Daniel 4:24

KJV

This [is] the interpretation, O king, and this [is] the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H1836} is the interpretation {H6591}, O king {H4430}, and this {H1932} is the decree {H1510} of the most High {H5943}, which is come {H4291} upon {H5922} my lord {H4756} the king {H4430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the interpretation, your majesty; and it is the decree of the Most High that has come upon my lord the king:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king:

American Standard Version

this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:24 serves as the pivotal moment in Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's terrifying dream, directly revealing the divine judgment awaiting the proud Babylonian monarch. This verse transitions from the symbolic imagery of the dream to its explicit, inescapable meaning, declaring that the interpretation is not merely human insight but a sovereign "decree of the most High" that is certain to befall the king himself. It underscores God's absolute authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, setting the stage for Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4:24 is situated at the crucial juncture of Daniel chapter 4, following Nebuchadnezzar's recounting of his disturbing dream (Daniel 4:4-18) and the failure of his own wise men to interpret it. Daniel, after expressing initial distress and compassion for the king (Daniel 4:19), now begins to deliver the divinely revealed meaning. This verse marks the commencement of the direct, unambiguous explanation of the dream's symbolism, specifically linking the magnificent tree to Nebuchadnezzar himself and the tree's felling to an impending period of severe humiliation. It immediately precedes the detailed prophecy of the king's madness and subsequent restoration, establishing the divine origin and certainty of these events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire at the height of its power and splendor under King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). Babylon was the dominant world power, and Nebuchadnezzar was renowned for his military conquests and monumental building projects, including the Hanging Gardens and the massive city walls. This historical backdrop highlights the immense pride and self-sufficiency that characterized the king, who attributed his achievements solely to his own might. In this context, a message of divine judgment and humiliation, delivered by a Jewish exile to such a powerful monarch, would have been profoundly counter-cultural and audacious, emphasizing the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 4:24 is central to several overarching themes within the Book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, explicitly stating that the interpretation is "the decree of the most High." This reinforces the recurring message that God, and not human rulers, ultimately holds dominion over all earthly kingdoms and affairs, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Removes and Sets Up Kings") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Judgment on Pride**, foreshadowing the humiliation that will befall Nebuchadnezzar due to his arrogance and failure to acknowledge God as the source of his power. This aligns with biblical wisdom that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Lastly, it underscores **Prophetic Clarity and Certainty**, as Daniel delivers God's unvarnished truth directly to the king, emphasizing the inevitability of the divine word's fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **decree (Aramaic, _gᵉzêrâh_):** From a root meaning "to cut" or "to decide," this word signifies a definitive, binding, and authoritative edict or judgment. Its use here emphasizes that the interpretation is not merely a prediction but a divinely ordained, unalterable decision that will certainly come to pass. It highlights the absolute authority behind the message.
* **most High (Aramaic, _ʻillay_):** This is a significant title for God, emphasizing His supreme, elevated position and ultimate authority over all creation and all earthly powers. It underscores that the judgment against Nebuchadnezzar originates from the ultimate Sovereign, not from any earthly source or mere human interpretation, thereby lending it irrefutable weight and universal scope.
* **come (Aramaic, _mᵉṭâʼ_):** This verb, meaning "to arrive," "extend," or "happen," conveys the certainty and imminence of the divine judgment. It indicates that the decree is not a distant possibility but an active, unfolding reality that is directly and personally "upon" the king, signifying its unavoidable and immediate impact on his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the interpretation, O king":** Daniel directly addresses Nebuchadnezzar, confirming that what he is about to declare is the precise meaning of the king's dream. This direct address makes the message personal and unavoidable, leaving no room for misunderstanding or denial on the king's part. It establishes Daniel's role as the divinely appointed revealer of mysteries.
* **"and this [is] the decree of the most High":** This clause is the theological core of the verse. It asserts that the interpretation is not Daniel's own wisdom or conjecture, but a direct, immutable command originating from God Himself, referred to by the exalted title "the Most High." This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of human rulers and nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly monarch is subject to His ultimate will.
* **"which is come upon my lord the king":** This final phrase brings the divine decree into immediate and personal focus. The judgment is not abstract or general but specifically directed at Nebuchadnezzar. The use of "my lord the king" maintains a respectful tone, even as Daniel delivers a message of impending humiliation, underscoring the prophet's humility and adherence to proper protocol despite the gravity of his words. It signifies the certainty and direct application of the judgment to the king's life.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Daniel speaks plainly and personally to "O king," ensuring the message's immediacy and inescapable relevance to Nebuchadnezzar. This directness enhances the impact of the prophecy. There is also a subtle use of **Repetition** in the structure "This is... and this is...," which serves to emphasize the dual nature of Daniel's declaration: it is both an interpretation of a dream and a divinely ordained "decree." This parallelism reinforces the certainty and authoritative source of the message. Furthermore, the phrase "decree of the most High" functions as a powerful **Declaration of Divine Authority**, serving as a theological anchor that grounds the entire interpretation in God's supreme power. This contrasts sharply with Nebuchadnezzar's earthly might, highlighting the ultimate source of all dominion. Finally, the verse acts as a dramatic **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the detailed description of Nebuchadnezzar's impending humiliation and subsequent restoration, building suspense and anticipation for the fulfillment of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:24 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute and active sovereignty over all human affairs, particularly the rise and fall of nations and rulers. It asserts that no earthly power, however mighty or proud, can ultimately withstand or circumvent the "decree of the Most High." This concept challenges any humanistic worldview that posits self-sufficiency or denies divine intervention, revealing that even the most formidable empires operate under the permissive or directive will of God. The verse also highlights the principle that divine judgment is often a direct response to human pride and self-exaltation, a recurring theme throughout Scripture where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. It serves as a stark reminder that true authority and wisdom reside not in human achievement but in humble submission to the Creator.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:24 offers timeless truths for personal and societal reflection. It compels us to confront our own understanding of power, authority, and success. In a world that often celebrates self-made individuals and human achievement, this verse serves as a potent reminder that all true authority and blessing ultimately derive from God. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that any gifts, talents, or positions of influence we possess are entrusted to us by the Most High. When we fail to acknowledge God's sovereignty and succumb to pride, we invite divine correction, which, though often painful, is ultimately redemptive. This passage encourages us to heed God's warnings, to speak truth courageously when called upon, and to live in constant awareness that our lives, like the kingdoms of this world, are subject to the ultimate "decree of the Most High." It prompts us to consider where we might be building our own "Babylon" and to instead build our lives upon the unshakeable foundation of God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel 4:24 challenge our understanding of human power and authority in the modern world, particularly in political or economic spheres?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to exhibit pride or self-sufficiency, and how can you cultivate a deeper spirit of humility before God?**
* **What comfort or warning does the "decree of the Most High" offer to you personally regarding your circumstances or future?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Daniel calling God "the Most High" in this context?**

Answer: The title "the Most High" (`‘Illay` in Aramaic) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme, ultimate authority and transcendence over all earthly powers, including the mightiest king, Nebuchadnezzar. In a polytheistic culture where kings often claimed divine status or were seen as representatives of their gods, Daniel's repeated use of "the Most High" throughout the book (e.g., [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men")) serves to unequivocally declare that the God of Israel is the one true, sovereign ruler of the universe. This title underscores that the "decree" against Nebuchadnezzar originates from the highest possible authority, making it irresistible and unavoidable, and highlighting the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine omnipotence, as seen in [Psalm 97:9](/psalms/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - The Lord is Most High Over All the Earth").

**Why did Daniel deliver such a harsh message to the king, rather than softening it?**

Answer: Daniel, as God's prophet, was obligated to deliver the divine message accurately, completely, and without compromise, regardless of its severity or the recipient's status. While Daniel initially expressed distress and compassion for Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:19), his primary duty was faithfulness to God's revelation. The message was indeed harsh because it was a direct judgment against the king's profound pride and his failure to acknowledge God. However, it was also a divine warning and an opportunity for repentance, as Daniel later urged the king to [break off his sins by righteousness](/daniel/4-27 "Daniel 4:27 - Daniel's Counsel to Nebuchadnezzar"). Daniel's courage in speaking this unwelcome truth to the most powerful man on earth serves as a model for all who are called to proclaim God's word, even when it is challenging or unpopular.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "decree of the Most High" announced in Daniel 4:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation and subsequent restoration demonstrated God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and His power to humble the proud, Christ embodies the perfect humility and ultimate exaltation that truly reflects the Most High's decree. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled for his pride, Jesus, though [being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Humility"), but willingly [emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Incarnation"). This profound act of self-humiliation, culminating in His death on the cross, was the ultimate "decree" of the Most High for the redemption of humanity. Through Christ, the judgment due to humanity's pride and sin, which the decree against Nebuchadnezzar foreshadowed, was fully borne. Consequently, God's decree for those who humble themselves before Christ is not one of judgment, but of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. The kingdom of the Most High, which Nebuchadnezzar briefly experienced in his restoration, is fully established in Christ, who is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), and through whom [all things were created, visible and invisible](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator"). Thus, Daniel 4:24 points beyond a historical event to the eternal decree of God fulfilled in His Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly exemplifies both divine sovereignty and redemptive purpose.

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 107:40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

Job 40:11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

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.

Job 20:29

This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.