Bible Commentaries
Daniel 4

Verse 1

dwell

Nebuchadnezzar, first of the Gentile world-kings in whom the times of the Gentiles Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 began, perfectly comprehended the universality of the sway committed to him Daniel 2:37; Daniel 2:38 as also did Cyrus Ezra 1:2. That they did not actually subject the known earth to their sway is true, but they might have done so. The earth lay in their power.

Verse 3

everlasting kingdom

See, 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalms 89:35-37; Daniel 7:13; Daniel 7:14; Daniel 7:27; Luke 1:31-33.

Verse 10

tree

Symbol of a great king. Daniel 4:22; Ezekiel 31:1-14.

Verse 13

watcher

Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:23 plural in 17.

Verse 16

seven

The number of completeness.

Verse 25

till thou know

The discipline was effective. Cf. Daniel 4:30; Daniel 4:37.

Verse 34

I blessed the most High

A progress may be traced in Nebuchadnezzar's apprehension of the true God.

(1) "God is a God of gods one amongst the national or tribal gods, but greater than they], and a Lord Adonai=Master of kings, and a revealer of secrets" Daniel 2:47.

(2) He is still a Hebrew deity, but Master of angels, and a God who responds to faith Daniel 3:28.

(3) Here Daniel 4:34; Daniel 4:35 the king rises into a true apprehension of God. Cf. Darius, Daniel 6:25-27.