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.
The demand by the word of the holy ones - i:e., determination; namely, as to the change to which Nebuchadnezzar is to be doomed. A solemn council of the heavenly ones is supposed (cf. Job 1:6; Job 2:1), over which God presides supreme. His "decree" and "word" are therefore said to be theirs (cf. Daniel 4:24, where the "decree of the Most High" answers to "the decree of the watchers," "the word of the holy ones" here). For He has placed particular kingdoms under the administration of angelic beings, subject to Him (cf. Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:20; Daniel 12:1, where Michael is represented as being "the great prince which standeth up for the children of thy people," Israel). The word "demand," in the second clause, expresses a distinct idea from the first clause. Not only as members of God's council (Daniel 7:10; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalms 103:21; Zechariah 1:10) do they subscribe to His "decree," but that decree is in answer to their prayers, wherein they DEMAND that every mortal shall be humbled, whosoever tries to obscure the glory of God (Calvin). Angels are grieved when God's prerogative is in the least infringed. How awful to Nebuchadnezzar to know that angels plead against him for his pride, and that the decree has been passed in the high court of heaven for his humiliation, in answer to angels' demands! The conceptions are moulded in a form peculiarly adapted to Nebuchadnezzar's modes of thought.
To the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men - "the living," not as distinguished from the dead, but from the inhabitants of heaven, who "know" that which the men of the world need to be taught (Psalms 9:16); the ungodly confess there is a God, but would gladly confine Him to heaven. But, saith Daniel, God ruleth not merely there, but "in the kingdom of men."
And setteth up over it the basest - the lowest in condition (1 Samuel 2:8; Luke 1:52). It is not one's talents, excellency, or noble birth, but God's will, which elevates to the throne. Nebuchadnezzar abased to the dunghill, and then restored, was to have in himself an experimental proof of this (Daniel 4:37).