Daniel 4:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'"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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:17 articulates the divine decree behind King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, revealing God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. It declares that the Most High God, through the agency of celestial beings, determines the rise and fall of human authorities, elevating even the humblest of individuals to positions of power, all to ensure that humanity recognizes His supreme dominion. This verse serves as the theological linchpin for understanding the profound lesson Nebuchadnezzar was destined to learn: true power resides not with human might or pride, but with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4 is presented as King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, a remarkable account of his pride, divine judgment, and eventual restoration and praise of God. The chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation of God's greatness, then recounts the dream (a great tree cut down, leaving only a stump) and Daniel's interpretation, which prophesies the king's temporary madness and humiliation. Verse 4:17 serves as the explicit statement of the *purpose* behind this terrifying prophecy, explaining *why* such a dramatic event would occur. It directly precedes Daniel's interpretation of the dream's details and the subsequent fulfillment of the prophecy, making it a crucial interpretive key for the entire narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the dominant world power of the 6th century BCE, under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. This king was renowned for his military conquests, vast building projects (including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon), and immense personal pride, often attributing his success to his own strength and wisdom. The concept of "watchers" and "holy ones" mentioned in the verse reflects ancient Near Eastern ideas of a divine assembly or council, common in Mesopotamian mythology. However, within the monotheistic framework of Daniel, these are not independent deities but rather angelic agents of the one true God, executing His sovereign will and decrees. This narrative directly challenges the prevailing polytheistic worldview and the absolute authority claimed by earthly monarchs, asserting that even the most powerful human ruler is ultimately subject to a singular, transcendent, celestial authority.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 4:17 is rich with theological themes that resonate throughout the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute control over all earthly affairs and human governments. This is a central message of Daniel, particularly evident in the interpretation of various empires in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). The verse also highlights the **Humiliation of the Proud**, a recurring biblical principle where God opposes the arrogant and exalts the humble (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")). Nebuchadnezzar's experience is a vivid illustration of this, designed "that the living may know" God's supremacy. Furthermore, the mention of "watchers" and "holy ones" introduces the theme of **Celestial Agency**, underscoring the active involvement of spiritual beings in the execution of God's will on earth, reinforcing the idea that the spiritual realm intimately interacts with the physical. Finally, the phrase "setteth up over it the basest of men" introduces the theme of **God's Unconventional Choices** in leadership, demonstrating that His appointments are not based on human merit or status but on His sovereign purpose, often elevating the humble to confound the wise, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the foolish things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Watchers (Aramaic, _ʻîyr'_):** From a root corresponding to עוּר, meaning "to wake" or "to be alert." In this context, it refers to a celestial being, specifically an angel, acting as a guardian or observer. Paired with "holy ones," these entities are depicted as members of a divine council, serving as instruments through which God's decrees are formulated and executed. Their role underscores the transcendent nature of God's authority and the spiritual dimension of earthly governance.
* **Most High (Aramaic, _ʻillay'_):** Corresponding to עִלִּי, meaning "supreme." This is a significant and ancient title for God, emphasizing His exalted position and absolute supremacy over all creation, all earthly powers, and all other gods. Its use here directly contrasts with Nebuchadnezzar's self-exaltation, asserting that there is a power infinitely superior to any human king.
* **Basest (Aramaic, _shᵉphal'_):** From שְׁפַל, meaning "low" or "humble." This word describes someone of low standing, humble origin, or even contemptible in human eyes. Its inclusion highlights God's prerogative to choose leaders not based on human qualifications, nobility, or perceived greatness, but according to His own sovereign will, often to demonstrate His power through unlikely vessels and to humble human pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority behind the prophetic dream and its interpretation. It indicates that the judgment pronounced upon Nebuchadnezzar is not a random event or a mere human interpretation, but a settled decision emanating from a celestial court. The "watchers" and "holy ones" (angelic beings) are presented as agents or participants in this divine council, affirming and executing God's sovereign will, emphasizing the solemnity and certainty of the decree.
* **"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,"** This clause reveals the ultimate purpose of the divine decree: to impart a profound theological truth to all humanity ("the living"). The core message is God's absolute sovereignty ("the most High ruleth") over human governments ("in the kingdom of men"). It explicitly states that the power to establish or remove rulers ("giveth it to whomsoever he will") rests solely with Him, challenging any human claim to ultimate authority or self-sufficiency. This is a didactic statement, designed to humble the proud and instruct all who observe divine providence.
* **"and setteth up over it the basest of men."** This concluding phrase further emphasizes the radical nature of God's sovereignty. It demonstrates that God's choice of rulers is not limited by human conventions of merit, nobility, or strength. He is free to elevate individuals of low status, humble origins, or even those considered contemptible by human standards, to positions of power. This serves to underscore that human authority is entirely derivative and dependent on God's will, and that His ways are often contrary to human expectations, ensuring that no human can boast in their own strength or wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:17 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is subtly present in the "decree of the watchers" and "demand by the word of the holy ones," giving agency and voice to these celestial beings as active participants in God's judgment, though they are ultimately instruments of His will. The entire narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its fulfillment functions as a powerful **Allegory** or **Parable**, where the great tree represents the king's dominion and its felling symbolizes his impending humiliation. The verse itself acts as a **Thesis Statement** for the chapter, succinctly stating the overarching theological truth that the subsequent events will illustrate. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in the "basest of men" being elevated, as it subverts human expectations of leadership and highlights God's unconventional methods, often choosing the weak to shame the strong, which is a recurring biblical motif. The verse also employs **Didacticism**, explicitly stating its purpose "to the intent that the living may know," making it clear that the narrative is designed to teach a fundamental truth about divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:17 is a foundational text for understanding God's active and absolute sovereignty over human history and governance. It asserts that no human power, however mighty or proud, operates outside the ultimate control of the Most High. This truth challenges human autonomy and self-sufficiency, reminding all people, especially those in authority, that their power is delegated and their reign is temporary, subject to the divine will. The verse's emphasis on God's ability to elevate the "basest of men" also highlights His unconventional wisdom and His commitment to humbling the proud, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone. This divine prerogative ensures that His purposes are fulfilled, regardless of human plans or perceived qualifications, providing both a warning to the arrogant and comfort to the humble.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"): "The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge"): "For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer"): "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and leaders, serving as a timeless reminder of God's unchanging character and His active involvement in the world. For those in positions of power, it is a stark call to humility, recognizing that all authority is ultimately derived from God and is to be exercised in submission to His will. Pride, as Nebuchadnezzar learned, inevitably leads to a fall. For the average believer, this verse provides immense comfort and stability in a world often characterized by political upheaval, unjust rulers, or overwhelming human power. It assures us that God remains on the throne, orchestrating events according to His sovereign purpose, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond human control. Furthermore, the idea that God "setteth up the basest of men" challenges our human-centric views of leadership and success, reminding us that God often works through the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His greatest designs, thereby demonstrating His power and confounding human wisdom. This should encourage us to trust in God's unconventional methods and to embrace humility in our own lives, knowing that true exaltation comes from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms impact your perspective on current political events or leadership?**
* **In what ways might pride, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's, manifest in your own life or in the lives of leaders you observe?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that God "setteth up over it the basest of men"? How does this shape your understanding of God's wisdom and methods?**
* **How can you practically live out the humility that Daniel 4:17 advocates, both in your personal life and in any spheres of influence you may have?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "watchers" and "holy ones" mentioned in Daniel 4:17?**

Answer: The "watchers" (Aramaic, `iyr) and "holy ones" (Aramaic, qaddishin) are generally understood to be angelic beings. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, there were often concepts of divine councils or assemblies. In the monotheistic context of Daniel, these are not independent deities but rather faithful agents of the one true God. They are depicted as celestial observers and executors of God's decrees, participating in the divine council that determines the course of human events, particularly concerning judgment and the establishment of rulers. Their mention emphasizes the transcendent and supernatural origin of the prophecy and its certainty.

**Why does God "set up... the basest of men" as rulers?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His unconventional methods. It signifies that God's choice of leaders is not based on human merit, social status, or perceived greatness, but solely on His divine will and purpose. By elevating those considered "lowly" or "unqualified" by human standards, God demonstrates that true power and authority reside with Him alone, not with human qualifications or pride. This serves to humble the proud, to show that human power is derivative, and to ensure that all glory for any success or order in the world ultimately goes to God. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often chooses the weak, foolish, or despised to accomplish His purposes, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the foolish things").

**What is the main message of Daniel 4:17 for believers today?**

Answer: The main message is the unwavering truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all human affairs, particularly over governments and leaders. For believers, this provides immense comfort and peace, knowing that even amidst political turmoil or the rise of seemingly oppressive regimes, God remains on the throne, working out His purposes. It calls believers to trust in God's ultimate control, to pray for their leaders (as encouraged in [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for all people")), and to live with humility, recognizing that all power and authority belong to God. It also reminds us that God's ways are often not our ways, and He can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 4:17, with its declaration of God's absolute sovereignty in the "kingdom of men" and His prerogative to "set up over it the basest of men," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar's humbling demonstrated God's power over earthly kings, Christ's life perfectly embodies the divine principle of humility leading to exaltation. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, did not come in earthly splendor or seize power through might; instead, He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was born in a humble stable, lived a life of service, and ultimately suffered the ignominious death of the cross, becoming, in human eyes, the "basest of men" in His humiliation. Yet, it was precisely through this radical humility and self-sacrifice that God "highly exalted him, and gave him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-10 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Daniel 4:17 foreshadows not just God's power to humble the proud, but His greater redemptive purpose to exalt the truly humble, culminating in Christ's universal reign, where He, the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), now rules over the true kingdom of God, demonstrating that divine power is perfected in weakness and true authority is established through sacrificial love. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God setting up the "basest of men" for the highest purpose, demonstrating God's sovereign will to redeem and rule through humility.

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

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.