Daniel 4:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’

NIV: 'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.'

NASB: This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers, And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And He grants it to whomever He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of people.'

CSB: This word is by decree of the watchers, and the decision is by command from the holy ones. This is so that the living will know that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms. He gives them to anyone he wants and sets the lowliest of people over them.

NLT: For this has been decreed by the messengers ; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses — even to the lowliest of people.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’

The angelic decree (Daniel 4:13) ends by stating the purpose of the humiliating events that would happen to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:14–16). The purpose of these events is to teach Nebuchadnezzar humility before God. Despite the king's arrogance (Daniel 3:15) and great power (Daniel 2:36–38), the Lord gives ability to whomever He chooses. Compared to the Lord God, any ruler is just a lowly, limited human being. Nebuchadnezzar had considered himself a deity with vast authority over a vast empire. His pride prompted him to set up an idol on the plain of Dura and force his subjects to worship it (Daniel 3:1–6). However, the Lord planned to teach Nebuchadnezzar that God is the supreme Ruler of everything in heaven and on earth.

This verse speaks of the "watchers" as a group, and the judgment to be a "decree" and "decision" of that group. However, this does not imply that the collection of spiritual beings decided on this result. Nor does it mean the judgment is enforced on their authority. In the original language, the first phrase of this verse is composed only of nouns. A more poetic and literalist rendering might be simply to state, "the decree of the watchers, a sentence, a command of the holy ones, a decision." Context and translation are needed to include verbs. The impression is that these angelic voices are declaring something: they are announcing it officially, indicating that it has been decided.

Such a message is delivered under the direction of God, the Most High. Romans 13:1 affirms the truth that God places human beings in positions of authority over nations: "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

Daniel 4:1–18 introduces another of Nebuchadnezzar's mysterious dreams (Daniel 2:2–3). As before, the king summoned his wise men to interpret the experience. They failed, but Nebuchadnezzar also spoke with Daniel (Daniel 2:46–47). This time the king told his wise men and Daniel what he had dreamed. This sets the stage for Daniel's interpretation and the fulfillment of another prophecy.

Daniel 4 opens with a proclamation in which Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar, declares what God has done for him. He recalls yet another frightening dream (Daniel 2:1). He sees a tree cut down to the stump, and a man made like an animal. Once again, only Daniel could interpret the dream's meaning. The news is terrible: the king will be driven insane for "seven periods of time" until he learns humility. A year later, this happens. Also as promised, Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself and regains his senses and his throne. He praises God for this miraculous work.

Daniel chapter 1 depicted Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar as powerful. Chapter 2 showed his vindictive nature. His extreme vanity was on display in chapter 3. Daniel chapter 4 records his submission, repentance, and return to prominence as the King of Babylon, all under God's humiliating judgment. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 continue to speak about Gentile rulers and related prophecies.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.