The verse powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty, not just over human affairs, but even over the "army of heaven." This broad scope emphasizes that all created powers, whether celestial or earthly, are subject to His will, making any human attempt to question or hinder Him utterly futile.
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nebuchadnezzar, having been humbled by God's judgment for his pride, now recounts his experience and acknowledges God's supreme authority. This declaration follows his restoration to sanity and kingship, concluding his narrative by affirming God's sovereign power over all creation, both heavenly and earthly, and his absolute control that no one can question or hinder.
In the grand scheme of the universe, how significant are we, really? Daniel's powerful declaration reveals our true place.
Nebuchadnezzar, in his humbled state, proclaims that 'all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing.' This isn't to say we are worthless to God, but rather, in comparison to His infinite being, His power, and His eternal perspective, human achievements, power, and even existence are fleeting and insignificant.
Think about it:
Who is truly in control? This verse boldly declares that God's actions are not bound by any external force or questioning.
The text asserts that God 'does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?' This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and the utter futility of resisting His plans.
Here’s what that means:
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Understand the original words
chayil · Aramaic Noun
The celestial beings or angelic powers that serve God in the heavenly realm. They are part of God’s created order and are subject to His absolute command.
tsebhah · Aramaic Noun
The personal, divine choice and sovereign pleasure of God. It refers to His supreme freedom to act according to His own perfect wisdom, without needing to justify His actions to any created being.
Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation in Daniel 4:35 comes after a humbling experience where his pride led to madness and a period of living like an animal. This personal trial, set against the backdrop of his powerful empire, drives his profound realization of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and celestial beings.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Reign Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II becomes king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, marking the start of a period of significant expansion and building projects.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah and begins deporting some of its prominent citizens, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon.
c. 580s BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Pride and Vision
The events described in Daniel chapter 4, including Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the subsequent period of madness, likely occur during this time.
c. 570s BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its temple, leading to a massive deportation of the remaining population.
562 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Death
The powerful Babylonian king dies, marking the beginning of a period of instability for the empire.
This passage echoes Daniel's sentiment by emphasizing the utter insignificance of all nations when compared to God's immense power and sovereignty.
Psalm 115:3This psalm directly states that 'Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases,' reinforcing the idea of God's absolute control and will being done universally.
Job 9:12Similar to Daniel, this passage in Job questions who can intervene when God acts, highlighting His irresistible power and the futility of challenging His decisions.
Romans 9:20Paul uses a similar rhetorical question, 'Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?' to underscore the limited perspective of humans and the ultimate authority of the Creator in His sovereign choices.
Ephesians 1:11This verse speaks to God working 'all things according to the counsel of his will,' aligning with Daniel's declaration that God accomplishes His purposes without opposition, both in heavenly and earthly realms.
calvinDaniel 4:35: "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Et omnes habitatores terrae quasi…
barnesDaniel 4:35: "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing - Are regarded as nothing in comparison with him. Compare Isaiah 40:15 , note 17, note. Precisely the same sentiment occurs in Isaiah which is expressed here: "All nations before him are as nothing; and…
The verse powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty, not just over human affairs, but even over the "army of heaven." This broad scope emphasizes that all created powers, whether celestial or earthly, are subject to His will, making any human attempt to question or hinder Him utterly futile.
Nebuchadnezzar, having been humbled by God's judgment for his pride, now recounts his experience and acknowledges God's supreme authority. This declaration follows his restoration to sanity and kingship, concluding his narrative by affirming God's sovereign power over all creation, both heavenly and earthly, and his absolute control that no one can question or hinder.
Nebuchadnezzar, having been humbled by God's judgment for his pride, now recounts his experience and acknowledges God's supreme authority. This declaration follows his restoration to sanity and kingship, concluding his narrative by affirming God's sovereign power over all creation, both heavenly and earthly, and his absolute control that no one can question or hinder.
"all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have…" — The verse powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty, not just over human affairs, but even over the "army of heaven." This broad scope emphasizes that all created powers, whether celestial o…
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Last reviewed October 2026
