Return of Reason

For seven periods of time, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, eating grass, his hair growing like wings (Daniel 4:28-33). Then he became human again. Like an Enlightenment philosopher, Daniel describes this as a restoration of “reason,” that most distinctive human trait. Twice, the king declares, “my reason (Ar. manda ‘) returned to me” (4:34, 36).

With reason comes majesty and splendor, restoration to a place among counselors and nobles. A return to reason means a return to sovereignty, a restoration to properly Adamic dominion (v. 36).

But the content of Nebuchadnezzar’s reason couldn’t be more un-Enlightened. With reasons return, he begins to worship, praise and honor the eternal one (O, heteronomy!): “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation (v. 34).

Honoring the One who does as He pleases in heaven and earth (v. 35) is the work of reason. Refusing that honor is, conversely, insane, even bestial.

And thus we are left awaiting the return of our kings to reason.