The Story of a King

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, 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.” 
(Daniel 4:37)

King Nebuchadnezzar ruled over the great empire of Babylon from 605-562 B.C. Classical writers eulogized about the grand capital city (in modern day Iraq) fortified by high hundred-gated walls and the king's elaborate construction of majestic monuments and impressive canals.

“Because of the grandeur which (God) bestowed on him, all the peoples, nations and men of every language feared and trembled before (King Nebuchadnezzar); whomever he wished he killed and whomever he wished he spared alive; and whomever he wished he elevated and whomever he wished he humbled.

But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was disposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him. He was driven away from the mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven
UNTIL
he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes!" (Daniel 5:19-21)

"At the end of that period (of humiliation), I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;

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,

But He does according to His will in the host of heaven

And among the inhabitants of the earth..."

(Daniel 4:34-35)

And the moral of his story is:

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Prov. 16:18)

“Therefore…

humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you!” (1 Peter 5:6-7)