Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream as described in Daniel 4, is about an enormous tree that is visible to the ends of earth (v. 11). It has beautiful leaves and abundant fruit providing shelter and food for every living thing. In the dream, a messenger from heaven comes down to say “Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit” (v. 14).

Daniel told the king the dream applied to him because he was that tree. He says, “O king, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth” (v. 22). Pride and overconfidence had gotten the best of the king and now he would be humbled.

The stump of the tree would be left with roots in the ground. Daniel continues to interpret the dream and tells the king that he would be driven away from people to live among the wild animals until he acknowledges God is sovereign over all kingdoms.  Leaving the stump with the roots means that Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom would be restored once he acknowledged that Heaven rules (v. 26).

Everything Daniel had explained in the dream came about and the judgment upon king Nebuchadnezzar was handed down. He lived among the beast of the field for seven years until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty. Then his mind was restored and he was reinstated to his throne (vv. 36-37).

Are there areas in your life where pride is a problem? This day, put God in charge. Ask for advice, for humility, and restoration. Like a tree being pruned, new growth happens once the unproductive aspects of our character are cut out. Good things happen as we thrive in faith by simply trusting, obeying, and following. Before long, we are building momentum and accomplishing things that really matter.

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