182 feathers, and his nails like bird’s claws,” and he became more like a brute than a man. What a change from being the greatest king, and one of the most learned, refined, and sensible men in the world ! Truly, as the Scripture declares, “pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The counsellors of Nebuchadnezzar must have been in great dismay at his sudden insanity. But Daniel, who was one of them, and who had interpreted the king's dream of the great tree, knew that his reason would be restored in seven years. Daniel would therefore persuade the other princes of the empire to appoint some person to govern instead of Nebuchadnezzảr, till he should recover from his derangement. This kind of government is now called a regency. Evil-Merodach, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, and the heir to the crown, was appointed regent.
