This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.' This decisionThe phrase "This decision" refers to a divine judgment or decree. In the context of Daniel 4, it is a heavenly decision concerning King Nebuchadnezzar. The Hebrew word for "decision" here is "גְּזֵרַת" (gezarath), which implies a cutting or a decree that is firm and unchangeable. This highlights the sovereignty and authority of God in making decisions that affect the course of human history. is by the decree of the watchers
"Watchers" are angelic beings or heavenly messengers. The term "watchers" comes from the Aramaic word "עִירִין" (irin), which means "those who are awake" or "those who watch." This suggests that these beings are vigilant and attentive to the affairs of the world, acting as agents of God's will. The decree of the watchers emphasizes the involvement of the divine council in executing God's plans. the verdict by the word of the holy ones
The "verdict" signifies a judicial decision or sentence. The "holy ones" are likely synonymous with the watchers, indicating their sanctified status and role in God's heavenly court. The Aramaic term "קַדִּישִׁין" (qaddishin) for "holy ones" underscores their purity and dedication to God's service. This phrase reinforces the idea that divine justice is executed through the agency of these celestial beings. so that the living may know
This phrase indicates the purpose of the divine decree: to reveal truth to humanity. The expression "the living" encompasses all people, emphasizing that God's actions are meant to be a testimony to all who are alive. It serves as a reminder that God's interventions in history are didactic, intended to teach and reveal His nature and sovereignty. that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
"The Most High" is a title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and exalted position above all earthly powers. The phrase "rules over the kingdom of men" asserts God's ultimate control over human governments and affairs. This is a central theme in the Book of Daniel, where God's sovereignty is demonstrated over the kingdoms of the world. and gives it to whom He wishes
This part of the verse highlights God's prerogative to grant authority and power to whomever He chooses. It underscores the concept of divine election and the idea that earthly power is not attained by human merit alone but is a gift from God. This serves as a humbling reminder that all authority is subject to God's will. and sets over it the lowliest of men
The phrase "the lowliest of men" suggests that God often chooses those who are humble or of low status to fulfill His purposes. This is consistent with biblical themes where God exalts the humble and brings down the proud. It reflects the paradox of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last, demonstrating that God's criteria for leadership differ from human expectations. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who receives the dream and its interpretation. His pride and subsequent humbling are central to the account. 2. WatchersAngelic beings who deliver the decree. They are seen as messengers of God's will. 3. Holy OnesLikely synonymous with the watchers, emphasizing their sanctity and divine authority. 4. The Most HighA title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority over earthly kingdoms. 5. BabylonThe kingdom over which Nebuchadnezzar rules, representing human power and pride. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all earthly kingdoms and leaders. This truth should bring comfort and assurance, especially in times of political uncertainty. Humility Before GodNebuchadnezzar's account is a cautionary tale about pride. We must remain humble, acknowledging that any position or power we hold is granted by God. Divine JusticeTrust in God's perfect justice. He appoints leaders according to His purposes, even when we do not understand His reasons. Role of AngelsUnderstand the role of angelic beings as messengers and executors of God's will, reminding us of the unseen spiritual realm that influences earthly events. Purpose of RevelationThe revelation to Nebuchadnezzar serves to teach that God desires all people to recognize His authority and submit to His rule. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in Daniel 4:17 affect your view of current world leaders and political situations? 2. In what ways can we practice humility in our daily lives, acknowledging that our abilities and positions are gifts from God? 3. How do the roles of the watchers and holy ones in this passage expand your understanding of the spiritual realm? 4. Can you identify a time when you witnessed or experienced God's justice in a situation where human justice seemed lacking? 5. How does the message of Daniel 4:17 encourage you to trust in God's plan for your life, even when circumstances seem challenging? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 75:7This verse echoes the theme that God is the ultimate judge who exalts and brings down leaders according to His will. Proverbs 21:1Highlights the sovereignty of God over the hearts of kings, reinforcing the message of divine control over earthly rulers. 1 Samuel 2:7-8Hannah's prayer acknowledges God's power to raise and lower individuals, similar to the message in Daniel 4:17. Acts 17:26Paul speaks of God's sovereignty in determining the times and places of nations, aligning with the theme of divine authority over human affairs. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Angelic, Announced, Anyone, Basest, Bestows, Command, Decision, Declare, Decree, Demand, Fixed, Gives, Giveth, Holy, Intent, Jonah, Kingdom, Kingdoms, Lifting, Lowest, Lowliest, Mankind, Matter, Messengers, Ones, Order, Pleasure, Raise, Realm, Requirement, Ruler, Rules, Ruleth, Saying, Sentence, Sets, Setteth, Sifters, Sovereign, Verdict, Watchers, Whomever, Whomsoever, Willeth, WishesDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:17 4029 world, human beings in
4971 seasons, of life
5216 authority, nature of
5219 authority, human institutions
5257 civil authorities
5267 control
5326 government
5509 rulers Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT Daniel 4:10-17 1409 dream Library The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
Mr. Melvil, after finishing his classical studies, went abroad, and taught, for some time, both at Poictiers in France, and at Geneva. He returned to Scotland in July 1574, after having been absent from his native country near ten years. Upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, said, "That the greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland, was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr. Andrew Melvil." Soon …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Epistle xxxi. To Phocas, Emperor .
To Phocas, Emperor [218] . Gregory to Phocas Augustus. Glory to God in the highest who, according as it is written, changes times, and transfers kingdoms, seeing that He has made apparent to all what He vouchsafed to speak by His prophet, That the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan. iv. 17). For in the incomprehensible dispensation of Almighty God there are alternate controlments of mortal life; and sometimes, when the sins of many are to be smitten, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial Blessing Precedes Christ's Second Advent.
In Matt. 13 we have the record of seven parables--the number of completeness--which our Lord uttered consecutively. These parables are prophetic in their significance and scope. They deal with conditions which are to obtain here during the time of our Lord's absence. They are concerned with the visible profession of Christianity and they look forward to the closing scenes of the present dispensation. As there is much in them upon which we cannot now comment at length we shall content ourselves with …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...
81. And the fame of Antony came even unto kings. For Constantine Augustus, and his sons Constantius and Constans the Augusti wrote letters to him, as to a father, and begged an answer from him. But he made nothing very much of the letters, nor did he rejoice at the messages, but was the same as he had been before the Emperors wrote to him. But when they brought him the letters he called the monks and said, Do not be astonished if an emperor writes to us, for he is a man; but rather wonder that God …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 4:17 NIVDaniel 4:17 NLTDaniel 4:17 ESVDaniel 4:17 NASBDaniel 4:17 KJV
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