What does Daniel 4:3 mean?

This declaration of praise is part of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar's official statement (Daniel 4:1–2) about his humbling experience (Daniel 4:37). Earlier, in the case of the burning fiery furnace, the king observed God's miraculous power (Daniel 3:24–25). Before that, God's power was demonstrated in Daniel's interpretation of a troubling dream (Daniel 2:36). Many Bible interpreters believe Daniel assisted in writing Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation or recorded it on the king's behalf.

In the incident of the first dream, Nebuchadnezzar was presented as the ruler of a massive, powerful kingdom (Daniel 2:37–38), which would eventually be overtaken by other, lesser nations (Daniel 2:39–40). Here, however, the king speaks of God ruling a kingdom without end. This description resembles Psalm 145:13. The realm mentioned here does not seem to be the future messianic kingdom which Jesus will rule on earth. Rather, this verse speaks of God's universal kingdom which includes heaven and earth. As sovereign over the universal kingdom, God rules over the affairs of human beings and nations. Romans 13:1 exhorts: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instated by God."