Daniel 5:18

KJV

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

KJV (with Strong's)

O thou {H607} king {H4430}, the most high {H5943} God {H426} gave {H3052} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} thy father {H2} a kingdom {H4437}, and majesty {H7238}, and glory {H3367}, and honour {H1923}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Your majesty, the Most High God gave N'vukhadnetzar your father the kingdom, as well as greatness, glory and majesty.

Berean Standard Bible

As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor.

American Standard Version

O thou king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:18 initiates Daniel's powerful indictment of King Belshazzar, setting the theological stage for the interpretation of the divine handwriting on the wall. In this pivotal declaration, Daniel directly attributes Nebuchadnezzar's immense power, majesty, glory, and honor not to his own might or Babylonian deities, but to the direct bestowal of "the most high God." This statement immediately asserts God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, serving as a foundational premise for Daniel to expose Belshazzar's profound and willful disregard for this divine authority, despite having firsthand knowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling and subsequent restoration. The verse thus functions as a critical reminder of divine prerogative and a prelude to the impending judgment upon Belshazzar for his pride and blasphemy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:18 is strategically placed at the very beginning of Daniel's confrontational address to King Belshazzar, following the terrifying appearance of the mysterious handwriting on the wall. The chapter opens with Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, where he impiously commands the use of sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple for pagan revelry. This act of profound blasphemy immediately provokes divine intervention, as disembodied fingers write an inscrutable message on the palace wall, plunging the king and his court into terror. After all Babylonian wise men fail to interpret the ominous writing, Daniel is summoned. Rather than immediately interpreting the message, Daniel first delivers a scathing rebuke, beginning with verse 18. By recalling the well-known history of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's "father" (likely grandfather or predecessor), Daniel establishes a crucial historical and theological precedent. This historical reminder underscores God's absolute control over the rise and fall of empires and highlights Belshazzar's inexcusable failure to learn from the past, thereby setting the moral and spiritual framework for the divine judgment that swiftly follows and culminates in the immediate downfall of Belshazzar and the Babylonian Empire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 unfold in Babylon around 539 BC, marking the final moments of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Belshazzar, identified as king, was likely co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often absent from the capital. The lavish banquet was a typical feature of ancient Near Eastern royal courts, often characterized by excessive indulgence. However, Belshazzar's command to use the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, which had been consecrated for the worship of Yahweh and plundered by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, was an act of profound religious and political defiance. This desecration was a direct insult to the God of Israel, a public declaration of the perceived superiority of Babylonian deities, and a symbolic triumph over Yahweh. Such an act would have been seen as an extreme provocation in a culture deeply attuned to divine omens and portents. Belshazzar's actions demonstrate a willful disregard for the lessons of history, particularly the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar, which would have been a well-known and often recounted event within the royal court. The sudden, supernatural writing on the wall would have been terrifying precisely because it signaled an immediate and powerful divine response to his sacrilege.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:18 serves as a powerful thematic cornerstone within the book of Daniel, introducing and reinforcing several critical theological concepts. Firstly, it emphatically asserts **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, declaring that even the most formidable earthly empires and their rulers, such as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon, derive their authority and very existence as a direct gift from the Most High God. This truth is central to Daniel, which consistently portrays God as the supreme ruler who "removes kings and sets up kings" [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Accountability of Rulers** before God. While God grants power, He also holds those in authority responsible for their conduct and their reverence toward Him. Belshazzar's profound failure to heed the lessons from Nebuchadnezzar's experience, detailed extensively in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"), exemplifies this accountability, leading directly to his swift and decisive judgment. Finally, the verse functions as a potent **Warning Against Pride**. By reminding Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's initial exaltation and subsequent humbling due to his arrogance, Daniel implicitly warns Belshazzar against succumbing to the same destructive sin. Belshazzar's defiant pride and blasphemy, despite his knowledge of God's power and Nebuchadnezzar's fate, are presented as the direct catalyst for his downfall, powerfully echoing 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 Precedes Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Most high God (Aramaic, _ʻillay ʻĕlâhh'_):** This compound phrase combines H5943 (_ʻillay_), meaning "supreme" or "(most) high," and H426 (_ʼĕlâhh_), the general Aramaic term for "God." Together, they emphasize God's supreme elevation, transcendence, and ultimate authority above all earthly powers, human rulers, and pagan deities. It is a consistent descriptor for God throughout the book of Daniel, highlighting His unparalleled dominion over kingdoms and kings, a crucial concept in a book dealing with the rise and fall of empires and the ultimate victory of God's eternal kingdom.
* **Gave (Aramaic, _yᵉhab'_):** From H3052, meaning "to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put." This word is crucial as it directly attributes the source of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, majesty, glory, and honor to God. It explicitly states that these were not earned or seized by Nebuchadnezzar's own power or military might alone, but were a divine bestowal. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of human history, even in the rise of pagan empires.
* **Kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** From H4437, meaning "dominion (abstractly or concretely); kingdom, kingly, realm, reign." This term refers to the vast and powerful Babylonian Empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar. Its inclusion here, alongside "majesty, glory, and honour," underscores the comprehensive nature of God's gift. It was not merely a personal status, but the very political and territorial entity that defined Nebuchadnezzar's reign, affirming God's ultimate authority over all earthly realms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O thou king,"**: Daniel begins his address directly to Belshazzar, using a formal, yet pointed, form of address. This opening immediately captures the king's attention and sets a tone of direct confrontation and solemn declaration, rather than a mere interpretation, underscoring the gravity of the message he is about to deliver.
* **"the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom,"**: This clause delivers the core theological assertion of the verse. Daniel states unequivocally that Nebuchadnezzar's vast empire and royal authority were not achieved by his own strength or by the will of Babylonian gods, but were a direct, sovereign gift from "the most high God"—the God of Israel. This establishes the divine origin of all earthly power and immediately introduces the critical comparison between Nebuchadnezzar's experience and Belshazzar's current, perilous situation.
* **"and majesty, and glory, and honour:"**: This final phrase elaborates on the comprehensive nature of God's bestowal, listing four distinct aspects of royal power and renown: "kingdom" (already mentioned), "majesty" (greatness, dignity, splendor), "glory" (value, splendor, and reputation), and "honour" (magnificence, respect, and high standing). These terms collectively describe the full scope of Nebuchadnezzar's exalted status and the immense power and prestige of the Babylonian Empire, all attributed to the divine Giver, thus magnifying Belshazzar's subsequent ingratitude and pride.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Recapitulation**, as Daniel deliberately recounts the history of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, specifically emphasizing the divine source of his immense power. This historical review serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of Belshazzar's own imminent downfall, implicitly warning that if God bestowed power, He can also decisively withdraw it. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the cumulative listing of "kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour," which highlights the immense scope of what God had graciously given Nebuchadnezzar, thereby magnifying Belshazzar's subsequent ingratitude and blasphemous defiance. Furthermore, there is a stark implicit **Contrast** being drawn between Nebuchadnezzar, who eventually humbled himself before the Most High God (as extensively detailed in Daniel 4), and Belshazzar, who, despite knowing this history, defiantly blasphemes God. This contrast underscores the profound moral and spiritual stakes of the narrative and explains the swiftness of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:18 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and human history. It teaches that no king or empire rises to prominence by their own might alone; rather, all authority, dominion, and honor are ultimately gifts from the Most High God. This divine prerogative is not limited to Israel's kings but extends even to pagan rulers, demonstrating God's universal reign and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. The verse sets a crucial precedent for the accountability of all rulers before God, emphasizing that power is a stewardship, not an inherent right. Belshazzar's failure to learn from Nebuchadnezzar's humbling serves as a stark warning against pride and defiance of divine authority, reinforcing the principle that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Appoints Rulers")
* [Proverbs 8:15](/proverbs/8-15 "Proverbs 8:15 - Wisdom by Which Kings Reign")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Authority Instituted by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:18 offers a timeless and profound challenge to our understanding of power, authority, and humility in every sphere of life. It compels us to recognize that all blessings, talents, positions of influence, and even material possessions are ultimately derived from God's gracious hand. This perspective cultivates a spirit of humility, reminding us that our achievements are not solely a result of our own efforts but are enabled by divine favor. For those in positions of leadership, whether in family, church, business, or government, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that authority is a stewardship entrusted by God, demanding integrity, justice, and a humble acknowledgment of His ultimate sovereignty. It warns against the seductive nature of pride, which can blind us to our dependence on God and lead to spiritual and practical downfall. In personal challenges or times of societal turmoil, the truth that God is the "Most High God" who gives and takes away kingdoms provides immense comfort and assurance, fostering trust that He remains in control, working His purposes even through seemingly chaotic circumstances. Our response should be one of humble gratitude, faithful stewardship, and unwavering reverence for the one true King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to attribute success or authority solely to my own efforts, rather than acknowledging God as the ultimate source?**
* **How does the story of Nebuchadnezzar, as recalled by Daniel, challenge my own tendencies toward pride or self-reliance?**
* **If all power and honor come from God, how should that truth shape my approach to leadership, influence, or even daily interactions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my life?**

### FAQ

**Why does Daniel refer to Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar's "father"? Was he his biological father?**

Answer: While the term "father" (Aramaic: _ʼab_) can literally mean biological father, in ancient Near Eastern contexts, it was also commonly used to denote a predecessor, an ancestor, or a dynastic founder, particularly in royal genealogies. In this case, Nebuchadnezzar was likely Belshazzar's grandfather, or perhaps simply a significant royal predecessor whose reign and experiences were directly relevant to Belshazzar's own rule. Daniel's use of "father" here emphasizes the direct historical and moral lineage, implying that Belshazzar should have learned from Nebuchadnezzar's experiences, especially his humbling and acknowledgment of the Most High God, as recounted in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"). It highlights Belshazzar's inexcusable ignorance or willful disregard of a crucial lesson from his own royal heritage.

**What is the significance of the title "the most high God" in Daniel 5:18?**

Answer: The title "the most high God" (Aramaic: _ʻillay ʻĕlâhh_) is profoundly significant. It emphasizes God's supreme transcendence and absolute sovereignty over all other deities and earthly powers. In a polytheistic environment like Babylon, where various gods were worshipped and kings often claimed divine favor or even divinity themselves, Daniel's repeated use of this title throughout the book of Daniel, and specifically here, is a direct theological challenge. It asserts that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the ultimate, supreme, and sovereign ruler of the universe, who alone bestows and removes kingdoms. This title underscores the blasphemy of Belshazzar's actions, as he defied the very God who had established his "father's" kingdom, demonstrating a profound lack of reverence for the true source of all power. It sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all earthly empires, a central theme of the entire book, as seen in [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Eternal Kingdom of the Most High").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:18, by declaring that "the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour," powerfully establishes God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly dominion, a truth that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was a temporary, earthly realm, given and taken away by God, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the true and eternal King 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"). The "most high God" who bestowed temporary earthly power is the same God who has now exalted His Son, Jesus, to the highest place, granting Him a name that is above every name [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above All"). Unlike earthly kings who are prone to pride and eventual downfall like Belshazzar, Christ perfectly embodied humility, even to the point of death on a cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility"). He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is worthy to open the scroll and reign [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"). The temporary kingdoms of this world, including Babylon, will ultimately give way to the eternal, indestructible kingdom of God, over which Christ reigns supreme, a kingdom that will never be destroyed [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom"). Thus, Daniel 5:18 foreshadows the ultimate reality that all true and lasting "kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour" belong to Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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 2:37

Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

Daniel 2:38

And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.

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.

Acts 26:19

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Lamentations 3:38

Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?

Psalms 7:17

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Deuteronomy 32:8

When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.