“While the words
Were still
In the king’s mouth,
A voice
Came from heaven.
‘O King Nebuchadnezzar!
To you
It is declared!
The kingdom has departed
From you!
You shall be driven away
From human society!
Your dwelling
Shall be with
The animals
Of the field!
You shall be made
To eat grass
Like oxen!
Seven times,
It shall pass
Over you,
Until you have learned
That the Most High
Has sovereignty
Over the kingdoms
Of mortals!
He gives it
To whom he will.’”
While the prideful words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice from heaven told the king that he had lost his kingdom. His punishment was coming. He was going to be driven out from human society. He would live among the wild animals and eat grass like oxen. However, it would pass over him 7 times, until he realized that the Most High God ruled all the human kingdoms. Thus, God was able to give his kingdoms to whomever he wanted.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 