“For his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” Daniel 4:34-35
Nebuchadnezzar continues with his confession of God as the living and true God. As all of us should, King Nebuchadnezzar sees God in
His glory in a very personal way.
For his dominion is an everlasting dominion Nebuchadnezzar, who had proclaimed his own greatness now recognizes God’s kingdom as the one that is everlasting. Perhaps he thinks back to the very first dream Daniel interpreted for him in which he was the head of gold but a stone cut without hands filled the earth and reigned forever. The king recognizes that Daniel’s God, not him, is the only ruler with an everlasting kingdom.
His kingdom endures from generation to generation No human king has the ability to extend his kingdom beyond his own generation. He rules in the time allotted and then his kingdom is turned over to
another. God is not like that. His kingdom remains generation after generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing Nebuchadnezzar realizes what he is before God. Despite his wealth, power and authority he is nothing in God’s eyes. Again we see the transformation of the proud king who had commanded all the rulers in the land to fall down and worship him.
He does according to his will In Daniel 5 Daniel will tell Belshazzar “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.” Nebuchadnezzar had tremendous and unquestioned authority on earth. He did as he willed. Here
the king acknowledges that God alone is the one who truly acts according to His own will – another sign of true humility and true worship.
Among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth A king’s authority is limited to his kingdom on earth. God authority extends over the entire host of heaven as well as all the kingdoms and every individual on earth – universal rule.
None can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” God is accountable to no one. Up to this point Nebuchadnezzar felt he had absolute authority; he didn’t need to answer to anyone. It took 7 years in the fields but he has learned he must answer to God’s humbling. God, however, has no such accountability.
Nebuchadnezzar learned what Job learned when God asked him, ”’Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer Him!’’ Then Job answered the LORD: ‘I am unworthy — how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer — twice, but I will say no more.'” (Job 40:2-5)
What can we learn? Nebuchadnezzar sees himself for what he is and God for who He is. That results in his humbling as he realizes his status before a holy God. Humbling then leads to worship and adoration of God by this once proud king. It leads to an unquestioning acceptance of God as the supreme authority over Nebuchadnezzar’s life.
Compare Nebuchadnezzar’s heart’s response to that of Pharoah’s. God sent judgment on Pharoah to humble him and turn him to God. In Pharoah’s case, he would not humble himself and continued to defy God. What humbled Nebuchadnezzar and brought him to God, hardened Pharoah and turned him away. The same two reactions occur to God’s authority today and throughout all history. Pride or humility. Worship God or try to replace Him.