Daniel 4:4
I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:
I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house,.... Being returned from his wars, and having obtained victory over the Egyptians, and other nations, and made himself an universal monarch; and now was in entire rest from all his enemies; enjoying himself in his family, and among his courtiers, and nothing to disturb him from any quarter. Josephus {b} says this was a little after the history of the former chapter; but it must be many years after that: he reigned forty five years; one year after this dream, it came to pass; it was seven years fulfilling, and he lived after his restoration a year or two; so that this must be about the thirty fifth year of his reign. Bishop Usher {c} and Mr. Whiston {d} place it in the year of the world 3434 A.M., and before Christ 570; and so Dr. Prideaux {e}. Mr. Bedford {f} puts it in the year 569:
and flourishing in my palace: in health of body, in rigour of mind, abounding with riches; indulging himself in all sensual pleasures; adored by his subjects, caressed by his courtiers, and in fame throughout the whole world: a new palace was built by him, of which Daniel 4:30, being, as Dr. Prideaux {g} says, four times as large as the old one; eight miles in compass; surrounded with three walls; and had hanging gardens in it, he made for his wife.
{b} Joseph. Antiqu. l. 10. c. 10. sect. 6.
{c} Annales Vet. Test. A. M. 3434.
{d} Chronological Tables, cent. 10.
{e} Connexion, p. 92.
{f} Scripture Chronology, p. 710.
{g} Connexion, &c. par. 1, B. 2. p. 102.