Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar declareth unto all people, and maketh a publick confession before them of the wonders that God had wrought toward him, vers. 1, &c. For at that time he relateth the dream that he had, 4.and how Daniel did interpret it, in great astonishment, 8, 19, 20, &c. Daniel exhorteth the King to repentance, 27. How the event confirmed the truth of Daniels interpretation, 28, &c. For which the king again praiseth God, 37.

1. King Nebuchadnezzar, unto all people, nations, and tongues, [To wit, that are under my dominion, as chapter 2. vers. 39. See the Annotat.there] that dwell upon the whole earth, your peace be multiplied, [understand here and elsewhere by peace, all health and prosperity. Compare 1 Tim. 2. 2.as also 1 Pet. 1. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 2. Jude ver. 2. Here we begin the fourth chapter with other Expositors, though some begin it but at ver. 4. now when this proclamation wasublished, we cannot so certainly tell; it seemeth that it was after that Nebuchadnezzar, having conquered divers lands and kingdoms (as also Egypt at last) came again to Babel, after which time to the end of his reign, at the most ten years were expired, as may be gathered from Ezekiel 29:17.so that then this proclamation was published about the end of Nebuchadnezars life, some two years before his death]

2. It pleaseth me, [That is, it seemeth good unto me; or, I think it good: the Hebrews use to say, It is good in mine eyes. Chald. It is beautiful before me] to declare the tokens and wonders, [to wit, the sending of the dream , together with the things that were thereby signified [that the most high God [to wit, the God of Israel, who is a God of Gods] hath done toward me. [as the King commendeth this God unto his subjects, so ought he also himself to have embraced him, yea him alone for his God, renouncing all other false Gods; but it appeareth that he did it not fully, nor sincerely.]

3. How great are his tokens! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, his dominion is from generation to generation, [Compare Psal. 93. 1, 2. below chapter 6. 27. Chald.with generation and generation.]

4. I Nebuchadnezer being at rest [Or having rest, triumphing over all mine enemies, yea even over Egypt. He seemeth to imply that there was no occasion, or cause at all, nothing that might move him to dream after this sort, therefore he might well conclude that this dream came from God. Others, being in prosperity, as Psal. 30. See there the Annotat, on vers. 7.] in mine house, [this house or palace of the king was in the city of Babel, vers. 29.] and flourishing in my palace, [budding and blossoming like a fair and fruitful tree, having no adversity.]

5. Saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts which I had upon my bed, and the visions of mine head troubled me. [Without doubt this dream left such impression upon the king, that he perceived sufficiently, that it was no common nor ordinary dream, as indeed men have daily issuing from those or those causes: but that it was a divine dream; wherefore he desireth to know the interpretation thereof, as followeth.]

6. Therefore there is a command made [Or set, given, determined]by me, to bring in all the wise men of Babel before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of that dream. [Hence it appeareth, that the king was not yet truly converted to the true God, else he would not have asked counsel of these men. See chapter 3. the Annotat. on ver. 29, 30.]

7. Then came in the Magicians, the Astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers, and I told the dream before them, but they made not known unto methe interpretation thereof: [Ch., 2.4. they say, tell thy servants the dream, then will we shew the interpretation thereof; but now though the king revealeth his dream unto them, yet they cannot tell him the interpretation thereof: thence it appeareth, that their art was nothing but vain deceit, and it plainly appeared, that Daniel interpreted the dreams by the inspiration of Gods holy Spirit.]

8. Till at the last Daniel came in before me, [To wit, when the King could find no counsel nor comfort from his Chaldeans. It seemeth that if he could have found the interpretation of his dream by those (from whom he found no comfort afore) that he would not then have sent for Daniel, to ask counsel of him, who notwithstanding had told him his dream before, and also given him the interpretation thereof] whose name is Beltsazer, [Concerning the name of Beltsazar, see chapter 1. the Annotat, on vers. 7.] according to the name of my God; [The King calleth his Idol his God: whence it appeareth again, that he was not yet at this time converted to the true God. And understand here the Idol Bel, of whom see further above chapter 1. on vers. 2. and Isa.46. on vers. 1.] in whom is also the spirit of the holy Gods; [That is, an heavenly wisdom, and coming from above, and knowledge to declare secret things, and to foretel things to come]and before him I told the dream, (saying):

9. Beltsazar, thou chiefest of the Magicians, [This was in the opinion of this heathenish King a most excellent title of honour, but indeed and in truth it was the basest and the most ignominious title that could be given to Daniel; for he would by no means be reckoned among the number of these Chaldean magicians, which were indeed deceivers. But he could not shun that the King gave him that title, See above chap.2. vers.48.] because I know, [or, whom I know]that the spirit of the holy Gods is in thee, [Did he know this, why then did he not in the first place address himself unto Daniel, but went first to the Chaldeans? Hence it appeareth again, that he was not truly converted unto the true God] and no secret is hard for thee: [or, troubleth thee, or is troublesom to thee; or presseth, crusheth, straitneth, distresseth thee; to wit, by reason of its hardness and troublesomness. The meaning is, its but a small trouble or difficulty unto thee to interpret secret things] therefore tell (me) the visions of my dream that I have seen, to wit, the interpretation thereof. [That the Chaldee letter Vau must here be rendred to wit, appeareth thence, that the King here requireth not of Daniel to tell him the dream, and also the interpretation therof, as chap.2. (for he himself relateth the dream unto Daniel, (as also below ver.18.) but he onely requireth the interpretation thereof; therefore also Daniel speaketh not of the dream, but he telleth the King onely the interpretation therof: But if it be here rendred and the interpretation thereof, then it would seem, that the King here desireth to know of Daniel both the dream and the interpretation thereof]

10. Now the visions of mine head upon my bed were (these:) I saw, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. [See this similitude so Ezek. chapter 31. vers .3.]

11. The tree became great [Others, was great] and strong: and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and it was seen to the end [Chald. and the sight thereof was to &c. that is, it was seen. So also vers.20.] of all the earth. [To wit, as wide and as far as the Babylonian monarchy reached]

12. The leaf thereof [Or, the leaves thereof.] Others, the boughs thereof. Chald. the leafe thereof, or the bough thereof; that is, every one of the leaves or boughs thereof] was fair, and the fruits thereof many, and there was meat upon it for all: [That is, for all kind of living creatures] the beasts of the field found shadow under it, [or under that, under the same, to wit, tree. Others, under them, to wit, boughs] and the fouls of the heaven dwelt [that is, hid themselves, and took shelter from the heat of the sun, and from the storm or tempest] in the boughs thereof, and all flesh [that is, all living creatures, or beasts, every living soul upon the earth] was fed of it.

13. I saw [Chald, I was seeing: So likewise v.10.] (moreover) in the visions of mine head, upon my bed: and behold, a watchman, [So he calleth the Angel that appeared unto him: the Angels are therefore called watchmen or watchers, because they are not overcome by any sleep, as men are, that are clothed with flesh and blood. Secondly, because they without ceasing wait continually upon the service of God, and the preservation of his children: in which respect many eyes are ascribed unto them, Ezek.1. See also Psal.91.11. and Psal.103.20.] namely an holy one [This is here added, to distinguish him from the evil Angels] came down from heaven; [To wit, being sent from God]

14. Crying with power, and saying [To wit, unto the other Angels that were appointed for the execution of this judgement, whereof in the sequel] thus, Hew down the tree, and chop off his branches, strip off his leaf, and scatter his fruits, that the beasts may wander away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.

15. But leave the stump (with) the roots thereof in the earth, [Though God punished this King most severely for his pride, yet he sheweth him the favour, that he doth not utterly cut him off, but letteth the stump of stock still remain, to grow up again, and to come to his former estate] and with an iron and copper band in the tender grass of the field: and let it [To wit, him that is meant by the tree] be made wt in the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts, in [That is, of, as Levit.22.4.] the herb of the earth.

16. Let his heart be changed, that it be no more a mans (jeart,) and let a beasts heart be given unto him, [Chald, let them change his heart from men He was not in body turned into a beast: but he became so brutish and void of understanding, as if he had been a beast. Some conceive, that he was possessed with an evil spirit, and that he was therefore driven from, or forsaken of men. Compare Mark 5:2.] and let seven times pass over him. [Some understand here by these seven times, seven weeks. Others, seven moneths; but it is rather to be believed that they were seven years. Compare below chap.11.13.]

17. This matter is in the decree of the watchmen, [To wit, in asmuch as the execution of the decree was committed unto the Angels; for to speak properly, it is God made this decree: the watchmen, that is, the Angels are onely executioners of the Lords command] and this desire is in the word of the holy ones: [Intimating, that all the holy Angels do with one accord desire and wish that the devine decree concerning the hewing down of this tree may be accomplished] that the living [men on earth] may know that the most High hath dominion over the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whomsoever he will; yea setteth over them the lowest among men.

18. This dream I King Nebuchadnezar have seen: Now thou, Beltsazar, tell the interpretation thereof, for asmuch as all the wise men [That is, none among the wise men] of my kingdom were not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou indeed art able, because the spirit [The inspiration, breathing, instinct] of the holy Gods is in thee. [He speaketh like an heathen]

19. Then Daniel, whose name is Beltsazar, was astonied by the space of one hour, [That is, he was as it were beside himself, through astonishment holding his peace, perceiving the heavy judgement that hung over the Kings head, whose subject he was. See Jerem.29.7.] and his thoughts troubled him: [Or, made him afraid, or grieved him. So immediately again] the King answered and said, Beltsazar, let not the dream and the interpretation thereof trouble thee. [As if the King should have said, be of good chear, and tell me but the true interpretation of this dream, though it be not such as I and thou could wish] Beltsazar answered and said: My Lord, the dream (befall) [Or, hit, or be to] thine haters, and the interpretation thereof to thine adversaries. [Daniel wisheth that that horrible judgement, wherewith the King is threatened, may be turned away from him]

20. The tree that thou sawest, which became great and strong: [Here beginneth the interpretation of the first part of the dream, related above vers.10. and 11.] whose height reached unto heaven, [that is, which filled all things] and which was seen over all the earth: [See above vers.11.]

21. And whose leaf (was) fair, and whose fruits were many, and whereon was meat for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, [See above vers.12.] and in whose brancjes the fowls of the heaven made their nests: [That is, sat, dwelt, rested. The meaning is, as a far great fruitful tree covereth with its branches the beasts that hide themselves under it, and the fowls that sit or make them nests in the branches thereof, and feedeth them with its fruits: So doth a good and vertuous King defend and protect his subjects, as it were under his branches, and by good order and government maketh that every one in his trade and calling doth peaceably and quietly eat his own bread]

22. That art thou, O King, [Thou art that tree. The name of the thing signified is given to the figure] that art become great and strong: for thy greatness is so grown that it reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. [That is, so that it spreadeth it self far and near. An hyperbole, or excessive manner of speaking. There were indeed at that time some other Kings in the world, but their power was nothing comparable to the power and dominion of this King]

23. Now (in) that the King saw a watchman, namely an holy one coming down from heaven, [Here beginneth the interpretation of the second part of the dream, vers.13, &c.] that said, Hew this tree down, and destroy it, yet leave the stump (with) the roots thereof in the earth, [That is, the stump together with the roots, that it may in due time shoot up again] and with an iron and copper band in the tender grass of the field, [To signifie that he should be a sit were by force held fast in that low condition, till seven times should be passedover him, as followeth] and (let it) be made wet in the dew of heaven, and let his portion [To wit, the portion of him that was signified by this tree] be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him.

24. This is the interpretation, O King, and this is a decree of the most High, which shall come upon my Lord the King.

25. To wit, they shall drive thee away from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall give thee herb to taste, [That is, to eat] as the oxen: and thou shalt be made wet with the dew of heaven, and there shall seven times pass over thee, till thou acknowledge that the most High hath dominion over the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whomsoever he will. [If God would have proceeded in rigour and severity against this king, he should have had cause enough utterly to destroy both him, and the memorial of him: but in the midst of his severity God yet sheweth mercy]

26. (In) that it is also said, [Chald. And (in) that they said. They, to wit, the watchmen; but there was indeed but one Angel, or watchman: See vers.13, &c.] that men should leave the stump (with) the roots of that tree: [Here beginneth the interpretation of the third part of the dream, related above vers.15.] thy kingdom shall be constant unto thee: [understand withal, this is, or this signifieth that, &c. As above chap.2.43, &c.] after that thou shalt have acknowledge heaven [That is, the God of heaven, as Matth.21.25. Luke 15. vers. 18,21.] ruleth [The meaning here is, that God ruleth heaven and earth, and hath sovereign dominion over, and in them]

27. Therefore, O King, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, [Chald, let my counsel be beautiful with thee] break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquittes by shewing mercy to the miserable, [Or, to the afflicted, or to the poor. As if he had said, thou hast now long enough sinned by all manner of iniquity, (See below chap.5.19.) seeing therefore God doth graciously warn thee aforehand, prevent his judgement and punishments by repentance, break, or cut off, or pluck off (as Genes.27.40. Exod.32.2.) thine iniquity by righteousness, (or alms-deeds: for the Chaldee word signifieth that also) and shew mercy, unto Gods people, which are oppressed by the rigour of thy dominion] if there may be a lengthening of thy peace: [Others, if per adventure there may be aprolonging, &c. The word per adventure doth not alwaies imply doubting: Compare Jos.14.12. I Sam.14.6. Acts 8:22. and see the Annotat, there. The meaning here is, if thou wilt follow my counsel, (to wit, that counsel which I give thee) then there is hope that God will have mercy upon thee, and lengthen thy peace, rest and prosperity.

28. All this [To wit, that God had foretold by that deam, and Daniel by the interpretation thereof] came upon the King Nebuchadnezar.

29. (For) at the end of twelve moneths, [So long did the patience and long-suffering of God yet delay the punishment, to give him time and repentance] (when) he was walking upon the royal palace of Babel: [It seemeth that the king walked above upon the flat roof of his palace, from whence he could view all the quarters of the city]

30. The King spake [Chald. the King answered] and said, is not this the great babel, [As if he should say, who shall dare assault this great and mighty city? Who shall be able to drive me out of it? It seemeth that the king looking at the words of the Prophet Daniel, (that had foretold him that he should be deposed from his royal throne) did fortifie that city of Babel much more then it was before; yea that he made it so strong, as that he esteemed it to be invincible. But if far is in such cases, as it is said Psal.18.28. Prov.16.18. Jam.4.6. and I Pet.5.5. babel was (as Herodotus writeth lib.I.) four hundred and fourscore furlongs in compass, that is, fifteen common Dutch miles, or leagues, each mile or league of an hours going. Aristotle in his polituks lib.3. chap.2. saith that Babylon was so great, that when one end of the city had been three days already taken by the enemy, they that were busie at the other end, heard of it but the third day after] that I have built for an house of the kingdom, [this is a vain and false boasting, tending to the shame and disgrace of his subjects: for Babel was built immediately after the floud, Genes.10.10. and it wasfrom time to time enlarged and fortified under several kings reigns that kept court there. This Nebuchadnezar did onely fortfie, and enlarge it with more buildings. See Joseph.lib.10. Antiq. Judaic.cap.11.] by the strength of my might, [what did God then do to it?] and for the honour of my glory! [or the honour of my majesty: but not to the honour of God. It seemeth that the king had presently forgotten, or at least lightly regarded the dream, and the interpretation thereof given him by Daniel, abusing the patience and long-suffering of God toward him. Compare Rom.2.4.]

31. This word yet being in the kings mouth, [That is, before he had yet fully uttered these proud words] there fell a voice from heaven, [that this proud king, with all his Courtiers and guard, might see and perceive, that there was a far mightier king in heaven, then he. Compare Psal.2. vers.4,5.] To thee, O king Nebuchadnezar, it is said, the kingdom is gone from thee: [or it goeth away from thee, or it shall go away from thee, it is departed from thee, this is so decreed in my counsel: As if God should have said, thou relief upon thy kingly power, but thou shalt soon find, that the same is of no value, I will cast thee down, and take away thy kingdom from thee for the space of seven years. See the accomplishment vers.33.]

32. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; they shall give thee grass to taste [That is, to eat] as the oxen, and there shall seven times [See above the Annotat. on.vers.16.] pass over thee, until thou acknowledge that the most High hath dominion over the kingdoms of men, and that he giveth to whomsoever he will.

33. The same hour [To wit, wherein the voice was fallen from heaven. Compare Psal.33.8,9.] was that word fulfilled upon [or to] Nebuchadnezar, for he was driven from men, [he was not onely driven from his regal throne, and from his royal palace, but also from the society and cohabitation of all me. See below vers.34.] and he [to wit, that was formerly wont to have all dainty fare, and delicately prepared dishes upon his table] did eat grass as the oxen, and his body was made wet with the dew of heaven, [In stead of his costly and royal palace, wherein he took great pride, now he dyeth day and night in the open air, in the cold wet field, without house or cottage] till his hair [not onely the hair of his head, but all the hairs of his body] grew like eagels (feathers) and his nails like birds (claws.) [that is, as long as Eagles, &c. for he minded not his body, he thought not of shaving his hair, nor of pairing his nails, for he was bereaved of his understanding: therefore his hairs and nails were grown so long, that he seemed rather to be like unto horrible wild birds and beasts, then like unto men.]

34. And at the end of these days, [See above vers.16. and 32.] I Nebuchadnezar lift up mine eyes unto heaven, for mine understanding returned into me: [the order of the words should (according to the sense) be this, mine understanding returned into me, then I lift up, &c. Mine understanding, &c. hence it appeareth that he was for a while bereaved of his understanding: neither lift he up his eyes towards heaven, till God delivered him as it were out of this madfrantick sleep: then did he first conceive that God was a righteous Judge, and he humbled himself before him with dejection and lowliness of heart, as followeth] and I extolled the most High, and I praised and glorified the everliving one, because his dominion is everlasting, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing, [How strong and mighty soever men be, yet they are no ways comparable to God; they are vain and frail, their kingdom and government do soon decay, but God is and continueth a Lord and king for ever] and he doth according to his will with the host of Heaven, [that is, with the Angels; also with the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the whole fabrick of heaven, the clouds. See Genes.chap.2. the Annotat.on vers.1.] and the inhabitants of the earth, and there is none that can keep off [stop, stay, hinder, turn away] his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou? [or what hast thou done?]

36. At the same time mine understanding returned into me; [this was the greatest and the chiefest thing that he had lost, whereto the Royal dignity (whereof in the sequel) was not to be compared] also the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and my brightness [to wit, the brightness, or former beautiful form of his face. See chap.2.31.] returned upon me; and my Counsellors, [or Rulers, or Princes] and, my mighty ones, [or Nobles, or Great ones of the land] sought unto me, and I was established in my kingdom: [it seemeth that the king was deposed and driven away by his Princes and Counsellors, when they saw that he was frantick: but that they sought again unto him, and received him, when they saw that he was restored to his reason and understanding] and greater glory was added unto me. [to wit, by God, and the Princes of the kingdom.]

37. Now I Nebuchadnezar praise, and exalt, and glorifie the King of heaven: [To wit, forasmuch as I have lived to have experience of all that hath been above mentioned] Others, therefore I praise, &c. Yet that this King was not quite converted to the true God, appeareth above vers.8. where he calleth Bel his God. No man can serve two masters at once, Matth.6.24.] because all his works are truth, [that is, all that he promiseth, foretelleth, and threatneth, is true, ceratin and sure; there is nothing to be controlled in them] and his paths [that is, his dealings, works, and deeds] judgements: [they stand not onely injudgement, but they are in themselves the rule and square of all judgements: his dealings make judgement] and he is able to abase those that walk in pride. [here the King publickly confesseth his sin of pride, whereby he had justly deserved that punishment.]