Thursday, March 7, 2013

Nebuchadnezzar blesses the name of the Most High God ( Dan. 4)  " How great are His signs, And how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation. " v. 3.   Then he relates the experience he had when, at the height of his rule he gloried in his own accomplishments, and was turned into an animal for 7 years.  He was given a warning that this was going to happen.  He was given opportunity to repent and avoid the judgement. But, it happened just as he was told.  He looked at his kingdom, claimed it as his, for his power and his glory, and it was all taken away from him.  Just like he had been told.
When Nebuchadnezzar's 7 years had passed, he again looked up.  But this time he recognized that all belonged to God.  He blessed and praised the Most High God. Graciously God gave Nebuchadnezzar back his rule. And that is the last we hear of him.
3 times in this chapter the writer repeats " In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes." v17, 25, and 32.  Nebuchadnezzar appears to learn this lesson.  Do we?

Do we act in accord with this Truth?  God, the Most High "does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth. and no one can ward off his hand or say to Him, what hast Thou done?"

Interesting side note.  The Chaldean word interpreted Most High is 'illay'  meaning supreme.  It comes from the root word "alah" to ascend, be high, excel, arise.    I don't know if this is where the  Muslim term Allah comes from, but it seems likely.

There seems to me so many more rulers and governments and yes, just regular people who could use a dose of reality like what was given to Nebuchadnezzar.  Why was he singled out for this unique experience?  Even Solomon could have used a lesson on this in his later years.  What about Manasseh and King Ahab?  They were out of control.  Yet, God did not send them into the fields to eat grass.
But then again who can say to God "what have You done?" ( or not done?)   The Most High God does as He chooses.  He has everlasting dominion!  His Kingdom endures. Bless the Name of The Lord, the Most High God!  With Nebuchadnezzar I will " praise, exalt,and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride." v 37

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