Definition: And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 4:35. It's a really fascinating and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s what it basically means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a king, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, is incredibly powerful and has a lot of control over the world. He’s essentially saying that everyone – all the people on Earth – are completely at his mercy. He can do anything he wants, and no one can stop him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing…” - This is a bit tricky. “Reputed” means they’re thought of or known as something. So, everyone on Earth is being considered as unimportant, insignificant, or not significant. "...and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” - This is the core of the verse. Here’s what's happening: “He doeth according to his will”: Nebuchadnezzar is commanding things – building temples, creating laws, and even designing the landscape – all based on his own plan. He's making decisions without consulting anyone else. “In the army of heaven…” - This refers to a vast, powerful group of angels (gods) who are overseeing everything. “…among the inhabitants of the earth:” - This means everyone on Earth is under his control – including kings, rulers, and even ordinary people. “And none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” - This is the most striking part. Nebuchadnezzar has given his followers a special power : they are completely immune to any attempt to stop him. He’s created an unbreakable rule – no one can intervene. He can do anything he wants without being challenged or questioned. So, what's the point? The verse is about absolute power and divine authority. It illustrates that even someone incredibly powerful can be completely free from accountability. It’s a reminder of the importance of humility and seeking guidance from God. In short, it’s a story about unchecked power and how it can lead to isolation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical concept (like obedience or faith)? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of Nebuchadnezzar and his army?