Daniel 2:21

KJV

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he changeth {H8133} the times {H5732} and the seasons {H2166}: he removeth {H5709} kings {H4430}, and setteth up {H6966} kings {H4430}: he giveth {H3052} wisdom {H2452} unto the wise {H2445}, and knowledge {H4486} to them that know {H3046} understanding {H999}:

Complete Jewish Bible

he brings the changes of seasons and times; he installs and deposes kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those with discernment.

Berean Standard Bible

He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

American Standard Version

And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:21 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, history, and human affairs. Uttered by Daniel in a prayer of thanksgiving, this verse proclaims that God alone orchestrates the flow of time and historical epochs, determines the rise and fall of earthly rulers, and is the ultimate source of all true wisdom and understanding, dispensing it to those who are receptive to His divine revelation. It stands as a powerful testament to His omnipotence and omniscient governance over the universe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Daniel's prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God, immediately following the divine revelation of King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation. The Babylonian king had issued a decree to execute all his "wise men" if they could not tell him his dream and its meaning. Daniel and his companions sought God in prayer, and in a night vision, the mystery was unveiled to Daniel. Therefore, Daniel 2:21 serves as Daniel's profound acknowledgment of God's unique power and unparalleled ability to intervene decisively in human affairs, sharply contrasting with the utter impotence of Babylon's pagan astrologers, enchanters, and sorcerers who could offer no such insight. It sets the theological stage for the subsequent revelation of God's prophetic plan for world empires, emphasizing His ultimate and unchallengeable [sovereignty over all creation](/daniel/2-20 "Daniel 2:20 - Daniel's Praise to God") and history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian Empire during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, a period of immense imperial power and cultural dominance (circa 6th century BCE). The Jewish people, including Daniel, were exiles in Babylon, living under foreign rule. Babylonian society was characterized by polytheism, astrology, and a system of "wise men" (magicians, diviners, Chaldeans) who claimed access to hidden knowledge through various occult practices. King Nebuchadnezzar wielded absolute authority, and his decrees, like the one to execute his wise men, were final and terrifying. In this context, Daniel's declaration of Yahweh's singular control over "times and seasons," "kings," and "wisdom" directly challenges the prevailing pagan worldview and the perceived power of earthly rulers and their supposed spiritual advisors. It asserts the supremacy of the one true God over all human and cosmic forces.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 2:21 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute and meticulous control over the unfolding of history and all appointed times and events. He is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of chronological periods and significant historical epochs. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Authority Over Rulers**, underscoring that all earthly power is ultimately delegated by Him. The assertion that God "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" is a foundational truth throughout Daniel, illustrating His ultimate dominion over nations and their leaders, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand") and affirmed in the New Testament's teaching on governing authorities in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). Thirdly, it proclaims **The Source of True Wisdom and Knowledge**, declaring that genuine insight and understanding originate from God alone. Unlike the false, limited wisdom of Babylon's magicians, God grants true spiritual and intellectual discernment to those who are receptive and seek Him, enabling understanding of divine mysteries, as exemplified by Daniel's ability to interpret the king's dream.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **changeth (Aramaic, _shᵉnâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb signifies "to alter" or "to be diverse." In Daniel 2:21, it conveys God's active, dynamic power to modify or transform circumstances, specifically referring to "times and seasons." It implies not merely a passive observation but an intentional, sovereign intervention in the course of events and the flow of history.
* **kings (Aramaic, _melek'_):** This Aramaic noun, corresponding to the Hebrew "melek," simply means "a king" or "royal." Its repeated use in the phrase "he removeth kings, and setteth up kings" underscores the absolute nature of God's authority over human governance. It highlights that no earthly ruler holds power independently of God's will or permission.
* **wisdom (Aramaic, _chokmâh'_):** This Aramaic noun corresponds to the Hebrew "chokmah" and refers to "wisdom" or "skill." In this context, it denotes not merely intellectual acumen but a profound, divinely imparted insight, especially into spiritual truths and the mysteries of God's plan. It is a wisdom that transcends human understanding and is granted by God to those He chooses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he changeth the times and the seasons:"** This clause declares God's supreme authority over the chronological progression of history and the specific, appointed epochs or significant periods within it. The terms "times" (`ʻiddân`) and "seasons" (`zᵉmân`) refer to both general durations and fixed, predetermined moments or historical eras. This signifies that God is the ultimate orchestrator of historical events, initiating and concluding various periods according to His divine plan.
* **"he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:"** This powerful parallel statement asserts God's absolute sovereignty over human political power. It emphasizes that no earthly ruler ascends to or maintains power without God's express will and permission. He is the one who determines the rise and fall of empires and leaders, demonstrating His ultimate dominion over all nations and their governance. This directly contrasts with the perceived self-sufficiency of human monarchs.
* **"he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:"** This final clause reveals God as the sole source of true intellectual and spiritual insight. "Wisdom" (`chokmâh`) refers to practical discernment and divine insight, while "knowledge" (`mandaʻ`) and "understanding" (`bîynâh`) speak to profound comprehension and intelligence. The phrasing "unto the wise" and "to them that know understanding" does not imply that God only gives to those who already possess these qualities independently, but rather to those who are receptive, humble, and spiritually discerning, acknowledging their need for divine revelation. It distinguishes God's true wisdom from human or pagan attempts at knowledge.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:21 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its theological message. A prominent device is **Parallelism**, particularly evident in the balanced structure of "he removeth kings, and setteth up kings." This antithetical parallelism emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's control, showing His power over both the termination and initiation of human authority. The phrase "times and seasons" functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a whole, encompassing all aspects of chronological, historical, and providential progression. There is also an implicit **Contrast** throughout the verse, setting God's omnipotent, omniscient control against the impotence and ignorance of human rulers and their "wise men." The **Repetition** of "kings" further underscores the specific domain of God's sovereign power over earthly governance. Finally, the consistent use of "he" (referring to God) as the active subject of all verbs ("changeth," "removeth," "setteth up," "giveth") highlights God's direct and active involvement in all these domains, affirming His **Divine Agency** as the primary mover in history and the ultimate source of all truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:21 serves as a foundational theological statement, asserting God's active and comprehensive governance over all aspects of existence. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached, but intimately involved in the unfolding of human history, the rise and fall of nations, and the impartation of truth. This verse assures believers that even amidst political upheaval, societal chaos, or personal uncertainty, there is a divine hand orchestrating events according to an ultimate, perfect plan. It challenges any notion of human autonomy or self-sufficiency, reminding us that all power, authority, and true wisdom ultimately derive from and are subject to the Most High God. This truth provides immense comfort and calls for profound humility and trust in His providential care.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Job 12:13](/job/12-13 "Job 12:13 - Wisdom and Might Belong to God")
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:21 offers profound comfort and a significant challenge for believers navigating a world often characterized by political instability, rapid change, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty. In an era where human leaders and ideologies often seem to dictate the course of events, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that God remains in ultimate, sovereign control. It calls us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in His divine orchestration, knowing that even when circumstances appear chaotic or beyond human comprehension, God is meticulously working out His eternal purposes. This perspective encourages us to release anxieties about the future, to pray for those in authority with a renewed understanding of God's hand in their appointment, and to actively seek His wisdom above all human counsel. It transforms our view of history from a series of random occurrences into a divinely directed narrative, inviting us to find our security and hope in the unchanging character of the One who holds all "times and seasons" in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel 2:21 challenge my perspective on current global events or political leadership, especially when circumstances seem out of control?**
* **In what areas of my personal life or decision-making am I relying solely on human wisdom or my own understanding, rather than actively seeking God's divine insight?**
* **How can I practically live out a deeper trust in God's sovereignty over "times and seasons" in my personal circumstances, particularly during periods of transition or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Does God literally control every single moment and decision, or does He allow for human free will?**

Answer: Daniel 2:21 emphasizes God's ultimate, overarching sovereignty over history, rulers, and the impartation of wisdom. It affirms that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or ultimate permission. While the Bible also teaches about human responsibility and free will, this verse highlights God's providential control, meaning He works through, around, and sometimes in spite of human choices to accomplish His divine purposes. It's not about negating human agency but asserting God's supreme authority as the one who orchestrates the grand narrative of history, ensuring His plans prevail.

**How does God "give wisdom unto the wise" and "knowledge to them that know understanding"? Does this mean only those who are already intelligent receive more?**

Answer: The phrasing "unto the wise" and "to them that know understanding" refers not to inherent intellectual superiority, but to a spiritual posture of receptivity and humility. It speaks to those who acknowledge God as the source of truth, who are teachable, and who actively seek divine insight rather than relying solely on human intellect or worldly sources. Daniel himself, though wise, sought God for the revelation. God grants true wisdom and knowledge to those who are open to His revelation, who fear Him ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), and who ask Him in faith ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:21, though spoken in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the God who "changeth the times and the seasons," for it was in the "fullness of time" that God sent His Son into the world ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). As the pre-existent Word, Christ is the agent through whom all things were created and are sustained, including all "times and seasons" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate King, the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one who "removes kings and sets up kings" in the truest sense, establishing His eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Finally, Christ is the very "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Thus, the God Daniel proclaimed is fully revealed in Jesus, who is the sovereign Lord of history, the supreme ruler over all earthly powers, and the inexhaustible source of all true wisdom and understanding for those who believe in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 75:5

Lift not up your horn on high: speak [not with] a stiff neck.

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalms 31:14

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my God.

Psalms 31:15

My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

Psalms 113:8

That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

Daniel 4:17

This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: 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.