Daniel 4:34-37

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 4:34-37

We have here Nebuchadnezzar's recovery from his distraction, and his return to his right mind, at the end of the days prefixed, that is, of the seven years. So long he continued a monument of God's justice and a trophy of his victory over the children of pride, and he was made more so by being struck mad than if he had been in an instant struck dead with a thunderbolt; yet it was a mercy to him that he was kept alive, for while there is life there is hope that we may yet praise God, as he did... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 4:34

And at the end of the days ,.... Of the time fixed in the dream; that is, at the end of seven years, as Jarchi rightly interprets it; this according to Bishop Usher F14 Annales Vet. Test. A. M. 3442. , Dean Prideaux F15 Connexium, &c.; part. 1. p. 106. , and Mr. Whiston F16 Chronological Tables, cent. 10. , was in the year of the world 3442 A.M., and before Christ 563, in the forty second year of his reign; after which he lived but one year, reigning from the death of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing ,.... That is, by the most high God, in comparison of him; and that not only the common people, but magistrates, princes, and kings, and even so great a monarch as Nebuchadnezzar; they are like mere nonentities, nothing as to existence, substance, greatness, glory, and duration, when compared with him: for this is to be understood not absolutely as in themselves; for as such they are something; their bodies are something in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 4:36

At the same time my reason returned unto me ,.... Or, "my understanding" F17 מנדעי "intellectus meus", Cocceius, Michaelis. ; this he repeats, not only to express the certainty of it, but the sense he had of the greatness of the favour, and of which what he said at this time is a full proof: and for the glory of my kingdom mine honour and brightness returned unto me : or "form" F18 זיוי , η μορφη μου , Sept.; "forma mea", Tigurine version, "figura mea", Munster. , as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven ,.... Now he knew that the heavens ruled, and that there was a God and a King there, above all gods and kings; who had brought him low, and raised him up again, and to whom were owing all his present glory and magnificence, and therefore worthy of his highest praises; and which he in the most public manner gave by words before his lords and counsellors, and by writing under his own hand, by this edict and proclamation: ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 4:36

My reason returned - Every thing was fulfilled that was exhibited by the dream and its interpretation. It is very likely that this unfortunate king had so concealed himself that the place of his retreat was not found out; and the providence of God had so watched over every thing, that, on his return to his palace, he found his counselors and his lords, who received him gladly, and cleaved to and served him as they had formerly done. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 4:37

Now I - praise and extol - It is very probable that Nebuchadnezzar was a true convert; that he relapsed no more into idolatry, and died in the faith of the God of Israel. It is supposed that he lived seventeen years after his restoration. But the authorized Version, which is followed in the margin, states the date of this decree to be b.c. 563, the year preceding Nebuchadnezzar's death. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 4:34

Verse 34 The Prophet again introduces King Nebuchadnezzar as the speaker. He says, then, After that time had elapsed, he raised his eyes to heaven Without doubt, he means those seven years. As to his then beginning to raise his eyes to heaven, this shews how long it takes to cure pride, the disease under which he labored. For when any vital part of the body is corrupt and decaying, its cure is difficult and tedious; so also when pride exists in men’s hearts, and gains an entrance within the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 4:35

Verse 35 Now the opposite clause is added to complete the contrast, because though it follows that nothing is firm or solid in mankind, yet this principle flourishes, namely, God is eternal; yet few reason thus, because in words all allow God to be firm and everlasting, yet they do not descend into themselves and seriously weigh their own frailty. Thus, being unmindful of their own lot, they rage against God himself. The explanation then which occurs here is required; for after Nebuchadnezzar... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 4:36

Verse 36 Here Nebuchadnezzar explains at length what he had previously touched upon but shortly; for he had recovered his soundness of mind, and thus commends God’s mercy in being content with a moderate and temporary chastisement; and then he stretched forth his hand, and out of a beast formed a man again! He was not changed into a brute, as we have said, but he was treated with such ignominy, and made like wild beasts, and pastured with them. This deformity, then, was so dreadful, that his... read more

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