The Humbling of a King

Lyrics

In ancient times, beyond our history's reach
A mighty king, whose name struck fear in speech
Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon's great lord
The world trembled at his conquering sword

A dream he had, his spirit deeply stirred
Through God's servant, the meaning he heard
A golden head, in vision he'd been shown
He was that head, on history's mighty throne

We've seen empires rise and empires fall
Rome, Ottomans, Mongols, stood proud and tall
The British crown and many more beside
But none like him, in power and in pride

"I praise and glorify the King of Heaven
Whose dominion is an eternal dominion
His kingdom endures through all generations
All peoples of earth are regarded as nothing
He does as He pleases with heaven's powers
And with all who live on the earth below
No one can hold back His hand or question Him
God gives power and kingdom as He chose
And He can humble those who walk in pride"

In palace halls, he walked in vain conceit
"Is this not Babylon, built by my great feat?
For royal dwelling, by my mighty power
For glory of majesty, my finest hour!"

The words still fresh upon his royal tongue
When heaven's voice in judgment rung
"Your kingdom's gone, with beasts you'll dwell
Till you know God rules, this truth to tell"

At once it happened, from men cast out
He ate like cattle, in fields about
His hair grew long, his nails like claws
Till seven times passed under heaven's laws

"I praise and glorify the King of Heaven
Whose dominion is an eternal dominion
His kingdom endures through all generations
All peoples of earth are regarded as nothing
He does as He pleases with heaven's powers
And with all who live on the earth below
No one can hold back His hand or question Him
God gives power and kingdom as He chose
And He can humble those who walk in pride"

When time had passed, his eyes raised to the sky
His sense returned, he understood why
Restored to throne, with greater honor crowned
A lesson learned, a truth profound

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt
The King of Heaven, in wisdom never at fault
His works are right, and all His ways are just
The proud He humbles, in Him we trust"

Hear this tale and heed the lesson given
By the Holy One, the Most High in heaven
To an earthly king, once proud, now wise
God reigns supreme, let this truth arise