BibleTools
Daniel 4:17
Compare all
15 Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth,
Bound with a band of iron and bronze,
In the tender grass of the field.
Let it be wet with the dew of heaven,
And let him graze with the beasts
On the grass of the earth.
16 Let his heart be changed from that of a man,
Let him be given the heart of a beast,
And let seven atimes pass over him. 
17 ‘This decision is by the decree of the watchers,
And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,
In order athat the living may know
bThat the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,
cGives it to whomever He will,
And sets over it the dlowest of men.’  
18 “This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, asince all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, bfor the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.”  

Daniel Explains the Second Dream

19 Then Daniel, awhose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts btroubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may cthe dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation2 concern your enemies!  
20 a“The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth,  
Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
<< Daniel 4:16   Daniel 4:18 >>


Daniel 4:17

This matter is by the decree of the watchers - See on Daniel 4:13 (note).

The Most High ruleth - He never leaves the government of the world to man, to second causes, or to fortuitous occurrences. What are thus called are his agents; they are no moving causes.

And setteth up - the basest of men -

"Tyrants and kings from Jove proceed

Those are permitted, these decreed."

The throne ennobles no man: to be properly filled, the man must be noble. Some of the greatest and some of the meanest of men have sat on the throne. Kings differ in education, seldom in intellect, from the common mass of men; the power and authority are from God. The king himself may be given either in mercy or in wrath. When James II ruled this kingdom, it might well be said, God hath set up over it the basest of men. His successor was one of the best. The former nearly ruined it both in a civil and religious point of view; the latter was the means of restoring it in both these respects.




Other Adam Clarke entries containing Daniel 4:17:

Daniel 4:13
Acts 2:17

 

<< Daniel 4:16   Daniel 4:18 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.

Join 137,262+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page