The Most High Is Sovereign over the Kingdoms of Men

Daniel came into the presence of King Nebuchadnezzar in obedience of his command. He was summoned to interpret the king’s dream.

“Belteshazzar¹, I know that no mystery is too difficult for you. Interpret my dream as you did before. In my dream, there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky. Its leaves were beautiful. The birds of the air lived in its branches. From it every creature was fed. Then there was a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.’ And it all happened. The stump and its roots remained in the ground, and he was given the mind of an animal, till seven times passed by for him. Now, tell me what it means.”

1. Belteshazzar: the Babylonian name given to Daniel

Listening to the king, Daniel was greatly perplexed and hesitated to speak.

“Do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you. Please tell me what it means.”

Terrified by his thoughts, Daniel interpreted the dream for the king.

“O king, you are that tree. You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. However, you will be given the mind of an animal and eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

A year later, the king’s dream was realized exactly. As King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” At that moment, a voice came from heaven.

“King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

Immediately, what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. Seven years passed as it was prophesied, and Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward heaven and gave glory to God. Then his sanity was restored, and his honor and splendor were returned to him. He was restored to his throne and became even greater than before. Nebuchadnezzar praised God.

“Everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

More or less, every man wants to be recognized by the world. If he fails to control his desire and acts arrogantly, revealing his contribution and achievement, God who is right and just will surely humble him.

God is the One who rules over the world. God can give wealth, honor, ability, and power to anyone He wishes. As soon as you forget this, arrogance will set foot in your mind to instantly tear down the heavenly blessings that you’ve piled up with efforts.