extended across generations. He recognized that all human beings are but mere mortals and that God does as he pleases among them.

The king's reason returned to him, and his honor and brilliance were restored. His advisors and nobles sought him out, and he was reestablished in his kingdom with even greater glory added to him. Nebuchadnezzar praised the King of heaven, acknowledging that all his works are truth and his ways justice.

The king knew that those who walk in pride can be brought low by God's power.