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Daniel 5:21

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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.

And he was driven {H2957} from {H4481} the sons {H1123} of men {H606}; and his heart {H3825} was made {H7739} like {H5974} the beasts {H2423}, and his dwelling {H4070} was with the wild asses {H6167}: they fed {H2939} him with grass {H6211} like oxen {H8450}, and his body {H1655} was wet {H6647} with the dew {H2920} of heaven {H8065}; till {H5705} he knew {H3046} that the most high {H5943} God {H426} ruled {H7990} in the kingdom {H4437} of men {H606}, and that he appointeth {H6966} over {H5922} it whomsoever {H4479} he will {H6634}.

He was driven from human society, his heart was made like that of an animal, he lived with the wild donkeys, he was fed with grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky; until he learned that the Most High God rules in the human kingdom and sets up over it whomever he pleases.

He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes.

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; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that the Most High God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he setteth up over it whomsoever he will.

Commentary

This verse, Daniel 5:21, is a pivotal part of Daniel's stern rebuke to King Belshazzar during the infamous feast where the "handwriting on the wall" appeared. Daniel is reminding Belshazzar of the severe humbling of his predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar, as a direct warning against his own pride and idolatry.

Historical and Cultural Context

Daniel is recounting the seven-year period of madness and degradation that King Nebuchadnezzar experienced, as detailed in Daniel chapter 4. Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful king of Babylon, had grown immensely proud of his kingdom and his own accomplishments, failing to give glory to God. This verse summarizes the divine judgment that reduced him from a mighty monarch to one living like an animal, eating grass and exposed to the elements, until he acknowledged the true God. Daniel uses this historical precedent to highlight Belshazzar's inexcusable arrogance, as he had witnessed or known of this powerful lesson yet still defied the Most High.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The overarching theme is that God is the supreme ruler over all earthly kingdoms and human affairs. He "appointeth over it whomsoever he will," underscoring His absolute authority over nations and their leaders. This concept is central to Daniel's message throughout the book.
  • Consequences of Pride: Nebuchadnezzar's transformation into a beast-like state was a direct consequence of his elevated pride and refusal to acknowledge God's supremacy. It serves as a powerful warning against human arrogance and self-exaltation.
  • Humility and Recognition of God: The suffering endured by Nebuchadnezzar was specifically "till he knew that the most high God ruled." His restoration came only after he humbled himself and recognized God's dominion. This emphasizes that true understanding, peace, and restoration come through submission to God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "his heart was made like the beasts" vividly portrays the profound psychological and spiritual transformation Nebuchadnezzar underwent. It signifies a loss of human reason and dignity, replaced by primal instincts, a direct consequence of his spiritual rebellion. The description of his dwelling "with the wild asses" and being fed "with grass like oxen" underscores the completeness of his debasement, aligning with the detailed account in Daniel 4:33. The emphasis on "till he knew" highlights that the purpose of this severe humbling was ultimately redemptive, aimed at bringing the king to a profound and necessary understanding of God's ultimate power.

Related Scriptures

  • The full account of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, pride, and subsequent humbling is found in Daniel chapter 4, especially the prophecy in Daniel 4:25 and his eventual praise to God in Daniel 4:37.
  • The principle of God setting up and taking down kings is also echoed in other scriptures, such as Romans 13:1, which states that all authority comes from God, and Proverbs 21:1, which says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against pride, particularly for those in positions of power and influence. It reminds us that all human authority is ultimately subordinate to divine authority. For individuals, it teaches the critical importance of humility and acknowledging God's sovereignty in every aspect of life. Failure to do so can lead to spiritual and personal degradation. Furthermore, the phrase "till he knew" offers hope that even in profound brokenness and consequence, a genuine recognition of God's supreme rule can lead to restoration and a true understanding of His character. It underscores that God's judgments, while severe, are often redemptive in their ultimate intent, aiming to bring individuals to a saving knowledge of Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 4:25 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Ezekiel 17:24 (5 votes)

    And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

  • Daniel 4:17 (4 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.

  • Daniel 4:35 (4 votes)

    And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

  • Job 30:3 (3 votes)

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

  • Job 30:7 (3 votes)

    Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.

  • Psalms 83:17 (3 votes)

    Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: