Holy Bible Online 
Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. He is known for conquering Jerusalem and exiling the Jews. He was a proud king, but God humbled him, making him live like an animal until he acknowledged His sovereignty. The story of Nebuchadnezzar teaches us about humility and God’s power over the kings of the earth.
Nebuchadnezzar is an important figure in the Old Testament, especially in the books of Daniel (chapters 1 to 4), Jeremiah, and 2 Kings (chapter 25). He was king of Babylon from around 605 B.C. until 562 B.C., being the most powerful ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
He was responsible for the conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple, taking many Jews into exile in Babylon. He also appears as someone deeply influenced by supernatural events, mainly in the accounts of the book of Daniel.
His temperament was strong, proud, and impulsive, but he also had moments of recognizing the greatness of God. After the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), he acknowledged the power of the God of Israel.
Despite all his power, the babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar was severely corrected by God: in Daniel 4 he had a prophetic dream interpreted by Daniel, in which he was warned about his pride. By ignoring the warning, he was punished with madness and lived like an animal for seven years, until he acknowledged the sovereignty of God. After this, he was restored to the throne and began to exalt the Most High God.
The Bible does not give details about Nebuchadnezzar’s death. He died in 562 B.C. and was succeeded by his son Evil-merodach, mentioned in 2 Kings 25:27–30, for releasing Jehoiachin, king of Judah, from prison.
Nebuchadnezzar expanded the Babylonian empire, but he is remembered as an example of how God opposes the proud and lifts up those who humble themselves. His story highlights God’s sovereignty over kings and nations.
Key Events in the Life of Nebuchadnezzar
The conquest of Jerusalem: Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, took vessels from the temple, and exiled young Hebrews like Daniel, showing his power and the fulfillment of God’s judgment on Judah. (Daniel 1:1–2)
The dream of the statue and its interpretation: He had a prophetic dream about a statue made of different metals. Daniel interpreted it, revealing future kingdoms and God’s sovereignty over human empires. (Daniel 2)
The golden statue and the fiery furnace: He ordered the construction of a massive golden statue and demanded that it be worshiped. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused and were thrown into the furnace, but they were miraculously saved. (Daniel 3)
His dream and transformation into an animal: He dreamed of a tree being cut down, which symbolized his pride. Daniel gave him a warning, but because Nebuchadnezzar refused to humble himself, he lost his sanity and lived like an animal. (Daniel 4:1–33)
Acknowledgment of the Most High God: After seven years of madness, Nebuchadnezzar regained his reason, recognized God’s sovereignty, and was restored to his throne, giving glory to the God of Daniel. (Daniel 4:34–37)
Succeeded by Evil-merodach: The Bible does not describe his death, but it does say that he was succeeded by Evil-merodach, who released Jehoiachin, king of Judah, after years in prison. (2 Kings 25:27–30)
Bible Study on Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar Became Like an Animal
Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and became like an animal in Daniel 4, as God’s judgment for his pride. He had a prophetic dream of a great tree being cut down. Daniel gave him the interpretation as a warning from God, telling him that he would lose his sanity and live like an animal until he acknowledged that God is sovereign over human kingdoms.
Despite the warning, Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself, saying: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). Immediately, a voice from heaven declared that the kingdom would be taken from him.
He was driven away from people and lived in the fields, eating grass like oxen. His hair grew like feathers and his nails like claws (Daniel 4:33). This lasted for “seven times” (probably seven years), until he lifted his eyes to heaven and acknowledged God’s sovereignty.
When he regained his sanity, his kingdom was restored to him. This experience led him to praise God, recognizing that His dominion is eternal (Daniel 4:34–37).
Why Did God Punish Nebuchadnezzar, and How?
God punished Nebuchadnezzar for his pride and arrogance. Even though he had been warned in dreams and through Daniel, he continued to take glory for the greatness of his empire, ignoring that it was God who had given him authority and power (Daniel 2:37–38).
God wanted to show that He is sovereign over all the kingdoms of the earth and that He grants authority to whomever He wills. Thus, the punishment came as a form of discipline, not just as punishment, intended to lead him to repentance.
The judgment was direct and immediate: a voice from heaven announced the king’s downfall, and he was immediately removed from society. God humbled Nebuchadnezzar so that he would learn that all human power is limited and dependent on the Lord’s will. The punishment was a means of breaking the king’s pride and leading him to acknowledge the true God.
Who defeated Nebuchadnezzar?
According to the Bible, Nebuchadnezzar was not defeated by any enemy during his reign. He died a natural death after decades in power as king of Babylon. The Bible does not describe his death or a military defeat. However, his empire was defeated years after his death, when the Babylonian Empire fell to the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great.
The book of Daniel, chapter 5, tells of the fall of Babylon during the reign of Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s successor. That very night, while Belshazzar was feasting and blaspheming against God, the kingdom was handed over to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling prophecy. Thus, Nebuchadnezzar was never defeated in his lifetime, but his empire eventually fell.
What was the cause of Nebuchadnezzar’s death?
The Bible does not state the cause of Nebuchadnezzar’s death. After his restoration described in Daniel 4, where he acknowledged God’s sovereignty, the biblical account of his life ends. No verse directly mentions how or when he died.
After his reign, his son Evil-merodach took the throne, as mentioned in 2 Kings 25:27–30 and Jeremiah 52:31–34.
Historical records suggest that Nebuchadnezzar died of natural causes after about 43 years in power. However, the Bible does not focus on his death, but rather on his spiritual transformation, when he recognized God’s power over all things.
What we can learn from the story of Nebuchadnezzar
The story of Nebuchadnezzar offers lessons about pride, authority, repentance, and the sovereignty of God. He was the most powerful king of his time, responsible for major conquests such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the people of Judah. Yet despite his greatness, he had to learn in the hardest way that all power belongs to God.
Nebuchadnezzar ignored Daniel’s warnings and exalted himself, claiming the glory of the Babylonian Empire for himself. As a result, God humbled him, taking away his sanity and making him live like an animal for seven years. He was only restored after acknowledging God’s sovereignty.
Another important point is that God does not completely reject the wicked who repent. Nebuchadnezzar, though a pagan, was restored and had his authority returned once he recognized the true God. This reveals God’s just and merciful character: He disciplines, but He also forgives.
The story shows that God is in control of everything, even when powerful kings seem to dominate. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His purpose.
Lessons We Can Learn from Nebuchadnezzar:
- Pride leads to downfall.
- All authority comes from God.
- God is sovereign over kings and nations.
- Sincere repentance brings restoration.
- God disciplines, but He is also merciful
See also: