Daniel 4:36

At the same time my reason returned vnto me, and for the glory of my kingdome, mine honour, and brightnes returned vnto me, and my counsellers, and my Lords sought vnto me, and I was established in my kingdome, and excellent Maiestie was added vnto me. Daniel 4:36 (KJV)

Context: Daniel 4 records the account of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his humbling experience at the hands of God. The king had a dream that troubled him, and none of his wise men were able to interpret it. Daniel, a Hebrew exile and a servant of God, was called to interpret the dream. The dream revealed that Nebuchadnezzar would be humbled and live like a beast in the field until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over all earthly kingdoms.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride and Humbling:

Nebuchadnezzar was a proud and powerful king who attributed his accomplishments solely to his own might and power. God, in His sovereignty, wanted to teach Nebuchadnezzar a lesson about humility and the true source of his blessings. In verse 30, the king boasted about the great Babylonian kingdom he had built by his own power and for his own glory. As a result, God humbled him by taking away his sanity and causing him to live like a wild animal.

The Restoration of Reason:

After a period of time, described as “seven times” in the Bible—a phrase whose precise duration is not explicitly defined—the king’s sanity returned to him. In verse 36, he acknowledges that his reason came back to him. This indicates that God’s judgment had accomplished its purpose, and the king was now able to recognize the folly of his pride and the sovereignty of God.

Restoration of Kingdom and Majesty:

Along with the restoration of his sanity, Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom, honor, and brightness were also returned to him. His counselors and lords sought him out again, and he was reestablished as the king of Babylon. Additionally, his reign was marked by an increase in majesty and splendor, reflecting the grace and mercy of God.

Lessons and Applications:

Pride is a destructive and sinful attitude; Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led to his downfall and humiliation, and the Bible repeatedly warns against pride and emphasizes the importance of humility before God. God is sovereign over all kingdoms and rulers; Nebuchadnezzar’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that the Most High God rules over all earthly kingdoms and no ruler can claim ultimate authority apart from Him. God’s discipline can lead to repentance and restoration; His judgment on Nebuchadnezzar was intended to bring about repentance and a recognition of God’s sovereignty, and when the king acknowledged God’s rule, he was restored to his position of power and honor. Recognition of God’s blessings leads to true greatness; Nebuchadnezzar’s restored kingdom was marked by excellence and increased majesty, showing that true greatness comes from recognizing that all blessings and accomplishments ultimately come from God. Daniel 4:36 therefore reminds believers of the consequences of pride, the sovereignty of God, and the potential for repentance and restoration through humility and acknowledgment of God’s authority.