Daniel 4:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.'

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Daniel 4:32 encapsulates the severe divine judgment pronounced upon King Nebuchadnezzar, detailing the precise nature and duration of his humbling. This verse describes the king's expulsion from human society, his forced dwelling among wild animals, and his sustenance on grass like an ox, a condition prophesied to last for "seven times." The ultimate purpose of this extraordinary ordeal is explicitly stated: to compel Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of the Most High God, who alone holds ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms and bestows power according to His sovereign will. It stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute rule over human affairs and His ability to humble the proud.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 4:32 is a direct fulfillment of the dream interpretation given by the prophet Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded earlier in [Daniel chapter 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Humbling"). The chapter opens with Nebuchadnezzar's own testimony, recounting a disturbing dream of a great tree that was cut down, leaving only a stump. Daniel's interpretation, found in [Daniel 4:20-26](/daniel/4-20-26 "Daniel 4:20-26 - Daniel Interprets the Dream"), revealed that the tree represented the king himself, and its felling signified his impending fall from power and sanity. Specifically, [Daniel 4:25](/daniel/4-25 "Daniel 4:25 - The Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling") foretold his expulsion from human society and his living like a beast. Daniel 4:32 serves as the king's retrospective confirmation that this prophecy indeed came to pass exactly as foretold, underscoring the reliability of God's word and the certainty of His judgments. The verses immediately following [Daniel 4:33](/daniel/4-33 "Daniel 4:33 - The Fulfillment of the Prophecy") describe the immediate onset of the madness, leading to the king's eventual restoration and profound praise of God in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Nebuchadnezzar II was the most powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (605-562 BC), renowned for his military conquests, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Judeans, and for his magnificent building projects in Babylon. His reign marked the zenith of Babylonian power and grandeur. In this cultural milieu, kings were often seen as divine or divinely appointed, holding absolute authority. Nebuchadnezzar's pride, as evidenced in [Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast"), was not unusual for a monarch of his stature. However, the narrative of Daniel 4 challenges this human-centric view of power, asserting a higher, divine sovereignty. The concept of a king being reduced to the level of an animal would have been utterly shocking and humiliating in a society that highly valued royal dignity and human superiority over the animal kingdom. This public display of divine judgment served as a powerful lesson not only for Nebuchadnezzar but also for his vast empire, demonstrating that even the mightiest human ruler is subject to the will of the God of heaven.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Daniel. First and foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate ruler over all earthly kingdoms and rulers, as explicitly stated: "[the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Rule Over Kingdoms")." This challenges the prevailing humanistic view of power and authority. Secondly, it highlights the destructive nature of **Pride and the Necessity of Humility**. Nebuchadnezzar's downfall is a direct consequence of his arrogance, illustrating the biblical principle that "[pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before a Fall")." God actively humbles the proud to bring them to a place of recognition and submission. Lastly, the passage underscores **God's Redemptive Purpose in Judgment**. The "seven times" indicates a set, temporary duration for the judgment, not a permanent condemnation. This period of suffering was designed to bring the king to a saving knowledge of God's authority, ultimately leading to his restoration and profound praise of God, as seen in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration and Praise"), demonstrating God's desire for all people, even powerful rulers, to acknowledge His lordship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drive (Aramaic, _ṭᵉrad'_):** This word (H2957) means "to expel" or "to drive." In the context of Daniel 4:32, it signifies a forceful, involuntary expulsion of King Nebuchadnezzar from his palace and from human civilization. It conveys the complete removal of his royal status and social standing, emphasizing the severity and divine compulsion of his judgment.
* **dwelling (Aramaic, _mᵉdôwr'_):** This term (H4070) refers to "a dwelling" or habitation. Its use here highlights the stark contrast between Nebuchadnezzar's former opulent palace and his new, animalistic abode. His "dwelling with the beasts of the field" underscores the profound degradation and dehumanization he experienced as part of God's humbling process.
* **most High (Aramaic, _ʻillay'_):** This (H5943) is a title for God, meaning "supreme" or "highest." It emphasizes God's elevated and ultimate position above all creation, including human rulers and kingdoms. The entire purpose of Nebuchadnezzar's ordeal was for him to "know that the most High ruleth," signifying the recognition of God's absolute and unparalleled sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall drive thee from men,"**: This clause describes the initial phase of Nebuchadnezzar's judgment: his forced removal from human society. "They" refers to the agents of divine judgment, whether angelic or through the natural course of his madness, indicating a complete separation from his former life and human interaction.
* **"and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of the field:"**: This specifies the nature of his new existence. His habitation would be among wild animals, signifying a regression to a primitive, uncivilized state, stripped of all human dignity and comfort.
* **"they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen,"**: This details the extreme humiliation and physical transformation. Nebuchadnezzar, a king accustomed to lavish banquets, would be reduced to grazing like cattle, a clear sign of his loss of reason and human faculties, emphasizing the depth of his degradation.
* **"and seven times shall pass over thee,"**: This sets the divinely appointed duration of his affliction. "Seven times" (Aramaic, _shiv'ah 'iddanin'_) is generally understood to mean seven years, a fixed period determined by God for the king's humbling and transformation.
* **"until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,"**: This is the core purpose of the judgment. The suffering is not arbitrary but redemptive, designed to bring Nebuchadnezzar to a profound, experiential knowledge and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority over all human governments and affairs.
* **"and giveth it to whomsoever he will."**: This final clause reinforces God's absolute sovereignty, emphasizing His prerogative to appoint and depose rulers as He sees fit, independent of human will or merit. It underlines the ultimate source of all power and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 4:32 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The king's transformation into a beast-like existence, eating grass and dwelling in the field, is highly symbolic of his loss of human reason, dignity, and divine favor due to his pride. His regal status is stripped away, reducing him to the level of the very creatures he once ruled over. The **Irony** is profound: a king who boasted of his own power and achievements ([Daniel 4:30](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30 - Nebuchadnezzar's Boast")) is utterly humbled by the very God he ignored, becoming less than human in his outward condition. The phrase "seven times shall pass over thee" functions as a form of **Prophetic Time Marker**, indicating a specific, divinely ordained period for the fulfillment of the judgment. The entire narrative also serves as a powerful **Didactic Narrative**, teaching a timeless lesson about divine sovereignty and the perils of human pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 4:32 stands as a monumental declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It unequivocally asserts that human authority, no matter how vast or impressive, is ultimately derivative and subservient to the will of the Most High. Nebuchadnezzar's dramatic fall from the pinnacle of human power to the depths of animalistic existence serves as a stark object lesson that God is not merely a distant observer but an active, intervening ruler in the affairs of humanity. His judgment is purposeful, designed not merely to punish but to bring about a profound recognition of His ultimate dominion, demonstrating His patience and desire for even the most arrogant to acknowledge His rightful place. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's control over all aspects of creation and history.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Appoints Rulers")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 4:32 offers a timeless and sobering reflection on the nature of power, pride, and divine authority. For individuals, it serves as a potent reminder that true humility is not weakness but an acknowledgment of our creaturely status and God's supreme lordship. Any achievements, talents, or positions we hold are gifts from Him, and to boast in them as if they are solely our own is to invite divine correction. For leaders, especially those in positions of significant influence, this verse is a profound warning against hubris and self-exaltation. It calls for a recognition that all authority is delegated and that accountability ultimately rests with God. In a world where human leaders often forget their limitations, Daniel 4:32 powerfully asserts that God "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings")). This should inspire both awe and trust in God's sovereign control over global events, even amidst political turmoil or seemingly insurmountable challenges. Our ultimate hope and allegiance must rest in the Most High, who rules in the kingdom of men.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility before God?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty, as demonstrated in Daniel 4:32, impact my view of current world leaders and political events?**
* **What practical steps can I take to acknowledge God's rule in my daily decisions and responsibilities?**
* **How does Nebuchadnezzar's transformation from pride to praise encourage me in my own journey of faith and repentance?**

### FAQ
**What does "seven times shall pass over thee" mean in Daniel 4:32?**

Answer: The phrase "seven times" (Aramaic: _shiv'ah 'iddanin_) is widely understood by biblical scholars to mean seven years. The Aramaic word for "times" (_'iddan_) can refer to a specific period or a year, and in the context of a prolonged period of living like a beast, seven years makes the most contextual sense. This duration signifies a divinely appointed period for Nebuchadnezzar's humbling and eventual restoration, emphasizing that God's judgment is not arbitrary but has a set purpose and a defined end.

**Was Nebuchadnezzar's madness a literal event or a symbolic one?**

Answer: The text of Daniel 4 presents Nebuchadnezzar's madness as a literal, historical event. The detailed description of his behavior—being driven from men, dwelling with beasts, eating grass, and his hair growing like eagles' feathers and nails like birds' claws ([Daniel 4:33](/daniel/4-33 "Daniel 4:33 - The Fulfillment of the Prophecy"))—points to a severe mental illness, possibly a form of clinical lycanthropy or boanthropy, where a person believes they are an animal. The narrative's emphasis on his eventual restoration and his subsequent praise of God further supports the literal interpretation of his affliction and recovery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 4:32 directly concerns the judgment and humbling of a pagan king, its profound theological truths find ultimate fulfillment and illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar's forced recognition that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will" foreshadows the ultimate reign of God through His Son. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by force due to his pride, Jesus, though "[being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Divine Nature")," yet "[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 - Christ's Humiliation")." His voluntary humiliation, culminating in His death on the cross, was not a judgment but a redemptive act, demonstrating the ultimate humility and obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Because of this unparalleled humility and obedience, God has "[highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")," ensuring that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the sovereignty declared in Daniel 4:32 is ultimately realized in Christ, who is now "[King of kings, and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")," to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Nebuchadnezzar's humbling pointed to the truth that all human power is temporary; Christ's reign is eternal and absolute.

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

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.