19. Daniel . . . Belteshazzar--The use of the Hebrew as well as
the Chaldee name, so far from being an objection, as some have made
it, is an undesigned mark of genuineness. In a proclamation to "all people," and one designed to honor the God of the Hebrews,
Nebuchadnezzar would naturally use the Hebrew name (derived from
El, "God," the name by which the prophet was best known among his
countrymen), as well as the Gentile name by which he was known in the
Chaldean empire.
astonied--overwhelmed with awe at the terrible import of the dream.
one hour--the original means often "a moment," or "short time," as
in
Da 3:6, 15.
let not the dream . . . trouble thee--Many despots would have punished
a prophet who dared to foretell his overthrow. Nebuchadnezzar
assures Daniel he may freely speak out.
the dream be to them that hate thee--We are to desire the prosperity
of those under whose authority God's providence has placed us
(Jer 29:7).
The wish here is not so much against others, as for the king: a common
formula
(2Sa 18:32).
It is not the language of uncharitable hatred.
JFB.
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