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:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
<< Daniel 4:16   Daniel 4:18 >>


Daniel 4:17

demand—that is, determination; namely, as to the change to which Nebuchadnezzar is to be doomed. A solemn council of the heavenly ones is supposed (compare Job 1:6; Job 2:1), over which God presides supreme. His "decree" and "word" are therefore said to be theirs (compare Daniel 4:24, "decree of the Most High"); "the decree of the watchers," "the word of the holy ones." For He has placed particular kingdoms under the administration of angelic beings, subject to Him (Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:20; Daniel 12:1). The word "demand," in the second clause, expresses a distinct idea from the first clause. Not only as members of God's council (Daniel 7:10; I Kings 22:19; Psalms 103:21; Zechariah 1:10) do they subscribe to His "decree," but that decree is in answer to their prayers, wherein they demand that every mortal who tries to obscure the glory of God shall be humbled [CALVIN]. Angels are grieved when God's prerogative is in the least infringed. How awful to Nebuchadnezzar to know that angels plead against him for his pride, and that the decree has been passed in the high court of heaven for his humiliation in answer to angels' demands! The conceptions are moulded in a form peculiarly adapted to Nebuchadnezzar's modes of thought.

the living—not as distinguished from the dead, but from the inhabitants of heaven, who "know" that which the men of the world need to the taught (Psalms 9:16); the ungodly confess there is a God, but would gladly confine Him to heaven. But, saith Daniel, God ruleth not merely there, but "in the kingdom of men."

basest—the lowest in condition (I Samuel 2:8; Luke 1:52). It is not one's talents, excellency, or noble birth, but God's will, which elevates to the throne. Nebuchadnezzar abased to the dunghill, and then restored, was to have in himself an experimental proof of this (Daniel 4:37).




Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Daniel 4:17:

Job 5:1
Jeremiah 27:5
Ezekiel 9:1
Daniel 2:5
Daniel 4:24

 

<< 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 137,059+ 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