Nebuchadnezzar published his testimony around 600 BC for the whole world to read. It is recorded in Daniel chapter 4, but it must have been an official Babylonian royal document published throughout the Babylonian Empire. He wanted all men to know that (1) the Most High God had done signs and wonders towards him, and (2) that those signs and wonders were very great and mighty, and that it is God alone who has an eternal and everlasting Kingdom.
1. Nebuchadnezzar was given a dream as a warning to humble himself before God and to acknowledge that everything he had received had come from God.
2. In that dream he saw a huge tree which extended from earth to Heaven. It was visible throughout the earth with much foliage and fruit, which became food for all creatures. The birds lived in its branches, and the beasts lived under its shade.
3. Then an angel descended from Heaven and proclaimed in a loud voice that (1) the tree should be cut down, (2) all the branches should be cut off, (3) all the leaves should be shaken off (4) all the fruit should be scattered abroad, (5) all the beasts should be driven off, and (6) all the birds should be driven off.
4. At the same time the stump and its roots were to be left undisturbed, but a band of iron and brass was to constrict it. It would remain in a grassy field which would be covered with dew, and the tree would have its portion with the beasts which grazed on the earth.
5. After this the tree was identified as a man who would have the heart of an animal for seven years (called *times*).
6. The dream also revealed that this judgment was decreed by God through His holy angels for three primary reasons: (a) that all men should know that the Most High rules in the affairs of men, (b) that He is the one who decides as to who will rule on earth, and (c) that He also allows the basest or most evil men to rule if that is His will.
7. None of the astrologers, magicians, soothsayers, or prognosticators (Chaldeans) of Babylon could interpret this dream, so the king sent for Daniel (whom He had name "Belteshazzar"), since he recognized that the Holy Spirit (calling him mistakenly the spirit of the holy gods) was in Daniel. However Daniel was shocked at this dream, and greatly troubled. Yet he interpreted it perfectly.
8. That tree was Nebuchadnezzar, and God had decreed that this mighty king would be brought down to earth, and made to live with the beasts of the field, eating grass as an ox, for seven years, until he learned who God was and that He ruled over men. However Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom would be restored to him after those seven years.
9. In spite of this clear warning and Daniel's pleadings, Nebuchadnezzar failed to humble himself and repent of his sins. Instead after 12 months, he openly boasted about himself and his kingdom. Thus judgment fell upon him immediately and the dream was fulfilled.
10. After this humbling experience, Nebuchadnezzar made this amazing testimony, and became a true believer:
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
