What does Daniel 4:24 mean?

Daniel respectfully addresses King Nebuchadnezzar but confirms that the fateful events predicted in the king's dream are the decree of God Himself (Daniel 4:10–17, 22–23). The king will suffer insanity and incompetence, losing his power and his mind (Daniel 4:25). Yet his rule will not be destroyed; rather, he would return to his senses once he came to know that God was sovereign (Daniel 4:26). In the Old Testament, God notes His willingness to delay or reverse impending doom on cultures who repent and submit to Him (Jeremiah 18:7–8; Jonah 3:5—4:1). At times, He did the same for individual people (Isaiah 38:1–5). In this case, however, Daniel only offers Nebuchadnezzar a chance to postpone his fate (Daniel 4:27).

As a powerful ruler, Nebuchadnezzar assumed he could subdue any threat to his rule (Daniel 3:15). He needed to learn humility to accept that he could not subdue, delay, or alter God's decree. Nebuchadnezzar controlled a mighty army, but God commands a host of mighty angels. When the Syrian army surrounded the city of Dothan in pursuit of Elisha, Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes would open. The servant saw the Lord's "horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17). No one has ever fought against God and won the battle, and no one ever will. Nebuchadnezzar was powerful, but the Most High is all-powerful. Even the collective nations are like a drop in the bucket or dust on the scales to God (Isaiah 40:15).