This matter is by the decree, &c.— It is called, in the 24th verse, the decree of the Most High. The expression in the text is an allusion to the proceedings of earthly princes, who publish their decrees by the advice of their chief ministers. Watchers and holy ones are here spoken of in the plural number; whereas the words in the 13th verse are in the singular: which difference may be thus accounted for, that the sentence was pronounced at the joint request of many, but was to be put in execution by one angel only. The basest of men, at the end of the verse, may refer to Nebuchadnezzar, either in his truly abject state of cruelty and pride, or in his state of humiliation; when he who bringeth low the proud, exalted him again, after he had humbled him to the dung-hill.
Related Commentaries of Daniel 4:17
Daniel 4:17
17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.