Daniel 4:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws.

NIV: Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

NASB: Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

CSB: At that moment the message against Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people. He ate grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky, until his hair grew like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.

NLT: 'That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.

KJV: The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

NKJV: That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar was spared from his humiliating judgment for a full year (Daniel 4:28–29). As he bragged about himself on the roof of his palace (Daniel 4:30), a heavenly voice declared that there would be no more reprieve (Daniel 4:31–32). Without further delay, God carried out His predicted sentence against Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:22–27). The once powerful king was reduced to an animal-like madness. Whether he thought of himself as an animal, or merely acted like one, Scripture does not specify.

The text does not say who drove Nebuchadnezzar away from others, or how it was done. It was the custom in Bible times to shun mentally ill persons, or to ignore them as much as possible (1 Samuel 21:12–15). Mark 5:1–5 reports that a demon-possessed man roamed among tombs and mountains. Given that the king eventually regained his position (Daniel 4:36), it seems likely he was kept in some form of isolation or custody, albeit outside and much like livestock. This description, given after Nebuchadnezzar had been restored (Daniel 4:1, 34), suggests the king was wandering with untamed, wild animals.

In isolation Nebuchadnezzar ate food vastly different from his usual fare. The word used for "grass" here more generally means "fodder" or "plants," as in those consumed by livestock. He was exposed to the elements, including mud, dew, and rain as he foraged about in the open air. No doubt his hair was perfectly groomed when he lived in his palace, but now it became matted and tangled. He likely received manicures as king, but now his nails were overgrown and claw-like.

Fortunately for the king, his madness was temporary. At the end of the full sentence imposed by God (Daniel 4:34), "seven periods of time" (Daniel 4:32), Nebuchadnezzar's mind and throne were restored (Daniel 4:36).

Daniel 4:28–37 records the fulfillment of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which Daniel had faithfully interpreted (Daniel 4:4–27). As God said would happen, the king's arrogance is judged with humiliation and insanity. Only when Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the supremacy of the Lord is he restored to his right mind. The passage returns to where the chapter began: with the king's praise for God's power and majesty (Daniel 4:1–3).

Daniel 4 opens with a proclamation in which Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar, declares what God has done for him. He recalls yet another frightening dream (Daniel 2:1). He sees a tree cut down to the stump, and a man made like an animal. Once again, only Daniel could interpret the dream's meaning. The news is terrible: the king will be driven insane for "seven periods of time" until he learns humility. A year later, this happens. Also as promised, Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself and regains his senses and his throne. He praises God for this miraculous work.

Daniel chapter 1 depicted Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar as powerful. Chapter 2 showed his vindictive nature. His extreme vanity was on display in chapter 3. Daniel chapter 4 records his submission, repentance, and return to prominence as the King of Babylon, all under God's humiliating judgment. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 continue to speak about Gentile rulers and related prophecies.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.