Daniel 4:4

As we read on into chapter 4, a remarkable change in the narration takes place. Later on, Nebuchadnezzar had his own account written and published to all the many nations and languages under his rule. We are allowed to read it. In it he made known the dealings of God — whom he now called "the Most High God" — with himself personally. It was the story of his own complete defeat and humiliation at the hands of God. So the very fact that he published the story abroad showed a great and basic change in his own mind and attitude.

He had reached the summit of all human ambition. He ruled all the kingdoms of the earth. His authority was undisputed. He prospered in everything he undertook. Nothing disturbed his calm, in public or in private matters. He was at peace in his house and flourishing in his palace. In a word, everything went well with this mighty ruler. If human prosperity could give perfect happiness, he would have had it. And he was, it seems, happy, but without God.

As he tells of these ways of the Lord, he first describes the circumstances in which God began to deal with him. "I was at ease," he says, "in my house and prospering in my palace." He was a thorough man of the world. He found rest and prosperity in enjoying his own things, without any thought of God.

He paid special honour to Daniel in chapter 2. He commanded his subjects to honour the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in chapter 3. Neither had much permanence. It was only a passing feeling, which faded from the king's mind like the morning cloud. In this chapter he records how little the ways of God had reached his heart. The display of His wisdom had struck him, but only for the moment. It is one thing to show honour to a prophet, or to make your subjects honour the God who delivered as no other could. But how was it with Nebuchadnezzar himself?

The warning came just when the king seemed to have reached the very peak of his prosperity. His many military campaigns were over; his great conquests completed. He was at last at rest and flourishing in the palace of his magnificent city.

There is great danger that we rest in the mercies, the blessings and the benefits. They flow in such rich abundance from our Father's loving heart and generous hand. We are apt to rest in these things, and say with the psalmist, "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. Lord, by your favour you made my mountain to stand strong." It is true — "by your favour." But we still tend to be taken up with our mountain and our prosperity. We let these things come between our hearts and the Lord, and so they become a snare to us. That is why chastening is needed.