Daniel 2:21

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:

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}:

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.

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

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

Context of Daniel 2:21

This profound declaration is part of Daniel’s prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God, immediately after the Lord revealed King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation to him. The King of Babylon had threatened 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 vision, God revealed the mystery. This verse, therefore, serves as Daniel's acknowledgment of God's supreme power and unique ability to intervene in human affairs, contrasting sharply with the impotence of the pagan astrologers and enchanters. It sets the stage for the revelation of God's prophetic plan for world empires, highlighting His ultimate sovereignty over all creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Time and History: The verse emphasizes God's absolute control over the flow of history and all appointed times. He initiates and concludes historical epochs, demonstrating His mastery over both chronological time and significant events.
  • God's Authority Over Rulers: A central message is that earthly power is ultimately delegated by God. He is the one who removes kings and sets up kings, illustrating His ultimate authority over nations and their leaders. This theme is crucial throughout the book of Daniel, as it shows God's hand guiding the rise and fall of great empires.
  • The Source of True Wisdom and Knowledge: Daniel proclaims that genuine wisdom and understanding originate from God alone. Unlike the false wisdom of Babylon's magicians, God grants true insight and knowledge to those who are receptive and seek Him. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but also spiritual, enabling understanding of divine mysteries, as seen in Daniel's ability to interpret the dream.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "changeth the times and the seasons" uses Aramaic words that refer to both chronological periods and appointed, fixed times or historical epochs. This indicates God's control not just over the clock and calendar, but over the very unfolding of history and the significant moments within it. The repetition of "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" underscores the absolute nature of God's authority over human governance, a recurring truth found also in Romans 13:1. The distinction between "wisdom unto the wise" and "knowledge to them that know understanding" suggests that God provides both practical insight (wisdom) and profound comprehension (knowledge) to those who already possess a foundational receptiveness or spiritual discernment.

Practical Application

Daniel 2:21 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, uncertainty, and seemingly random events, this verse reminds us that God remains in ultimate control. It encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when circumstances seem chaotic, we can rest in the assurance that God is orchestrating history according to His divine plan.
  • Pray for Leaders: Knowing that God sets up and removes kings, we are called to pray for those in authority, recognizing that their positions are ultimately by divine permission (1 Timothy 2:2).
  • Seek God for Wisdom: This verse affirms that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge. We should actively seek His guidance for our lives and for understanding the world around us, knowing that He gives liberally to those who ask (James 1:5). True wisdom comes from Him, not merely from human intellect or worldly sources.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 75:5 (43 votes)

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

  • Psalms 75:7 (43 votes)

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

  • Psalms 31:14 (40 votes)

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

  • Psalms 31:15 (40 votes)

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

  • Psalms 113:7 (37 votes)

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

  • Psalms 113:8 (37 votes)

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

  • Daniel 4:17 (32 votes)

    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.