Bible Verse Meaning: Daniel 4:31
Verse Reference: Daniel 4:31 (KJV) - "While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee."
Summary of Meaning: Daniel 4:31 addresses the moment when King Nebuchadnezzar receives a divine announcement that his kingdom will be taken from him. This reflects God's sovereignty and the ultimate authority He has over earthly rulers and kingdoms. The immediacy of the judgment serves as a stern warning against pride and arrogance.
Commentary Insights
The insights combined from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a multi-faceted understanding of this verse:
- Matthew Henry: He emphasizes the immediate consequences of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and his previous dream about his downfall. Henry interprets this as a lesson about God’s justice, where pride leads to a fall.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes connects the significance of God’s voice from heaven with the theme of divine authority. He highlights how God’s word is unalterable and that human proclamations are subject to divine judgment.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke points out that this event reflects God’s ultimate control over nations. He notes this verse is an example of how God intervened directly in the affairs of men, showcasing His omnipotence.
Connection to Themes in Scripture
Daniel 4:31 resonates with several significant biblical themes, which can be linked to other scriptures.
- The Sovereignty of God: This theme is prevalent throughout the Bible. Psalm 22:28 states, "For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he rules over the nations." This underlines God’s rulership over human affairs.
- Divine Judgment: Other verses that present God's judgment include Isaiah 66:16 and Revelation 20:12, where God judges the nations and individuals.
- The Consequences of Pride: Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that "Pride goes before destruction," echoing the narrative surrounding Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance.
- Human Temporary Authority: James 4:14 illustrates how life is fleeting, reinforcing the notion that terrestrial kingdoms and power are temporary under God's eternal reign.
Cross-References for Deeper Understanding
The verse Daniel 4:31 can be cross-referenced with the following passages for a thematic study:
- Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
- Isaiah 14:13-14 - highlighting the pride of the king of Babylon.
- Luke 1:52 - "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones."
- Romans 13:1 - teaches that all authority comes from God.
- Jeremiah 27:5 - God's authority over kings.
- 1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
- Matthew 23:12 - "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
For those eager to explore these connections further, the following tools can assist in utilizing cross-referencing effectively:
- Bible concordance for locating themes and topics.
- Bible cross-reference guide for understanding relationships between verses.
- Cross-reference Bible study methods for extracting deeper insights.
- Inter-Biblical dialogue resources for thematic studies.
- Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials for sermon preparation.
Conclusion
Daniel 4:31 serves as a pivotal verse illustrating God’s sovereignty, judgment, and the peril of pride. By examining this verse through public domain commentaries and cross-references, readers can deepen their understanding of biblical themes and gain insight into how this narrative connects to the broader biblical text.
