Psychologists like to analyze the mindset of kings and rulers, especially those who are notorious. They derive many common characteristics, primarily – Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy, from their uneventful lives. Nebuchadnezzar was one of those, along with Herod, prince of Tyre and others. They consider themselves as god.
1) Narcissism: Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, which was interpreted by Daniel. In that he saw a statue with head as gold and lesser value metals in descending order. Daniel interpreted that Nebuchadnezzar would be a superpower emperor and all who follow him may not be equal to him. However, he felt that his kingdom should be supreme and should not end. Hence, he made a large statue of gold. Was it resembling him? Narcissism is an obsessive self-involvement, obsession and self-aggrandizement.
2) Machiavellianism: This trait is to manipulate, deceive, and exploit others for personal interests. Nebuchadnezzar forgot his dream but demanded the magicians and wiseman to tell the dream and also its meaning. “The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “The word from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins.” (Daniel 2:5) They pleaded that it was an impossible for any human to tell a dream of a person, who forgot or was not willing to share.
3) Sociopath: The essential element of this is remorselessness and no capacity to empathize with others. Nebuchadnezzar erected a huge statue and demanded worship from all. Those who did not were thrown into fire. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were also punished, and the fire was increased seven times. (Daniel 3:19) He did not have any remorse.
When leaders in the community or society or nation are with this characteristic is curse of the people. They are not good shepherds, are thieves and robbers. (John 10:1) There is a proverb: “Sheep trusts the butcher and not the shepherd.” This is true in all cultures as people are stupid like sheep.
Do I pray for Godly leaders to be raised in our nation?