King James Version
What Does Daniel 4:24 Mean?
“This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:”
Daniel 4:24 · KJV
Context
22
It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
23
And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;
24
This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
25
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
26
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryDaniel identifies the dream's source and interpretation: 'This is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king.' The Aramaic גְּזֵרַת עִלָּאָה (gezerat illaya, decree of the Most High) emphasizes divine sovereignty—this isn't fate, natural consequence, or human judgment, but God's authoritative decision. The title 'Most High' (עִלָּי/illay) appears repeatedly in Daniel 4, stressing God's supreme authority over all earthly powers. Daniel's phrase 'come upon my lord the king' indicates inevitability: the decree is issued; judgment will execute. Yet the passive construction ('is come upon') rather than active ('God will send upon') shows Daniel's tact in announcing difficult truth. This verse establishes that what follows isn't Daniel's opinion or astrological prediction but divine revelation—the God who revealed the dream now reveals its meaning and guarantees its fulfillment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings claimed divine authority—Nebuchadnezzar's inscriptions invoke Marduk's favor, presenting his reign as divinely ordained. Daniel doesn't dispute the principle of divine ordination but identifies the true source: not Marduk but the Most High God, Yahweh. This confronts Babylonian theology with monotheistic reality: one sovereign God rules all nations, deposing and establishing kings according to His purposes. For Jewish exiles, this message was crucial: despite appearances suggesting Babylonian gods' superiority (Babylon conquered Judah, destroyed the Temple), Yahweh remained sovereign, even over the conqueror. The decree coming 'upon the king' demonstrates that no earthly power escapes divine jurisdiction.
Reflection Questions
- How does identifying God as 'Most High' challenge human pretensions to ultimate authority?
- What is the difference between natural consequences of actions and divine decrees of judgment?
- Why does Daniel emphasize this is God's decree rather than his personal opinion or astrological prediction?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsהִ֔יא6 of 11
“and this”
H1932he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are
דִּ֥י7 of 11
H1768that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
עַל9 of 11
“upon”
H5922above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Daniel 4:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Daniel 4:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge