Wesley Corpus

Chapter IV The writer of this chapter is Nebuchadnezzar himself. The story of him is given in his own words. Here is the preface, ver. 1 - 3. His dream, which puzzled the magicians, ver. 4 - 18. The interpretation of it by Daniel, ver. 19 - 27. The accomplishment of it, ver. 28 - 33. Nebuchadnezzar's recovery and adoration of God, ver. 34 - 37. Nebuchadnezzar the king - Daniel here sets down another strange relation in the words of the king's own proclamation, sent to all his vast kingdoms, and questionless put into the king's archives, and court - rolls. Peace be multiplied - All health and happiness; this was always the form of salutation among the eastern nations. How great are his signs - Nothing less than a real change of heart could cause such a confession as this! Nebuchadnezzar was now old, had reigned above forty years, and seen as much of the world as most men ever did. And yet never 'till now, did he admire surprizing events, as the signs and wonders of the high God! Was at rest - When my wars were over, I sat down quiet, enjoying the spoils of my enemies. A watcher - A holy angel, the instrument of God, to execute God's judgments which the angels watch constantly to perform. Of the holy ones - The decree was God's, and the demand was of the holy angels; if God enact it, the angels had the dispensation of it put into their hands, and they all consent to it as a just judgment of God to be executed by them according to the will of God. The most high ruleth - Nebuchadnezzar and his flatterers conceded he was a god in earth unaccountable to any. But the great God will make all men know he rules all in earth too, and sets up at his pleasure whom he will, and plucks them down again. Troubled him - Because he fore - saw such troubles coming upon the king for whom he had a high reverence. Let not the dream trouble thee - Speak out, let the event be what it will. Belteshazzar said - What address and how excellent a spirit is shewn in this short preface. Reacheth unto heaven - Thou art high and mighty in the in majesty which God hath given thee.