The answer is: He went mad and lived as a beast before being restored as king

Daniel 4:31-37

King Nebuchadnezzar, the formidable king of Babylon, experienced a profound personal transformation that serves as an intriguing lesson in humility and divine authority. The account in Daniel chapter 4 paints a vivid picture of a ruler who, despite his immense power and splendour, fell victim to his own pride. After boasting about the greatness of Babylon, he was struck down by a mental affliction that left him living 'like an animal' for seven years. Talk about a dramatic twist in a king's life, right?

Interestingly, this transformation echoes the themes of wisdom literature in the Bible. Much like the Book of Proverbs, which cautions against pride, Nebuchadnezzar's story demonstrates the natural repercussions of arrogance. In fact, throughout the scripture, characters such as Job and Pharaoh also face humbling experiences that lead them toward self-awareness and change.

After this period of madness, an essential detail stands out: Nebuchadnezzar’s eventual restoration wasn't just a return to power; it was a recapturing of perspective. Upon regaining his sanity, he acknowledged a higher power and recognized that ultimate sovereignty doesn’t lie with earthly rulers but rests with the divine. His praise and gratitude create a backdrop against which the unity of divine mercy and justice plays out.

So, through Nebuchadnezzar's saga, we gain not only a glimpse into the ancient world of Babylon but also timeless lessons about pride, humility, and what it means to genuinely recognize one's place in the grand tapestry of existence. What a compelling narrative!