by Tim Hall

When he was discovered, he was barely recognizable. Those who had known him in better days were shocked at his present appearance. He once was strong, well-groomed, cocky and the picture of command. Now, however, he looked like the homeless man he was. He was filthy, his hair was matted, his beard long and unkempt, and he acted almost incoherently. Could this be the man they had once feared?

By the way, we're not describing last week's capture of Saddam Hussein – though we could be. Instead, we're elaborating on the information found in Daniel 4:28-33 regarding King Nebuchadnezzar. Ironically, Nebuchadnezzar reigned in the same land as Saddam. The great city of Babylon was located only about fifty miles south of present-day Baghdad. Both rulers were feared by their subjects, and both boasted of great things. In time, however, both were brought down from their lofty perches (though Nebuchadnezzar heeded his warning and repented).

Isaiah 14 contains "a proverb against the king of Babylon" (v. 4) that well describes the fate of Nebuchadnezzar, Saddam Hussein, and any others who exalt themselves against the will of Almighty God. Consider these lines: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; . . . I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit" (Isaiah 14:12-15).

In a sermon on the day Saddam Hussein's capture came to light, Proverbs 29:23 was noted: "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." Pride is perhaps man's greatest stumbling block. Humility is our greatest need. We have again witnessed a dramatic illustration of the truth God has long tried to teach.

Doubtless there will be others to rise up and sit on Nebuchadnezzar's throne of arrogance. They, too, will be cast down in due time. Those who are wise, however, will consider these examples and learn.