By watchers a decree and a sentence from holy ones, so that the living know the Highest rules in the kingdoms of high-born men, and from His pleasure He gives, and He appoints the lowest of high-born men over it (Daniel 4:17).
Nebuchadnezzar recounts a troubling dream. While resting on his bed, he experiences a vision, suggesting he was conscious during this mental event (Daniel 4:10). In the vision, he observes a great tree extending across the entire earth. This tree produces fruit, providing sustenance for all creatures beneath it, including birds in the heavens and beasts in the fields (Daniel 4:11–12).
While on his bed, Nebuchadnezzar witnesses a vision involving a watcher, described as a holy one. Watchers are angelic beings tasked with executing God’s decrees concerning humanity. Their pronouncements result in judgments upon mankind (Daniel 4:17). These beings deliver instructions from heaven to other angelic entities who govern earthly rulers (Daniel 4:23). The angelic realm comprises principalities, authorities, dominions, and lordships (Ephesians 1:21; Daniel 12:1). This hierarchy also includes fallen angels who exercise authority within Satan’s domain (Ephesians 6:12). Satan is identified as the prince of the air and the architect of the world system, influencing nations (Ephesians 2:2). Demons aligned with him occupy various ranks and attempt to obstruct the work of unfallen angels (Daniel 10:13). The watchers, described as holy, are unfallen angels responsible for conveying God’s commands to the angelic authorities overseeing the earth (Job 7:20; Jeremiah 4:16).
The watcher, observed by the king as descending from heaven, commands that the tree be cut down, but its root must remain preserved (Daniel 4:14–15). The narrative then shifts from the tree to a man who is destined to live among the beasts of the field, with his heart transformed to that of a beast. The phrase ‘seven times’ is interpreted as seven years during which he will remain in this condition (Daniel 4:16). The heart of a beast is characterized by a lack of understanding and speech (Jude 10; 2 Peter 2:12). According to Genesis 1:24, animals do not possess a spirit and are therefore not rational beings. The decree issued by the watcher serves to demonstrate that the Most High governs the kingdoms of humanity. Although Satan is described as the prince of the air and holds authority over the nations as the god of the present evil age, ultimate authority resides with God in heaven, who appoints rulers over the kingdoms of men (Daniel 4:17; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
In Daniel 4:17, the term ‘lowest’ describing those whom God appoints over the kingdoms of men refers to spatial or hierarchical status. It signifies a transition from a position of significant power to one of relative insignificance or subordination. The term is not restricted to describing only the most base individuals. Rather, it emphasizes that God determines rulers according to His will, independent of their personal influence or authority. Consequently, the passage illustrates that the proud are humbled before God, while the humble are elevated to positions of leadership.
