“‘This is the interpretation!
O king!
It is a decree
Of the Most High,
That has come upon
My lord!
The king!
You shall be driven away
From human society!
Your dwelling
Shall be with
The wild animals!
You shall be made
To eat grass
Like oxen!
You shall be bathed
With the dew
Of heaven!
Seven times
It shall pass
Over you,
Until you have learned
That the Most High
Has sovereignty
Over the kingdoms
Of mortals!
He gives it
To whom he will.’”
Daniel then gave his shocking interpretation of the watcher’s cry to the king. He said that this was a decree that came from the Most High God. The king, Daniel’s lord, would be driven away from human society. He was going to live with the wild animals. He was going to eat grass like oxen do. He would be washed in heavenly dew for 7 years, until he would come to recognize that the Most High God ruled over all the mortal kingdoms. God was able to give his kingdoms to whomever he wanted.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 