Daniel 4:1

CHAPTER IV

Nebuchadnezzar, after having subdued all the neighbouring

countries, and greatly enriched and adorned his own, became so

intoxicated with his prosperity, as to draw down upon himself

a very remarkable judgment, of which this chapter gives a

particular account, in the very words of the edict or

proclamation which the Babylonyish monarch issued on his

restoration to the throne. This state document begins with

Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledging the hand of God in his late

malady, 1-3.

It then gives an account of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which

portended the loss of his kingdom and reason for seven years,

on account of his pride and arrogance, 4-18.

So it was explained by Daniel, 19-27,

and so it was verified by the event, 28-33.

It then recites how, at the end of the period fixed by the God

of heaven for the duration of his malady, the Chaldean monarch

became sensible of his dependence on the Supreme Being, and

lifted up has eyes to heaven in devout acknowledgment of the

sovereign majesty of the King of kings, the Ruler of the

earth, whose dominion alone is universal, unchangeable, and

everlasting, 34-37.

NOTES ON CHAP. IV

Verse Daniel 4:1. Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people] This is a regular decree, and is one of the most ancient on record; and no doubt was copied from the state papers of Babylon. Daniel has preserved it in the original language.