Why Did God punish Nebuchadnezzar? Is there a Lesson for Our Nation?

Why did God punish Nebuchadnezzar?  Is there a Lesson for Our Nation Today?

God did not leave the reader without a motive for his actions.  There is no question and no doubt.  Three times God tells us why he punished Nebuchadnezzar.  Of course his human pride is sin and deserving of punishment.  But why was he punished?  Notice the text of scripture from Daniel chapter four:

Verse 17, "to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men."

Verse 25, "till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whom he will."

Verse 32, "until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." 

Again in chapter in 5:21,  "till he knew that the most high God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will."

Did you catch the repeating patterns?  Simply put "that...may know."  There is a certain content of knowledge both in person and works which God is intent that all the earth has knowledge.  What two things?  First, God is in absolute control.  He rules as an unrivaled monarchy without democracy or reelection.  Second, He alone tears down and sets up earthly rules according to his own purposes.  He gives countries the leaders they have.  One means by which he does this (at least in our country) is through democratic elections (insert electoral college system).  God has a purpose for what he does and what he allows to happen.  Use whatever adjective you need to for defining the second part (permissive, decree, etc...).

My question is simple:  Is there a parallel for our country in this upcoming election?  Has our country failed here?  Our nation is prideful and rejects the authority of God.  I say this as a soldier who has served our country for nearly fourteen years.  I'm not just an army chair quarterback or a "if I were in charge" opinion creator.  It is saddening to see where our country is heading.  I pray for my children because of the culture they will have to live in and raise their children.

Consider our country:

Want to kill a baby?  Inconvenient?  Redefine life (even the medical folks can get on board).
Want to marry anyone?  Simply redefine marriage (even the lawyers and judges will get on board).
Want to restrain opinions?  Create politically correct speech. Sensor the other's opinion.  Punish for "hate" speech.  Relabel all opinions contrary to your own as "hate" speech.

Do you want leadership that approves or practices the above?  Your choice.  Your vote.

Our nation as whole is in trouble.  Our democratic government has produced what we have now and what or who controls the future of our country.  Just to be clear the format of government does not necessarily produce a better moral product.

I don't mean all doom and gloom but our nation is not on a good course.  Perhaps God needs to completely humble our country.  How will he do it?  What might he do?  Who will he put in charge?  Only God knows.  He will glorify himself.

Hope this helps some.

Comments of course as always encouraged.