Darryl looked up from his Bible, "What do you think now?"

"I'm not sure I understand this. Why in the world is he going to live like a wild animal?" Brian asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"G-d is going to make Nebuchadnezzar insane for seven years because of his pride and unwillingness to recognize that G-d rules from heaven and is in control of all things. Some Bible scholars believe he had a medical condition called 'zoanthrophy' that causes a person to act like an animal."5 Darryl paused.

"Does this happen right away, Dad?" asked Jamie.

"No, this is what is known as a short-term prophecy. We will see in a minute that G-d gave Nebuchadnezzar one year to repent and change his ways before bringing this bout of insanity upon him. The seven-year period of insanity is symbolic of the seven-year tribulation period. Remember, the tribulation is a period of time when G-d pours out His wrath on the people of the world because of their refusal to recognize that G-d rules from heaven and is in control of all things.6 The roots of the tree and its stump symbolize Nebuchadnezzar's restoration to his throne after he acknowledges that G-d is sovereign in the universe. The chains of iron and bronze around the stump are intended to remind Nebuchadnezzar of the statue from chapter two,"7 Darryl explained.

"A reminder that his kingdom would not last forever!" exclaimed Brian.

"Yes, that's right. Now let's get back to the story," Darryl replied.

____________________

One year after his dream, King Nebuchadnezzar was enjoying the view of his vast kingdom from the roof top of his palace. "Just look at this wonderful city that I have built by my power and for my glory!"8 he boasted.

Before he had finished boasting, he heard a voice from heaven. "King Nebuchadnezzar, this kingdom is no longer yours. You will live with the wild animals, away from people. For seven years you will eat grass, as though you were an ox, until you learn that G-d Most High is in control of all earthly kingdoms, and that He is the one who chooses their rulers."9

Those who were with the king trembled when they heard the voice.

"It's the voice of G-d!" someone cried.

"What's happening to the king?" exclaimed another.

Nebuchadnezzar had torn off his clothes and was crawling around on all fours, growling and snarling like some wild animal.

"Your Majesty," one of his servants pleaded, "your Majesty, please get hold of yourself!"

Nebuchadnezzar pounced on one of the guards and bit him on the leg.

"What shall we do?" shouted one of the Chaldeans.

"Send for Belteshazzar," one of the king's advisor cried.

A messenger ran to see Daniel and explained to him all that had transpired. "Please Daniel," he begged, "do something!"

Daniel calmly replied, "I did my part a year ago. G-d has given him one year to repent, and he did not; now he must suffer the consequences of his sin."

Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of the city to live like a wild animal; he ate grass, his hair grew longer than eagles feathers, and his fingernails looked like the claws of a bird.10

After seven long years, Nebuchadnezzar changed his heart and repented and praised G-d: "I praise and honor G-d Most High. He lives forever, and His kingdom will never end. To Him the nations are far less than nothing; G-d controls the stars in the sky and everyone on this earth. When G-d does something, we cannot change it or even ask why." 11 Nebuchadnezzar's mind was then healed.

As Daniel predicted, the kingdom was returned to Nebuchadnezzar, and he became more powerful than ever before. Nebuchadnezzar praised G-d, "Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven! Everything He does is honest and fair, and He can shatter the power of those who are proud."12