Something interesting I found in a couple of the commentaries tonight is the fact that the behavior King Nebuchadnezzar was displaying during his temporary insanity described in Daniel 4--acting like an animal--is actually a known disorder called boanthropy (believing you are a cow). There are other similar disorders like this, such as lycanthropy (believing you are a wolf).
On another note, the editor today raises the question of whether Nebuchadnezzar actually converted as a result of his fall and subsequent restoration. He obviously is convinced Nebuchadnezzar did come to faith. The commentators are divided on this. I am skeptical. A polytheist, Nebuchadnezzar has talked like this before (see Daniel 2:46-47) just before issuing an order that all should bow to a 90 foot statue. Even in the announcement by the king that we read today he talks about false gods being his gods (4:8). The People's Bible author is also skeptical, saying "the words the king spoke say nothing about trust in God's mercy, which is the very essence of saving faith. Acknowledging the sovereignty of God and affirming the justice of God are surely not the same as trusting the mercy of God for forgiveness."
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