For 7 Years Nebuchadnezzar
Ate Grass With Beasts In The Field
(He thereafter acknowledged God's majesty)
Before this tribulation the king said to himself:
‘Strong as a tree I reach to God's heaven.
His birds safely dwell in my branches,
his beasts comfortably hide in my shade.’
A voice, resounding above him, decreed:
‘King Nebuchadnezzar shall eat grass like an ox !
His nails ( sharp as eagles’ claws) ,
his hair ( warm as birds’ feathers)
will year after year sustain & protect him. . .’
Afterwards Nebuchadnezzar declared:
‘At my trial's end I returned to my kingdom.
I sit with Jehovah now in my palace
- his servant upheld & forgiven
humbly eating & drinking.’
Note
To clarify his position the king observed: ‘I Nebuchadnezzar praise & honour the heavenly king who walks with truth & justice. Having overthrown those who walk in pride he rules heaven & earth forever.’
[Rescued by his counsellors & forgiven by his creator, Nebuchadnezzar begins at last to understand himself.]