Charles Ellicott Commentary Daniel 4

Peace ...—For this mode of address, compare Ezra 4:17; Ezra 7:12. The date of the events recorded in this chapter cannot be determined, as a gap exists in the historical record for the last eighteen years of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. The only facts that occurred during this period, so far as is known, are the terrible form of mania from which the king suffered, due to which he was kept under restraint for some time, and the further extension of his dominions after his recovery (Daniel 4:34).

All the earth— By this time the king has become so powerful that he regards himself as universal monarch, so that some time must have elapsed since the events mentioned in the last chapter.

Signs and wonders.— . The appearance of various scriptural phrases in this letter leads us to believe that Daniel must have written it at the king’s request.

The high God.— Referring to his language (Daniel 3:26).

Flourishing. A word generally used to mean the growth of trees. Here, no doubt, it is suggested by the dream which follows, and for that reason is selected by Daniel. It should be noted that the Septuagint version here, as in Daniel 3:1, gives the eighteenth year as the date.

My palace. See Layard’s Nineveh and Babylon, p. 506.

At the last. —On account of his position as the chief of the governors of the wise men, Daniel would not come in until last.

Belteshazzar.— See Note on Daniel 1:7; Introduction, § 6.

The spirit ...—He means his own gods, for though he recognised Jehovah to be a high God, yet he acknowledged Him only as one out of many.

Troubles you.— Literally, goads you, or, causes you this difficulty.