daniel-4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:16

Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him - Here the same thing occurs in a more marked form, showing that some man was represented by the vision, and indicating some change which was fitted to attract the deepest attention - as if the person referred to should cease to be a man, and become a beast. The word heart here seems to refer to nature - “let his nature or propensity cease to be that of a man, and become like that of a beast; let him cease to act as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:17

This matter is by the decree of the watchers - See the notes at Daniel 4:13. They are described here not only as watching over the affairs of men, but as entrusted wth the execution of high and important designs of God. The representation is, that one of these heavenly beings was seen by Nebuchadnezzar in his visions, and that this one stated to him that he had come to execute what had been determined on by his associates, or in counsel with others. The idea would seem to be, that the affairs... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:18

This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen - This is the dream which I saw. He had detailed it at length as it appeared to him, without pretending to be able to explain it.Forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom ... - Daniel 4:7.But thou art able ... - See the notes at Daniel 4:9. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:19

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar - Daniel 4:8. It has been objected that the mention in this edict of “both” the names by which Daniel was known is an improbable circumstance; that a pagan monarch would only have referred to him by the name by which he was known in Babylon - the name which he had himself conferred on him in honor of the god (“Belus”) after whom he was called. See the note at Daniel 1:7. To this it may be replied, that although in ordinary intercourse with him in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:20-21

The tree that thou sawest ... - In these two verses Daniel refers to the leading circumstances respecting the tree as it appeared in the dream, without any allusion as yet to the order to cut it down. He probably designed to show that he had clearly understood what had been said, or that he had attended to the most minute circumstances as narrated. It was important to do this in order to show clearly that it referred to the king; a fact which probably Nebuchadnezzar himself apprehended, but... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:22

It is thou, O king - It is a representation of thyself. Compare Daniel 2:38.That art grown and become strong - Referring to the limited extent of his dominion when he came to the throne, and the increase of his power by a wise administration and by conquest.For thy greatness is grown - The majesty and glory of the monarch had increased by all his conquests, and by the magnificence which he had thrown around his court.And reacheth unto heaven - An expression merely denoting the greatness of his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:23

And whereas the king saw a watcher ... - See the note at Daniel 4:13. The recapitulation in this verse is slightly varied from the statement in Daniel 4:14-16, still so as not materially to affect the sense. Daniel seems to have designed to recal the principal circumstances in the dream, so as to identify it in the king’s mind, and so as to prepare him for the statement of the fearful events which were to happen to him. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:24

This is the decree of the Most High - Daniel here designs evidently to direct the attention of the monarch to the one living and true God, and to show him that he presides over all. The purpose of the vision was, in a most impressive way, to convince the king of his existence and sovereignty. Hence, Daniel says that all this was in accordance with his “decree.” It was not a thing of chance; it was not ordered by idol gods; it was not an event that occurred by the mere force of circumstances, or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:25

That they shall drive thee from men - That is, thou shalt be driven from the habitations of men; from the place which thou hast occupied among men. The prophet does not say “who” would do this, but he says that it “would” be done. The language is such as would be used of one who should become a maniac, and be thrust out of the ordinary society in which he had moved. The Greek of Theodotion here is: καὶ σὲ ἐκδιώξουσιν kai se ekdiōxousin. The Codex Chisianus has, “And the Most High and his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:26

And whereas they commanded - The watchers, Daniel 4:15. Compare Daniel 4:17.To leave the stump of the tree roots - Or, to leave roots to the stump of the tree; that is, it was not to be dug up, or wholly destroyed, but vitality was to be left in the ground. The Chaldee here is the same as in Daniel 4:15, “leave the stump of his roots.”Thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee - That is, thou shalt not die under this calamity, but after it has passed away shalt be restored to authority. It might have... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:20-21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:22

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:25

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 4:26

Group of Brands