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

Daniel 4:31-37

King Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation into a madman seems straight off the pages of a dramatic story, yet it resonates with the themes of humility and the consequences of pride. As the story unfolds in Daniel, it’s fascinating to see how this mighty king, who once ruled over a vast empire, was reduced to a state resembling a wild animal. He roamed the fields, covered in dew, and munched on grass for seven long years. It’s a vivid portrayal of the balance between power and the inherent fragility of human nature.

Did you know Nebuchadnezzar is often seen as one of the prime examples of hubris in the Bible? His pitfall serves as a potent reminder to us all of the importance of humility. His moment of insanity can be seen as a poetic justice, reflecting the idea that those who are lifted high risk falling low when they forget their place in relation to others and, indeed, to the divine.

When Nebuchadnezzar finally regained his senses and acknowledged the sovereignty of God, he declared, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven" (Daniel 4:37). This dramatic reversal suggests that even in the depths of despair and madness, redemption is possible. It serves as an echo of the idea that everyone has the capacity to change, regardless of their previous stature. No one is beyond the scope of restoration, and every story can still have a hopeful ending.