A Biblical Reflection on Daniel 4:13–17

Few passages of Scripture confront us with the tensions of divine sovereignty and human political reality as sharply as Daniel 4. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream—interpreted by Daniel—reveals truths that are both comforting and troubling. Among them is the startling statement that God “sets up over [the kingdom of men] the basest of men” (Dan. 4:17, KJV).

For those who observe failed governance, moral decay in leadership, and the rise of unworthy rulers in nations, this verse can produce deep emotional and spiritual conflict. It may even provoke sorrow and despair—If God appoints such rulers, why should the righteous care? Why do we labour, write, speak, or hope?

To answer these questions, we must begin where the Scriptures begin—with God’s revealed purposes.

1. The Aramaic Word Behind “Basest”

The phrase “the basest of men” translates the Aramaic expression:

שְׁפַל אֲנָשִׁים: shefal ’anashim

shefal = “low,” “humble,” “lowborn,” “of low rank,” “abased,” “morally insignificant,” “insignificant in status.”
’anashim = “men.”

Thus “the basest of men” means:

• men of little character

• men of low moral quality

• men of undistinguished worth

• men small in virtue

• men who would not naturally rise to greatness

• the lowly, the ignoble, the unlikely

It does not necessarily mean “the most immoral” or “the worst sinners,” though that may be included. Rather, the emphasis is on God’s ability to exalt the unlikely, the undeserving, and the unqualified—to demonstrate that He alone rules in the affairs of men.

This is sovereignty displayed through paradox.

2. Biblical and Historical Examples of God Exalting “Lowly” or Unlikely Men

A. Biblical Examples

1. Nebuchadnezzar himself
   A violent, pagan king who destroyed Jerusalem—yet God calls him “my servant” (Jer. 25:9).

2. Jehu
   A reckless military commander, raised by God to judge the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9–10).

3. Cyrus the Persian
   A pagan monarch God calls “my shepherd” and “my anointed” (Isa. 44:28; 45:1).
   God used him, though he did not know God.

4. Saul son of Kish
   From a humble tribe, with a fearful and unstable temperament—yet God made him Israel’s first king.

5. Pharaoh of Moses’ day
   God raised him up specifically to demonstrate His power (Exod. 9:16; Rom. 9:17).

B. Post-biblical examples

History testifies that God has often allowed, raised, or used “unlikely” rulers to shape nations:

• Constantine, a politically driven warrior-emperor who transformed the Roman Empire.

• Napoleon, a low-ranking Corsican officer who reshaped Europe.

• Adolf Hitler, rising from obscurity and failure to devastate nations—ultimately fulfilling prophecies of Israel’s scattering and regathering.

• Idi Amin, Mobutu Sese Seko, and others in Africa whose rise defied logic or merit.

These are not endorsements of wickedness, but acknowledgments that God’s sovereignty includes His mysterious allowance of deeply flawed men in power to accomplish larger purposes—judgment, correction, awakening, or the unfolding of prophecy.

3. If God Appoints Such Leaders, How Should Christians Pray?

(1 Timothy 2:1–2)

Paul’s command is not suspended by the character of the ruler. When Paul wrote:

“Pray for kings and all who are in authority…”

Nero was emperor.

A man whose cruelty and depravity were extreme—even among pagans.

Yet God commanded prayer for him. Why?

(a) Because prayer is about God, not the ruler.

We pray because God is sovereign, not because rulers are righteous.

(b) Because prayer restrains evil.

Even the “basest” of rulers can be restrained, redirected, or softened through prayer.

(c) Because God desires the Church to live peaceably for the progress of the gospel.

Christian prayer creates space for the gospel’s advance—even under wicked governments.

(d) Because prayer aligns us with God’s purposes, not emotions.

Intercession cures despair.

4. Why Should the Godly Still Care About Good Governance?

Your struggle is understandable, my friends:
If God puts such leaders in place, why pursue reforms or call out misconduct?

Here is the biblical answer.

(1) God’s sovereignty never cancels human responsibility.

God appointed Nebuchadnezzar, yet:

• the prophets rebuked him,

• Daniel warned him,

• and God judged him.

God appoints rulers, but expects His people to serve as His moral voice within national life.

(2) The presence of an unworthy ruler is often a divine call to the righteous to speak, write, warn, and intercede.

Jeremiah did.
Daniel did.
Nathan did.
John the Baptist did.
Amos did.

God raises the righteous precisely to confront unrighteous power.

(3) Governance is a sphere of discipleship.

When Christians engage governance morally:

• we witness to God’s character,

• we defend the vulnerable,

• we restrain national decay,

• and we preserve righteousness for future generations.

(4) Even when God appoints the “lowly” or “unworthy,” He still holds them accountable to His standards.

Your writings, warnings, and advocacy become instruments of that accountability.

(5) God’s sovereignty is not an excuse for apathy but a foundation for courage.

Because God rules, the righteous can speak without fear.
We do not fight for victory—we fight from God’s ultimate victory.

5. Encouragement for the Weary Heart

You may say your heart is becoming weighed down. That is understandable. Daniel too was “astonished” and “his thoughts troubled him” (Dan. 4:19). Even prophets trembled before the mysteries of God’s dealings with nations.

Let these truths strengthen your heart:

(A) God does not appoint wicked rulers because He delights in wickedness.

He appoints them because He is working out purposes beyond what human eyes can see.

(B) God often uses unworthy leaders to humble nations, purify the church, or awaken His people.

(C) Do you have a burden for good governance? It is not wasted—it is a divine calling.

The weight you feel is proof of a prophetic assignment on your life.

(D) God holds both rulers AND reformers in His hands.

Rulers may be the “basest of men,” but reformers are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13) and the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

As for me, I must continue to write.
Continue to speak.
Continue to warn.
Continue to teach righteousness.

Our work for good restrains darkness.

(E) The sovereignty of God means wicked leadership cannot last one day longer than God allows.

Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation lasted “seven times”—and then God restored him.
Every wicked ruler has an expiration date established by heaven.

(F) God’s sovereignty is your comfort, not your discouragement.

He is not asleep.
He has not abandoned your nation.
He has not forgotten His church.
He has not ignored your labour.

Conclusion: The God Who Raises the Lowly Also Sustains the Righteous

Daniel 4 shows that God can raise the lowliest man to power.
But it also shows that God protects, promotes, and preserves His faithful servants even under such rulers.

Daniel flourished when Judah was destroyed.
Joseph flourished under a pagan Pharaoh.
Obadiah preserved prophets under Ahab.
Esther flourished under Xerxes.
Nehemiah rose under Artaxerxes.
The early Church grew under Nero.

This is the paradox of divine sovereignty.

You may see the basest of men in power. But God never leaves the nations without righteous witnesses.

Your burden is not a curse—it is a calling.

And God will strengthen your heart to carry it.

©SHILGBA