The phrase "the demand by the word of the holy ones" isn't just saying angels agreed; it suggests they requested or petitioned God for this judgment to happen. This reveals the deep concern of heavenly beings for justice and God’s honor, not just passively witnessing but actively desiring the righting of wrongs.
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.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Nebuchadnezzar has just received a terrifying dream, which Daniel has interpreted as a divine decree against the king. This verse explains that the decree and its execution, however strange, are not random but are part of a heavenly plan. The ultimate purpose is to reveal that God, the Most High, is the true sovereign over all human kingdoms, capable of raising the humblest to power or casting down the mightiest.
Who makes the ultimate decisions about kingdoms and rulers? This verse points beyond human power to a divine council.
The verse states, 'This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the decision by the word of the holy ones.' This language might sound like angels or heavenly beings are co-rulers with God. However, the scholars here emphasize that this is a way of speaking to help us understand God's supreme authority.
Does God really put 'the lowest of men' in charge? This verse declares His absolute freedom in choosing who reigns.
The verse powerfully declares God's sovereign right to place anyone in power: 'the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the basest of men.' This isn't just about Nebuchadnezzar's situation but a universal principle.
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Understand the original words
‘illaya’ · Aramaic (Biblical) Adjective/Title
A designation for the sovereign Ruler of the universe, emphasizing His supremacy over all earthly powers and spiritual authorities. It identifies Him as the ultimate possessor of authority and the source of all legitimacy.
‘iyr · Aramaic (Biblical) Noun
In the context of Daniel, this refers to divine messengers or angelic beings who observe and execute the judgments of God within the affairs of nations. They are portrayed as attendants to God's heavenly court.
pithgam · Aramaic (Biblical) Noun
A decree, command, or judicial decision issued by a sovereign authority; in this context, it represents the divine mandate that determines the course of events for individuals and kingdoms.
shephal · Aramaic (Biblical) Adjective
A person considered to be of little social status, humble, or undistinguished; often used in Scripture to contrast human estimation with God's sovereign choice to elevate the humble to positions of power.
This verse, spoken during Nebuchadnezzar's divinely-ordained madness, emphasizes that even angelic beings acknowledge God's ultimate authority over earthly kingdoms. The humbling of the mighty king serves as a stark, living example of this truth for all to see.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar II becomes King of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II, after solidifying his reign, began a period of expansion and building that made Babylon a magnificent empire. His reign marked a significant era of power and influence.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's first vision of a great statue
Nebuchadnezzar experiences a disturbing dream of a massive statue made of different metals, symbolizing future kingdoms. Daniel interprets this dream, foretelling the rise and fall of empires.
c. 589-586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
After years of rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and exiling many Judeans to Babylon. This event deeply impacted the Jewish people and their understanding of God's sovereignty.
c. 562 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's madness and humbling
Following a period of immense pride, Nebuchadnezzar is struck with madness, believing himself to be an animal. He lives in this state for seven years, a dramatic public demonstration of God's power over human rulers.
c. 555 BC
Nabonidus becomes King of Babylon
The last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Nabonidus, takes the throne. His reign would eventually lead to the fall of Babylon to the Persians.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This conquest fulfills prophecies and marks a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
This passage echoes Daniel 4:17 by stating that promotion comes not from the east or west, but from God alone, emphasizing His sovereignty in raising and casting down.
Romans 13:1Paul directly affirms Daniel's message that all governing authority originates from God, reinforcing the idea that earthly rulers are appointed by Him.
Luke 1:52This verse from the Magnificat mirrors the concept in Daniel 4:17, highlighting God's consistent action of casting down the proud from their thrones and lifting up the humble.
1 Samuel 2:7-8Hannah's prayer beautifully illustrates God's power to both humble and exalt, showing He can bring kings low and raise up the poor and needy from the dust, much like the decree in Daniel.
barnesDaniel 4:17: "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."
This matter is by the decree of the watchers - See the notes at Daniel 4:13 . They are described here not only as watching over the affairs of men, but as entrusted wth the execution of high and important designs of God. The r…
bensonDaniel 4:17: "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."
Daniel 4:17-18 . This matter is by the decree of the watchers, &c., to the intent that the living may know, &c. — The intent of the matter was to give mankind a proof, in the fall and restoration of this mighty monarch, that t…
The phrase "the demand by the word of the holy ones" isn't just saying angels agreed; it suggests they requested or petitioned God for this judgment to happen. This reveals the deep concern of heavenly beings for justice and God’s honor, not just passively witnessing but actively desiring the righting of wrongs.
King Nebuchadnezzar has just received a terrifying dream, which Daniel has interpreted as a divine decree against the king. This verse explains that the decree and its execution, however strange, are not random but are part of a heavenly plan. The ultimate purpose is to reveal that God, the Most High, is the true sovereign over all human kingdoms, capable of raising the humblest to power or casting down the mightiest.
King Nebuchadnezzar has just received a terrifying dream, which Daniel has interpreted as a divine decree against the king. This verse explains that the decree and its execution, however strange, are not random but are part of a heavenly plan. The ultimate purpose is to reveal that God, the Most High, is the true sovereign over all human kingdoms, capable of raising the humblest to power or casting down the mightiest.
"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.’" — The phrase "the demand by the word of the holy ones" isn't just saying angels agreed; it suggests they requested or petitioned God for this judgment to happen. This reveals the deep concern of he…
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Last reviewed October 2026
