Daniel 4:24
This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
Original Language Analysis
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel 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.