Verses 1–2
dwell
Nebuchadnezzar, first of the Gentile world-kings in whom the times of the Gentiles Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 began, perfectly comprehended the universality of the sway committed to him Daniel 2:37,38 as also did Cyrus Ezra 1:2. That they did not actually subject the known earth to their sway is true, but they might have done so. The earth lay in their power.
Verses 3–9
everlasting kingdom
See, 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalms 89:35-37; Daniel 7:13,14,27; Luke 1:31-33.
Verses 10–12
tree
Symbol of a great king. Daniel 4:22; Ezekiel 31:1-14.
Verses 13–15
watcher
Daniel 4:17,23, plural in 17.
Verses 16–24
seven
The number of completeness.
Verses 25–33
till thou know
The discipline was effective. Cf. Daniel 4:30,37.
Verses 34–37
I blessed the most High
A progress may be traced in Nebuchadnezzar's apprehension of the true God.
(1) "God is a God of gods one amongst the national or tribal gods, but greater than they], and a Lord Adonai=Master of kings, and a revealer of secrets" Daniel 2:47. (2) He is still a Hebrew deity, but Master of angels, and a God who responds to faith Daniel 3:28. (3) Here Daniel 4:34,35 the king rises into a true apprehension of God. Cf. Darius, Daniel 6:25-27.