How do the tree’s fall and preserved stump explain the king’s fate?

Nabuchodonosor recounts a dream that frightened him while he was at rest and flourishing in his palace. His summoned wise men hear it but cannot interpret it. Daniel, called Baltassar after the king's god, comes in; the king addresses him as prince of diviners, saying he has the spirit of the holy gods. The edition derives Baltassar or Belteshazzar from Bel, the Babylonians' chief god.

A great tree stands in the earth's midst, reaches heaven and is visible to its ends. Beautiful leaves, abundant fruit, shelter for beasts and branches for birds sustain all flesh. A watcher, a holy one, descends from heaven and orders it cut down, its branches chopped, leaves shaken off and fruit scattered, sending beasts and birds away. Its rooted stump remains, bound with iron and brass among grass, wet with heaven's dew and sharing the beasts' portion. Its human heart is changed to a beast's, and seven times pass. The decree is to teach the living that the Most High rules human kingdoms, giving power to whom he chooses, even the basest man. The edition calls the watcher a vigilant angel, perhaps Israel's guardian. It explains that the king lost his reason and lived with beasts, eating grass, rather than changing physically into an ox; his growing hair and nails resembled eagle feathers and birds' claws.

Daniel silently considers the dream for about an hour, troubled by it. Reassured by the king, he wishes its meaning upon the king's enemies. He identifies the tree with the king's greatness and far-reaching power. The Most High's sentence will drive him from people to cattle and wild beasts, eating grass like an ox and wet with dew for seven times, until he knows God's rule. The preserved stump means his kingdom remains for him after that acknowledgment. Daniel counsels alms for sins and works of mercy to the poor for iniquities, saying perhaps God will forgive his offenses.

Twelve months later, walking in Babylon's palace, the king boasts that he built the great city by his power and excellence. Before his words end, a heavenly voice declares that his kingdom passes from him and that he must dwell with beasts until seven times pass and he knows the Most High's rule. The same hour he is driven from people, eats grass and is wet with dew; his hair grows like eagle feathers and his nails like birds' claws.

At the days' end, the king lifts his eyes to heaven and his sense returns. He blesses the Most High's everlasting power and kingdom, acknowledging that no inhabitant or heavenly power can resist his will. His sense, honor, glory and appearance return; nobles and magistrates seek him, he is restored to his kingdom and greater majesty is added. He praises the King of heaven, whose works are true and who can abase the proud. The edition says some commentators infer a true conversion and probable salvation after a death not long afterward; it presents that as their inference.