Definition: And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex verse from Daniel 5. It's a really rich and symbolic passage about leadership and respect. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a king, Daniel, deliberately disobeyed a command from God and acted in a way that made him appear arrogant and disrespectful. God then reacted to this disrespect by making it a challenge – He chose to punish Daniel for his behavior. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “And for the majesty that he gave him…” - This is key. It means Daniel was given special authority or power by God. It wasn't just any job; it was a position of importance and influence. “…all people, nations, and languages…” – This highlights the wide scope of the disrespect. Daniel’s behavior affected everyone, from kings and rulers to ordinary people in different countries. It wasn't just about him ; it was about his actions affecting everyone . “trembled and feared before him…” - This is the core of the message. People were visibly scared and humbled when they saw Daniel’s behavior. They realized he wasn't respecting God's authority or order. “…whom he would he slew…” – This is the shocking part. Daniel, in his arrogance, refused to obey a direct command from God. He thought he was above God’s rules and demanded special treatment. He chose to be punished. “and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up…” – This is where it gets more symbolic. The verse suggests that God wasn't just punishing Daniel; He was preserving him. It implies a higher purpose behind the punishment - to show Daniel the consequences of his disobedience and to demonstrate God’s judgment. It's like a test or a lesson. “…and whom he would he put down.” – This is the final, most powerful part. Daniel was deliberately chosen to be punished. The verse implies that God wasn’t just punishing him; He was choosing him as a symbol of His displeasure and as a reminder to all people of the dangers of disrespecting authority. In simpler terms: Daniel disobeyed God's command, and because of his arrogance, God chose to punish him in a way that made it clear he wasn’t worthy of respect and was being shown how serious his actions were. It's a story about pride leading to consequences. Why is this verse important? This passage is often interpreted as a reminder of the importance of humility, obedience, and recognizing God’s authority. It teaches us that even seemingly powerful individuals can be humbled by their own arrogance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Talk about the historical context of this story?