Daniel 4:19

Astonied. Aramaic shemam, which, in the form here found, means “to be appalled,” “to be perplexed,” or “to be embarrassed.” The last meaning may be more appropriate here inasmuch as Daniel, understanding immediately the dream and its consequences, must have been extremely embarrassed over the responsibility of disclosing its fearful import to the king (see chapter 2:5).

Hour. Aramaic sha‘ah. It is impossible to define precisely the period of time indicated by sha‘ah. It may be a brief moment, or perhaps a longer period of time.

Compare the uses of sha‘ah in chapters 3:6, 15; 4:33; 5:5. Sufficient time must have elapsed for Daniel to have revealed to his royal patron that “his thoughts troubled him [or, alarmed him].” Daniel was obviously searching for suitable words and expressions by which to acquaint the king with the terrible news concerning his future fate.

The king spake. That Nebuchadnezzar now speaks in the third person does not justify the conclusion of critics that either another spoke of him, and that thus the document is not genuine, or that this verse includes a historical notice introduced as an interpolation into the document. Similar changes from the first to the third person and vice versa are found in other books, Biblical (see Ezra 7:13-15; Esther 8:7, 8) and non-Biblical, ancient and modern (see on Ezra 7:28).

The king clearly saw the consternation on Daniel’s face. From the nature of the dream he could hardly have expected to hear anything pleasant. Nevertheless he encouraged his trusted courtier to give him the full truth without fear of incurring royal disfavor.

That hate thee. Although Daniel had been made a captive by the king and had been deported from his homeland to serve strangers, the oppressors of his people, he harbored no ill feelings toward Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, his words testify that he felt the highest personal loyalty toward the king, probably in contrast with many of the Jews of his time.

On the other hand, Daniel’s words must not be interpreted as necessarily expressing malice toward the king’s enemies. The answer exhibited simply a courteous reply in true Oriental fashion.