Daniel 4:23

KJV

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

KJV (with Strong's)

And whereas the king {H4430} saw {H2370} a watcher {H5894} and an holy one {H6922} coming down {H5182} from {H4481} heaven {H8065}, and saying {H560}, Hew {H1414} the tree {H363} down {H1414}, and destroy {H2255} it; yet {H1297} leave {H7662} the stump {H6136} of the roots {H8330} thereof in the earth {H772}, even with a band {H613} of iron {H6523} and brass {H5174}, in the tender grass {H1883} of the field {H1251}; and let it be wet {H6647} with the dew {H2920} of heaven {H8065}, and let his portion {H2508} be with {H5974} the beasts {H2423} of the field {H1251}, till {H5705} seven {H7655} times {H5732} pass {H2499} over {H5922} him;

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Now the king saw a holy watcher coming down from heaven, who said, "'"Cut down the tree, and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze, in the lush grass of the countryside; let him be drenched with dew from the sky and share the lot of the wild animals until seven seasons pass over him."

Berean Standard Bible

And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and graze with the beasts of the field till seven times pass him by.’

American Standard Version

And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven: and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:23 encapsulates the profound core of Nebuchadnezzar's second prophetic dream, detailing the divine decree delivered by a celestial messenger concerning the symbolic "tree" that represents the king and his vast, flourishing empire. This verse precisely outlines the judgment of temporary humiliation and loss of sanity for the proud monarch, yet it simultaneously reveals God's preserving grace through the command to leave the stump. This preserved remnant signifies a future restoration after a specified period of "seven times," during which Nebuchadnezzar would live like a beast of the field, compelled to learn the profound and undeniable lesson of divine sovereignty over all earthly dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humiliation") opens with King Nebuchadnezzar's personal testimony, recounting a terrifying dream that deeply troubled him, much like his earlier dream in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"). Unlike the first, this dream's details are remembered by the king, though its interpretation eludes him and his Babylonian wise men. Daniel is subsequently called upon to interpret the vision. The dream itself, vividly described in [Daniel 4:10-18](/daniel/4-10-18 "Daniel 4:10-18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Tree"), portrays a magnificent tree reaching to the heavens, providing shelter and sustenance to all creatures, which is then supernaturally commanded to be cut down by a "watcher" from heaven, with only its stump remaining. Verse 23 is Daniel's direct, Spirit-inspired interpretation of this divine command, elaborating on the specific conditions of the impending judgment and the crucial preservation of the king's kingdom. This interpretation sets the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of the prophecy in [Daniel 4:28-33](/daniel/4-28-33 "Daniel 4:28-33 - Fulfillment of the Dream"), culminating in Nebuchadnezzar's profound transformation, restoration, and praise of the Most High God in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nebuchadnezzar reigned as the most powerful monarch of his era, presiding over the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had decisively conquered Judah and orchestrated the Babylonian exile of its people. Babylon itself stood as a monumental testament to his power and ambition, renowned throughout the ancient world for its immense defensive walls, the legendary Hanging Gardens, and its grand ziggurats and temples. The king's profound self-exaltation, explicitly articulated in his boast in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast"), was characteristic of many ancient Near Eastern kings who frequently attributed their vast successes and dominion to their own inherent might or the special favor of their national deities. The concept of a "watcher" or "holy one"—angelic beings—descending from heaven to execute divine decrees, while unique in its specific phrasing within Daniel 4, aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical understanding of God's active use of heavenly hosts to intervene in human affairs, enforce His sovereign will, and bring about His purposes, as powerfully demonstrated in passages like [Psalm 103:20](/psalms/103-20 "Psalm 103:20 - Angels Obeying God's Word").
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful conduit for several overarching themes that resonate throughout the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, which is emphatically underscored by the revelation that even the most formidable earthly rulers and empires are ultimately subject to the supreme, unchallengeable authority of God, who "rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")). Intricately linked to this is the theme of **Pride and Humiliation**, where Nebuchadnezzar's overweening arrogance precipitates a divinely ordained period of severe humbling, powerfully illustrating the timeless biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")). Furthermore, the vivid imagery of the "stump" and the "band of iron and brass" introduces the profound theme of **Preservation and Restoration**, indicating that God's judgment, while severe, is not always an act of final destruction but can serve as a disciplinary process designed to lead to repentance, transformation, and ultimately, renewed blessing, as dramatically evidenced in Nebuchadnezzar's ultimate confession and restoration in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **watcher (Aramaic, _ʻîyr'_):** This Aramaic term (H5894), unique in its specific usage to Daniel 4, refers to a celestial being, an angel, specifically one who observes human affairs and executes divine judgments. The plural form "watchers" in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "The Decree of the Watchers") suggests a class of such beings. Their role in delivering the decree against Nebuchadnezzar underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the judgment, emphasizing that it is not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of heaven.
* **holy one (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew _qadosh_, this Aramaic term (H6922) describes a sacred being, often referring to God Himself, an angel, or a saint. Paired with "watcher," it emphasizes the purity, authority, and divine origin of the messenger and the message. It highlights that the judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from a holy, righteous, and just God, whose decrees are inviolable.
* **times (Aramaic, _ʻiddân'_):** This Aramaic word (H5732) denotes a "set time" or a "season," and in this particular context, it is widely interpreted by scholars to mean "years." The "seven times" therefore refers to a precise seven-year period during which Nebuchadnezzar would endure his period of madness and animalistic existence. This specific duration underscores the exactness of the divine judgment and the predetermined timing for the king's subsequent restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it;":** This initial clause reiterates Nebuchadnezzar's terrifying vision of the divine decree. The "watcher and an holy one" are explicitly identified as angelic agents of God, signifying that the judgment is not a mere dream or a natural consequence, but a direct, deliberate, and authoritative act of divine intervention. The command to "hew the tree down, and destroy it" powerfully symbolizes the king's impending dethronement, the stripping away of his immense power, glory, and even his sanity, representing a severe and profoundly humiliating judgment.
* **"yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field;":** This critical part of the divine decree reveals God's preserving grace and redemptive purpose amidst the judgment. The "stump" represents the enduring essence of Nebuchadnezzar's life and the potential for his kingdom's continuation, indicating that the judgment is not total annihilation but a temporary suspension of his rule. The "band of iron and brass" signifies a divinely imposed, unbreakable restraint or protective measure, ensuring that the stump (and thus the kingdom's potential for restoration) is preserved and rooted in the earth (symbolizing its continued existence and eventual regrowth) through the period of judgment.
* **"and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;":** This final section meticulously details the conditions of Nebuchadnezzar's profound humiliation and the precise duration of the judgment. Being "wet with the dew of heaven" and having his "portion with the beasts of the field" vividly describes his descent into a state of animalistic existence, living exposed to the elements and behaving like a wild animal. This imagery emphasizes the complete reversal of his royal status. The phrase "till seven times pass over him" specifies the exact duration of this period of madness and humiliation, after which the restoration promised by the preserved stump could occur, contingent upon his recognition of God's sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:23 is exceptionally rich in **Symbolism** and vivid **Imagery**. The most prominent symbol is the "tree," which represents King Nebuchadnezzar and his vast, flourishing empire, providing shelter and sustenance to many nations. Its being "hewn down" is a powerful image of his sudden, dramatic, and divinely ordained fall from power and sanity. The "stump of the roots" symbolizes the preservation of his life and the potential for his kingdom's restoration, implying that even in the midst of severe judgment, God maintains a remnant and a pathway for future renewal. The "band of iron and brass" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for a divinely ordained, unbreakable restraint or protective measure, ensuring the stump's survival and the eventual re-establishment of the kingdom. The vivid **Imagery** of the king's "portion with the beasts of the field" and being "wet with the dew of heaven" powerfully conveys his abject humiliation and descent into an animalistic existence, emphasizing the radical and transformative nature of God's disciplinary action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:23 profoundly illustrates God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering willingness to humble the proud and self-exalting. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that true authority, lasting dominion, and genuine power emanate solely from Him, not from human might, military conquest, or self-exaltation. The judgment executed upon Nebuchadnezzar serves as a stark and timeless reminder that God "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")), orchestrating events in human history to achieve His righteous purposes and to ensure that all glory ultimately redounds to His name. The preservation of the stump, even with the binding "band of iron and brass," speaks volumes about God's redemptive patience, His enduring covenant faithfulness, and His profound desire for restoration, even for those who have defiantly opposed Him, provided they humble themselves and acknowledge His supreme and universal rule.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Opposes the Proud")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "God Exalts and Humbles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:23 offers a timeless, potent, and deeply personal lesson for all individuals, from the most powerful leaders to the humblest among us. It serves as a profound warning against the insidious dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and attributing our successes solely to our own efforts. This passage vividly reminds us that any success, power, influence, or blessing we possess is ultimately a gracious gift from God. To forget this fundamental truth, and to attribute our achievements solely to ourselves, is to invite divine correction and humbling. Nebuchadnezzar's extraordinary experience teaches us that God is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to bring about humility and a recognition of His absolute sovereignty, even if it necessitates a period of severe humbling and profound discomfort. Yet, the divine command to preserve the stump also offers immense hope: God's judgment is often redemptive, designed not for ultimate destruction but for transformation, restoration, and a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. We are therefore called to cultivate a spirit of profound humility and unwavering gratitude in our daily lives, consciously recognizing God's sovereign hand in all circumstances and trusting in His ultimate control over our lives and the entire world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be prone to pride, self-reliance, or a failure to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience challenge my personal understanding of success, power, and authority in my own life or in the world?**
* **What does the "band of iron and brass" on the stump teach me about God's preserving grace and enduring faithfulness, even in times of severe judgment or personal difficulty?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a spirit of humility, dependence, and gratitude in my daily walk, consistently recognizing God's hand in all circumstances and giving Him the glory?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "watcher and an holy one" in this dream?**

Answer: The "watcher and an holy one" (Aramaic: _ʻîyr w'qaddîysh_) are angelic beings, celestial messengers dispatched directly by God. Their appearance in Nebuchadnezzar's dream is profoundly significant because it signifies that the dream's message and the subsequent judgment are not mere coincidences, a product of the king's subconscious, or a random event. Instead, they represent a direct, authoritative, and divinely ordained decree from the Most High God. These angelic figures are agents of divine justice, demonstrating unequivocally that God is actively and intimately involved in the affairs of human kings and kingdoms, observing their actions and executing His sovereign will, as further emphasized in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Decree of the Watchers").

**What does the "band of iron and brass" symbolize?**

Answer: The "band of iron and brass" symbolizes a divinely imposed, unbreakable restraint or protective measure. While the "tree" (representing Nebuchadnezzar) was commanded to be cut down, the stump was explicitly instructed to remain, bound by these incredibly strong metals. This imagery indicates that the judgment was not intended for total annihilation or the complete end of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, but rather for a period of preservation and temporary suspension. The band ensured that the "stump"—representing the enduring essence of Nebuchadnezzar's life and the potential for his dynasty's continuation—would be protected and preserved through the agonizing period of his madness, allowing for his eventual restoration and the re-establishment of his rule after he had learned his crucial lesson about God's supreme and universal authority, as dramatically fulfilled in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 4:23 describes a severe judgment upon an earthly king due to his pride, its deeper theological truths find profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment. The dramatic cutting down of the mighty tree and the subsequent humbling of Nebuchadnezzar powerfully foreshadow the ultimate triumph of God's humble King, Jesus Christ. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who was brought low by divine decree because of his overweening pride, Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He willingly embraced profound humiliation, not as punishment for pride, but as the redemptive path to ultimate exaltation and the salvation of humanity. The "watcher and an holy one" delivering a divine decree in Daniel points to the ultimate divine messenger, Christ Himself, who came from heaven to declare God's perfect will and to execute His eternal plan of salvation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation")). Furthermore, the preservation of the "stump" with a "band of iron and brass" can be seen as a powerful type of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His enduring redemptive purpose, even through periods of judgment. This finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who, though "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant")), was gloriously raised from the dead, ensuring not just a temporary restoration but eternal life and an everlasting kingdom for all who believe in Him ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of Christ")). He is the true and eternal King, whose kingdom will never be cut down, and whose humble reign brings true life, spiritual restoration, and everlasting dominion to all who submit to 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

Daniel 5:21

And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

Daniel 4:13

I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

Daniel 4:16

Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.