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.
Study Note
Study Note
Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation is declared in the divine sentence: he shall be driven from men to dwell with beasts and eat grass, 'until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.' The boanthropy (ox-like behavior) of the king is a bizarre judgment that literalizes Nebuchadnezzar's earlier animal pride — the man who exalted himself above all humanity becomes sub-human. The theological purpose is explicit: the lesson to be learned concerns divine sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms, a theme that undergirds the entire book of Daniel. Daniel 4 is unique in the canonical prophets for presenting the conversion of a Gentile king (4:34-37) as a theological endpoint, anticipating the ultimate acknowledgment of divine sovereignty by all nations.
Other Translations
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.
and from men they are driving thee away, and with the beast of the field <FI>is<Fi> thy dwelling, the herb as oxen they do cause thee to eat, and seven times do pass over thee, till that thou knowest that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and to whom He willeth He giveth it.
And they will send you out from among men, to be with the beasts of the field; they will give you grass for your food like the oxen, and seven times will go by you, till you are certain that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of men, and gives it to any man at his pleasure.
Cross References
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my …
For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy …
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there …
Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.
They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;)
He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.
He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that …