Nebuchadnezzar’s Transformation - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven and I blessed the Most High.
Daniel 4:34

Nebuchadnezzar's Transformation
The first four chapters of Daniel provide the story of Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter 1, Daniel and his friends requested different food and drink during their Babylonian training in order to keep themselves pure. The ruler Nebuchadnezzar was likely unaware of their request, which had been handled by lower-level officials. Yet God blessed their faithful choices by giving them knowledge and skill. As a result, when the king noted their ability, he was impressed.

Then in chapter 2 Daniel interpreted the king's dream, informing him that "there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets" (Dan. 2:28). Nebuchadnezzar was amazed! In chapter 3, Daniel's friends resisted the king's fury by refusing to serve his gods or worship the image he had built. God preserved them in the executioner's fire, and Nebuchadnezzar was shocked.

Then Nebuchadnezzar himself narrates chapter 4. Another dream was interpreted by Daniel, who was by then a trusted advisor and confidant. Through that dream the king was warned to humble himself and break off his sins by being righteous and merciful. This he ignored, so he experienced God's severe judgment; yet God also showed mercy. And then, deeply affected by God's sovereignty and truth, Nebuchadnezzar was converted! His words of praise to the King of heaven are one of the most beautiful doxologies of the Bible.

For our encouragement, notice how God used Daniel and his friends to help the king move from mild interest to personal transformation. Their faithfulness in daily work was the starting point. However, that was not in itself a full testimony, and therefore they specifically brought God's name into their conversations. Through their consistent behavior and faithful words, an angry despiser of God came to know His grace and glory.

Stephen Campbell