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.

This matter {H6600} is by the decree {H1510} of the watchers {H5894}, and the demand {H7595} by the word {H3983} of the holy ones {H6922}: to {H5705} the intent {H1701} that the living {H2417} may know {H3046} that the most High {H5943} ruleth {H7990} in the kingdom {H4437} of men {H606}, and giveth {H5415} it to whomsoever {H4479} he will {H6634}, and setteth up {H6966} over {H5922} it the basest {H8215} of men {H606}.

"'"This order is issued by the watchers, the sentence is announced by the holy ones, so that all who live may know that the Most High rules the human kingdom, that he gives it to whomever he wishes and can raise up over it the lowliest of mortals."

This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’

The sentence 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 lowest of men.

Commentary on Daniel 4:17 (KJV)

Daniel 4:17 is a pivotal verse within King Nebuchadnezzar's second great dream, offering profound insights into the nature of divine sovereignty and God's interaction with human governance. This verse articulates the purpose behind the dream's terrifying prophecy: to demonstrate God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse comes from a period when Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant world power. The king, known for his immense pride and vast building projects, believed his empire was a testament to his own strength and wisdom. The dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel, serves as a divine warning and a direct challenge to Nebuchadnezzar's self-exaltation. The concept of "watchers" and "holy ones" reflects ancient Near Eastern ideas of a divine council, but here, they serve as agents of the one true God, executing His sovereign will and decrees. This narrative emphasizes that even the most powerful human ruler is subject to a higher, celestial authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The core message of Daniel 4:17 underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. He is the ultimate authority who determines who rises and falls. This truth is foundational to understanding God's active involvement in human history, challenging any notion of human autonomy apart from divine will. The verse clearly states, "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."
  • Humiliation of the Proud: The prophecy's intent is "that the living may know" this truth. Nebuchadnezzar's impending humiliation was not merely punitive but pedagogical. It was designed to humble the proudest king, teaching him and all who would hear of his story that true power resides with God.
  • Celestial Agents: The mention of "the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones" highlights the involvement of angelic beings in executing God's will on earth. These celestial entities are depicted as actively participating in divine judgment and the administration of earthly affairs, reinforcing the idea of a spiritual realm intimately connected to the physical.
  • God's Unpredictable Choices: The phrase "and setteth up over it the basest of men" emphasizes that God's choices for leadership are not based on human merit, status, or perceived greatness. He can elevate the humble or seemingly insignificant to positions of power, demonstrating that His power is independent of human qualifications and that His ways are often contrary to human expectations.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "watchers" (Aramaic: `iyr) refers to celestial beings, often understood as angels, who observe human affairs and carry out divine decrees. Paired with "holy ones" (Aramaic: qaddishin), it signifies the divine council's role in affirming and executing God's judgment.
  • "Most High" (Aramaic: `Illaya`) is a significant title for God, emphasizing His supreme position and authority over all creation and all earthly powers.
  • "Basest of men" (Aramaic: shafal anashin) literally means "the lowest of men" or "the humblest of men." This phrase powerfully illustrates God's ability to use anyone He chooses, regardless of their human standing, to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His absolute power over human rulers and kingdoms.

Related Scriptures

The core message of Daniel 4:17 underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 21:1, where the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. The phrase "basest of men" highlights God's power to elevate the humble and humble the proud, a principle frequently taught in the Bible, as seen in Jesus' teaching that whoever exalts himself will be humbled. The subsequent events of Nebuchadnezzar's life, detailed later in this chapter, vividly illustrate this divine decree. See Daniel 4:25 for the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:17 offers timeless lessons for believers and leaders today:

  • Humility for Leaders: It serves as a stark reminder to those in positions of authority that their power is delegated and ultimately subject to God's will. True leadership acknowledges divine sovereignty.
  • Comfort for Believers: In times of political turmoil or when faced with seemingly overwhelming human power, this verse provides immense comfort. It assures us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose, even when human leaders seem to act independently.
  • God's Unconventional Methods: It reminds us that God often works in ways contrary to human wisdom, choosing the humble or unexpected to accomplish His grand designs, challenging our perceptions of power and influence.
  • Purpose in Suffering: Like Nebuchadnezzar's experience, difficulties and humbling experiences can be God's way of bringing us to a deeper understanding of His supremacy and our dependence on Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 4:25

    That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

  • 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:

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

  • Psalms 75:6

    ¶ For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

  • Psalms 75:7

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

  • Jeremiah 27:5

    I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

  • Jeremiah 27:7

    And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

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