All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" All the peoples of the earthThis phrase emphasizes the universality of God's sovereignty. In the Hebrew context, "peoples" (עַמְמַיָּא, 'ammayya) refers to all nations and ethnic groups, highlighting that God's dominion is not limited to Israel but extends over all humanity. Historically, this reflects the Babylonian Empire's vast reach, yet even such an empire is under God's authority. Theologically, it underscores the belief that every person, regardless of nationality, is subject to God's will. are counted as nothing
The Hebrew word for "nothing" (כְּלָא, kela) conveys insignificance in comparison to God's majesty and power. This is not to demean humanity but to elevate the understanding of God's supreme authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often viewed themselves as divine or semi-divine, but this phrase humbles such notions, reminding us that before God, even the greatest human achievements are insignificant. and He does as He pleases
This phrase speaks to God's omnipotence and freedom. The Hebrew verb (עֲבֵד, 'aved) for "does" implies action and purpose. God's will is not arbitrary but is executed with divine wisdom and purpose. Historically, this would have been a radical statement in a polytheistic culture where gods were often seen as capricious. For believers, it is a comforting reminder that God's actions are always aligned with His perfect will. with the army of heaven
The "army of heaven" (צְבָא שְׁמַיָּא, tzva' shemayya) refers to the heavenly hosts, often understood as angels or celestial beings. This phrase indicates that God's sovereignty extends beyond the earthly realm into the spiritual. In biblical times, armies were symbols of power and might, and this imagery assures us that God's command over the heavenly hosts is absolute, reinforcing His ultimate authority. and the peoples of the earth
Reiterating the earlier phrase, this emphasizes the dual realm of God's dominion—both celestial and terrestrial. The repetition serves to reinforce the comprehensive nature of God's rule. In a historical context, it would remind the original audience of God's control over all nations, a powerful message during the Babylonian exile when Israel felt powerless. There is no one who can restrain His hand
The imagery of God's "hand" (יָד, yad) is a common biblical metaphor for power and action. The phrase asserts that no force, human or divine, can hinder God's purposes. In the ancient world, kings often boasted of their invincible power, but this statement humbles such claims, affirming that God's power is unmatched and unchallengeable. or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’
This rhetorical question underscores God's inscrutability and the futility of questioning His actions. In the Hebrew tradition, questioning God was not uncommon, but this phrase suggests a level of reverence and trust in God's wisdom and justice. It invites believers to submit to God's will, trusting that His ways, though sometimes mysterious, are ultimately for good. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe Babylonian king who experienced a humbling encounter with God, leading to his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. 2. DanielA prophet and advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar, who interpreted the king's dreams and conveyed God's messages. 3. BabylonThe empire over which Nebuchadnezzar ruled, representing human power and pride. 4. Heavenly ArmyRefers to the celestial beings or angels who serve God's purposes. 5. Peoples of the EarthAll nations and individuals under God's sovereign rule. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all things, both in heaven and on earth. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by human actions. Human HumilityAcknowledge our position before God. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we must humble ourselves and recognize that we are not the ultimate authority. Trust in God's PlanEven when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that God's plans are perfect and for our good. Submission to God's WillEncourage believers to submit to God's will, knowing that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. Accountability to GodRemember that we are accountable to God for our actions and attitudes, and we should live in a way that honors His sovereignty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's experience in Daniel 4 illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of humility from Nebuchadnezzar's account to our own lives? 3. How do the additional scriptures (Isaiah 40:17, Job 9:12, Romans 9:20-21, Psalm 115:3) reinforce the message of Daniel 4:35? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to submit to God's will in our daily lives? 5. How can understanding God's sovereignty bring comfort and peace in times of uncertainty or difficulty? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 40:17This verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty over the nations, emphasizing that all nations are as nothing before Him. Job 9:12Similar to Daniel 4:35, this verse highlights the futility of questioning God's actions or authority. Romans 9:20-21Paul discusses God's sovereign right to shape and direct His creation as He wills, much like a potter with clay. Psalm 115:3This verse affirms that God does whatever pleases Him, reinforcing His ultimate authority over all creation. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Able, Accounted, Army, Clap, Doest, Dwelling, Forces, Hast, Heaven, Heavens, Hold, Host, Inhabitants, None, Nothing, Peoples, Pleases, Pleasure, Powers, Reckoned, Regarded, Reputed, Stay, WardDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:35 1115 God, purpose of
1130 God, sovereignty
1265 hand of God
5216 authority, nature of
5267 control
5326 government
5955 strength, divine
6708 predestination
8401 challenges Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT Daniel 4:28-37 5334 health Daniel 4:33-35 5297 disease Daniel 4:34-35 2376 kingdom of God, coming
8796 persecution, forms of Daniel 4:34-36 6730 reinstatement Daniel 4:34-37 5932 response
8440 glorifying God Library The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
Mr. Melvil, after finishing his classical studies, went abroad, and taught, for some time, both at Poictiers in France, and at Geneva. He returned to Scotland in July 1574, after having been absent from his native country near ten years. Upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, said, "That the greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland, was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr. Andrew Melvil." Soon …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Epistle xxxi. To Phocas, Emperor .
To Phocas, Emperor [218] . Gregory to Phocas Augustus. Glory to God in the highest who, according as it is written, changes times, and transfers kingdoms, seeing that He has made apparent to all what He vouchsafed to speak by His prophet, That the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan. iv. 17). For in the incomprehensible dispensation of Almighty God there are alternate controlments of mortal life; and sometimes, when the sins of many are to be smitten, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial Blessing Precedes Christ's Second Advent.
In Matt. 13 we have the record of seven parables--the number of completeness--which our Lord uttered consecutively. These parables are prophetic in their significance and scope. They deal with conditions which are to obtain here during the time of our Lord's absence. They are concerned with the visible profession of Christianity and they look forward to the closing scenes of the present dispensation. As there is much in them upon which we cannot now comment at length we shall content ourselves with …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...
81. And the fame of Antony came even unto kings. For Constantine Augustus, and his sons Constantius and Constans the Augusti wrote letters to him, as to a father, and begged an answer from him. But he made nothing very much of the letters, nor did he rejoice at the messages, but was the same as he had been before the Emperors wrote to him. But when they brought him the letters he called the monks and said, Do not be astonished if an emperor writes to us, for he is a man; but rather wonder that God …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 4:35 NIVDaniel 4:35 NLTDaniel 4:35 ESVDaniel 4:35 NASBDaniel 4:35 KJV
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