(25) They shall drive thee.—The third person plural verb in the active with an impersonal subject frequently stands for the second person singular passive. Thus these words mean “thou shalt be driven.” (Comp. Luke 16:9.) read more
(26) They commanded—i.e., the watchers. We observe, however, in Daniel 4:13 that the command is only ascribed to one of the watchers. This makes it appear that they form a council in which one acts in behalf of all.Thy kingdom.—To make the sense plain we must supply before this word, “The interpretation of it is,” or some sentence to that effect.Shall be sure.—Literally, shall arise. No successor shall be appointed during his life.Do rule—i.e., the heavens, or One in heaven ruleth the kingdoms... read more
(27) Break off.—The metaphor is taken from a refractory beast casting off the yoke. (Comp. Genesis 27:40, where it is foretold that Esau’s posterity shall “break off” the yoke of Jacob.) In Chaldee the word is used for the most part in the sense of putting on one side. Daniel therefore counsels the king to rebel against his sins, such as pride, harshness, and cruelty towards his captives, and to put all these sins aside. And how can he do this in a better manner than by practising the contrary... read more
(29) Twelve months—i.e., counting from the time of the vision. Sufficient time for repentance was mercifully granted to the king.Palace of the kingdom of Babylon.—He had palaces in other towns. Daniel lays a stress upon the fact that this occurred in the town of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar, the golden head of the image, was in the very centre of his dominions, in his own proud capital, when this occurred. It is needless, therefore, to assume that this was written by a person who lived a long way... read more
(30) Great Babylon.—The area of Babylon is said to have been 200 square miles. It was surrounded by walls 85 feet in width, 335 feet high. In these were brazen gates leading to various terraces which faced the river Euphrates. Within the walls the city was laid out in smaller towns, separated from each other by parks and plantations and gardens; in fact, it is stated that corn sufficient for the whole population could be grown within the walls. There were also magnificent public buildings.... read more
(31) A voice.—By this he would be reminded of his dream (Daniel 4:14), when he heard the watcher “cry aloud.” read more
(32) They shall drive thee.—This verse is only slightly abridged from Daniel 4:25 by the omission of the clause “they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven.” read more
(33) The thing fulfilled.—The malady of Nebuchadnezzar has frequently formed the subject of discussion, and it is now for the most part agreed that it was a form of mania known as lycanthropy. The peculiar features of it mentioned in this verse are partially connected with the life which the sufferer’s delusion forced him to lead. It appears, however, from the account in Daniel, that he retained his consciousness, as “he lifted up his eyes to heaven” (Daniel 4:34) before “his understanding”... read more
(34) Lifted up mine eyes.—A sign of seeking help from heaven, as Psalms 123:1. By his “understanding” is not meant his consciousness so much as his sense of personality, which had been lost for a time.Whose dominion . . .—These words, like those in Daniel 4:3, recall Psalms 145:13; and the next verse is not unlike Isaiah 40:17; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 43:21. It is hard to suppose that the king was so thoroughly versed in the Hebrew Scriptures that he should be able to make use of them as... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Daniel 4:24
(24) Which is come upon.—See Note on Daniel 4:13. read more