Definition: And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 5:21. It's a really interesting and complex passage about a king’s pride and how God sees him. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: King Daniel is caught in a tricky situation with one of his advisors, Bildad. Bildad tries to provoke Daniel by asking a seemingly innocent question – “A king was weighed against another, and the one who possessed more wealth was crowned.” Daniel, instead of answering truthfully, makes a boastful statement about his own wealth and power. What happened next? God, observing this arrogant behavior, forces Daniel to be placed in a very uncomfortable situation. He’s forced to eat grass like an ox – which is a symbolic representation of being lowered into a lower position. His dwelling is also transformed into that of wild asses (think large, wild animals). He's essentially treated as a beast! What does this mean? This is a powerful metaphor for how God sees pride and arrogance. Daniel’s actions demonstrate his unwillingness to recognize his own dependence on God. He’s so focused on himself that he loses sight of the true source of power – God. The Verse's Meaning: “And he was driven from the sons of men” : This means Daniel is exiled and removed from his position of power. “His heart was made like the beasts” : This is a key part. It signifies that Daniel’s thoughts and feelings have become harsh, selfish, and animalistic – focused on his own desires rather than God's will. “His dwelling [was] with the wild asses” : Again, this represents being treated as something less than human – a creature without dignity or respect. “they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven” : This is a dramatic image of Daniel's humiliation. He’s being treated in a way that’s completely degrading and unnatural. “until he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and [that] he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.” : This is the core message: God rules over all things. Daniel realizes that God's ultimate authority and purpose are not just about his own power but about the entire world. He understands that God has a plan for everything and is actively overseeing it. He also understands that God has the right to decide who gets to live and who doesn’t, based on His will. In short: Daniel's pride led him to be treated as an animal by God. It’s a reminder that true respect and honor come from recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His rule. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? Perhaps you’d like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the grass and wild asses? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories or teachings?