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Daniel 2:21
ESV He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
NIV He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
NASB It is He who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and appoints kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, And knowledge to people of understanding.
CSB He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
NLT He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
KJV 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:
NKJV And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

What does Daniel 2:21 mean?

Daniel correctly perceived God as more powerful than any earthly king. Here, he praises the Lord for revealing a mystery over which King Nebuchadnezzar had ordered the deaths of his entire staff of wise men (Daniel 2:1–3; 12–16). However, God chose to reveal the mystery to Daniel (Daniel 1:17; 2:17–19), resulting in his prayer of blessing (Daniel 2:20).

God is in control of all events; He determines who occupies earthly thrones (Romans 13:1). Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon only because God had willed it, and someday God would end Nebuchadnezzar's reign and set up another king in his place. Psalm 75:6–7 declares: "For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another."

Daniel knew that God is the source of wisdom. The wise men of Babylon lied about their insight, having no connection to the wisdom given by God (Daniel 2:8–11). Yet Daniel was wise enough to trust God for wisdom, and he understood that God grants knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). When speaking to the king about the dreams, Daniel will credit God as being the only One wise enough to know the truth (Daniel 2:27–28).
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