Where in the Book of Daniel does it say that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men?

Yes, in Ivan Ohienko's Ukrainian translation, the words "the Most High rules over the kingdom of men" are found in Daniel 4:14, rather than 4:17. This difference arises from a different verse numbering in the Slavic and most Western biblical traditions, not from a discrepancy in the biblical text itself.

The Book of Daniel reveals a magnificent truth: political powers, kings, governments, and empires are not the ultimate masters of history. God does not endorse human pride and arrogance, yet He remains the Sovereign Ruler even when global events appear chaotic. This was precisely the lesson the Lord taught the mighty Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.

Why Daniel 4:14 in Some Bibles Is Daniel 4:17 in Others

In Ukrainian translations, particularly in the translation by Ivan Ohienko, Nebuchadnezzar's doxology—which opens chapter 4 in many English Bibles—concludes chapter 3. Consequently, the verse numbering in chapter 4 of the Ukrainian Bible runs three verses behind the common English numbering.

Thus, English Daniel 4:17 corresponds to Ukrainian Daniel 4:14. It is here that the heavenly messengers declare the reason for God's judgment upon the king:

“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.” Dan. 4:14

Therefore, when quoting this text in Ukrainian, it is correct to cite Daniel 4:14. If, however, you are reading the KJV, NIV, ESV, or another translation following Western numbering, it will be designated Daniel 4:17. It is the very same Aramaic text and the very same divine message.

What Daniel 4:17 Contains in Ukrainian Numbering

Ukrainian verse 4:17 does not speak of God's supreme authority over kingdoms. Rather, it belongs to the description of the great tree from Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Daniel explains to the king the meaning of the image he saw:

“The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth.” Dan. 4:17

This tree symbolized the king himself and the grandeur of his empire. The Lord recognized that Nebuchadnezzar had become great and influential, yet simultaneously warned him: his power was not of his own making. It was permitted by God and could be removed by God.

The Central Lesson for Nebuchadnezzar

The repetition of the theme concerning the sovereignty of the Most High underscores its vital importance. Daniel plainly explained to the king that he would be driven away from human society until he acknowledged God's rule:

“And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” Dan. 4:22

A year later, while the king was boasting of his own greatness, the prophecy was fulfilled. A voice from heaven once again repeated this foundational truth:

“While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” Dan. 4:28

The lesson was not that God is indifferent to earthly power. On the contrary, He holds those entrusted with influence accountable. Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that strength, success, and status do not give anyone the right to usurp God's glory.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The biblical affirmation of God's sovereignty does not mean that every decision of a ruler reflects God's will, nor that believers should remain passive in the face of evil. Daniel, while acknowledging God's ultimate authority, boldly spoke truth to the king and urged him to forsake his sin:

“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” Dan. 4:24

From the perspective of Adventist biblical understanding, this narrative also prepares us for the prophecies of Daniel concerning the succession of earthly kingdoms. Empires rise and fall, but God's Kingdom shall never be destroyed. The Lord guides the course of history and leads the world toward the ultimate establishment of His eternal reign.

Hope for Today

When we witness injustice, war, corruption, or helplessness before governmental and societal systems, the words of Daniel 4:14 restore proper perspective. Human institutions possess real power, yet their power is limited. The Most High never loses control, never forgets the oppressed, and will not allow human pride to prevail in the end.

The practical application is simple: pray for leaders, do not idolize political power, do not despair over current circumstances, and daily surrender your life to God as Lord. If you need to cite this verse in a Ukrainian Bible, look for Daniel 4:14; if speaking with a reader of an English Bible, explain that its equivalent is Daniel 4:17. Most important is not the verse number, but the enduring truth it proclaims: the Most High rules over the kingdom of men.