Daniel 4:32

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

And they shall drive {H2957} thee from {H4481} men {H606}, and thy dwelling {H4070} shall be with {H5974} the beasts {H2423} of the field {H1251}: they shall make thee to eat {H2939} grass {H6211} as oxen {H8450}, and seven {H7655} times {H5732} shall pass {H2499} over {H5922} thee, until {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 to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.โ€

and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Commentary

Daniel 4:32 is a pivotal verse in King Nebuchadnezzar's testimony, recounting the divine judgment pronounced upon him for his immense pride and subsequent restoration. It directly details the consequences of defying God's supreme authority and the ultimate purpose of his humbling experience.

Context

This verse is part of King Nebuchadnezzar's personal account, written after his period of madness and subsequent restoration. It describes the fulfillment of a dream he had, which Daniel, the prophet, interpreted. The dream, detailed in Daniel chapter 4, warned the king of impending judgment if he did not humble himself before God. Specifically, the prophecy in Daniel 4:25 foretold that he would be driven from mankind and live like a beast until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. Daniel 4:32 confirms the precise nature and duration of this judgment, emphasizing that it would last "seven times" until the king learned a critical lesson about divine rule.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The central message is God's absolute control over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. No human authority, no matter how powerful, can operate outside of His ultimate will. This is highlighted by the phrase "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will."
  • Humility and Pride: Nebuchadnezzar's downfall was a direct consequence of his arrogance, as seen in Daniel 4:30 where he boasts of his own power. This verse illustrates the biblical principle that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." God actively humbles the proud.
  • God's Patience and Purpose: While severe, the judgment was not final. The "seven times" indicates a set duration, after which restoration was possible once the king acknowledged God. This demonstrates God's desire for rulers and all people to recognize His authority, even through disciplinary measures. Nebuchadnezzar's eventual praise of God in Daniel 4:34-37 shows the success of this humbling process.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Seven times" (ืฉึดืื‘ึฐืขึธื” ืขึดื“ึธึผื ึดื™ืŸ, shiv'ah 'iddanin): This Aramaic phrase is commonly understood to mean seven years. In prophetic literature, "times" (ืขึดื“ึธึผืŸ, 'iddan) can denote a year or a season. The duration emphasizes a significant, divinely appointed period of judgment and transformation.
  • "Most High" (ืขืœื™ื•ืŸ, Elyon): This Hebrew/Aramaic title for God emphasizes His supreme, exalted position above all other beings and powers. It signifies His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all creation, including human governments.

Practical Application

Daniel 4:32 serves as a timeless reminder for all, especially those in positions of power, that true authority originates from God. It encourages humility and warns against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. For believers, it reinforces faith in God's sovereign control over world events and leaders, reminding us that He "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21). We are called to acknowledge His lordship in all aspects of our lives and to trust that His purposes will prevail, even through challenging circumstances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 8:15

    By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

  • Proverbs 8:16

    By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.

  • Job 12:18

    He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.

  • Job 12:21

    He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

  • Joshua 4:24

    That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.