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.

That they shall drive {H2957} thee from {H4481} men {H606}, and thy dwelling {H4070} shall be {H1934} with {H5974} the beasts {H2423} of the field {H1251}, and they shall make thee to eat {H2939} grass {H6211} as oxen {H8450}, and they shall wet {H6647} thee with the dew {H2920} of heaven {H8065}, and seven {H7655} times {H5732} shall pass {H2499} over {H5922} thee, till {H5705} thou 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}.

"'You will be driven from human society to live with the wild animals. You will be made to eat grass like an ox and be drenched with dew from the sky, as seven seasons pass over you; until you learn that the Most High rules in the human kingdom and gives it to whomever he pleases.

You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.

that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet 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.

Commentary

Daniel 4:25 is a pivotal verse in King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling prophecy, delivered by the prophet Daniel. It outlines the specific details of the king's impending judgment and the duration of his affliction, culminating in his recognition of God's supreme authority.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's second great dream, recorded in Daniel 4:10-17. The dream depicted a magnificent tree that was cut down, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's immense power and subsequent fall. Daniel, guided by God, revealed that the tree's destruction represented the king's temporary madness and expulsion from human society. This severe discipline was a direct consequence of Nebuchadnezzar's escalating pride, particularly his boastful declaration in Daniel 4:30 about his own power in building Babylon. Verse 25 succinctly describes the nature and purpose of this divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The core message is that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." This powerfully asserts God's absolute control over all earthly powers and rulers, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book of Daniel. This concept is also emphasized in Daniel 4:17 and Daniel 2:21.
  • Humility and Judgment: Nebuchadnezzar's transformation into a beast-like state serves as a stark warning against pride and self-exaltation. God uses drastic measures to humble those who refuse to acknowledge His supremacy. It underscores the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction.
  • Discipline for Recognition: The phrase "till thou know that the most High ruleth" reveals the remedial nature of this judgment. It wasn't merely punitive but designed to bring Nebuchadnezzar to a genuine understanding and acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority. The outcome, described in Daniel 4:34-37, shows this purpose was fulfilled.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Seven times": This phrase is widely interpreted by scholars to mean seven years. This period signifies the duration of Nebuchadnezzar's affliction, a literal span of time during which he would suffer from a form of lycanthropy or boanthropy, living like an animal until his sanity returned and he recognized God's rule.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:25 offers enduring lessons for all people, especially those in positions of power:

  • Acknowledge God's Authority: It is a powerful reminder that all human authority is delegated and ultimately subservient to God's sovereign will. No earthly ruler, government, or individual is beyond God's ultimate control.
  • Beware of Pride: The narrative serves as a timeless cautionary tale against arrogance and self-sufficiency. True wisdom begins with the recognition of God's greatness and our dependence on Him.
  • God's Patience and Purpose in Discipline: Even severe trials and difficulties can be God's way of bringing us to a deeper understanding of His character and our need for Him. His discipline is often aimed at restoration, not just punishment, leading us to humility and genuine faith.
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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

  • Daniel 4:17 (10 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.

  • Jeremiah 27:5 (8 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 83:18 (7 votes)

    That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

  • Daniel 2:21 (5 votes)

    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:

  • Psalms 106:20 (4 votes)

    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

  • Job 30:3 (3 votes)

    For want and famine [they were] solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.

  • Job 30:8 (3 votes)

    [They were] children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.