Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Study Note
Study Note
The doxological affirmation that God 'changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding' belongs to the blessing Daniel offers after God reveals Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The double action regarding kings ('removeth... setteth up') establishes a comprehensive divine sovereignty over political succession that relativizes all human claims to self-determined power. The parallel between divine sovereignty over times-and-seasons and divine sovereignty over political rulers suggests an integration of cosmic and historical sovereignty characteristic of Old Testament theology from Deuteronomy 32:8 onward. Acts 17:26, Romans 13:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-14 draw on this theological tradition when addressing Christian political ethics.
Other Translations
And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;
And He is changing times and seasons, He is causing kings to pass away, and He is raising up kings; He is giving wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those possessing understanding.
By him times and years are changed: by him kings are taken away and kings are lifted up: he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those whose minds are awake:
Cross References
And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land …
I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and …
With all his reign and his might, and the times that went over him, and over Israel, and over all …
Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law …
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, …
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor …
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.