Daniel 4:32
And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Daniel 4:32 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Daniel describes a prophecy given by the prophet Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar. In this prophecy, Daniel foretells that the king will be driven from his throne and live among the beasts of the field, eating grass like an ox for a period of seven years. This punishment is intended to humble the proud king and make him acknowledge the sovereignty of the Most High over the kingdoms of men. The verse serves as a reminder that ultimate authority and power belong to God, who chooses to bestow kingdoms upon whomever He pleases. It reinforces the idea that even the most powerful rulers on earth are subject to the will of God and must recognize His supremacy. The message of this verse is one of humility, submission, and acknowledgment of God's ultimate rule over all earthly kingdoms.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Daniel is that it highlights the sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms. The imagery of a king being driven from human society to live with wild animals and eat grass like an ox serves as a powerful symbol of God's power to humble those who exalt themselves above Him. The mention of "seven times" passing over the king could represent a period of divine judgment or testing, with the ultimate purpose being to teach the king that it is the "most High" who truly rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints leaders according to His will. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's authority and submitting to His rule, as He alone holds the power to exalt and humble individuals as He sees fit.
Daniel 4:32 in other translations
American Standard Version
and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
World English Bible
You shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass as oxen. Seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.”
Douay-Rheims
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing before him: for he doth according to his will, as well with the powers of heaven, as among the inhabitants of the earth: and there is none that can resist his hand, and say to him: Why hast thou done it?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and according to his will he worketh in the armie of heauen, and in the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, nor say vnto him, What doest thou?