Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
lion—the symbol of strength and courage; chief among the kingdoms, as the lion among the beasts. Nebuchadnezzar is called "the lion" (Jeremiah 4:7).
eagle's wings—denoting a widespread and rapidly acquired (Isaiah 46:11; Jeremiah 4:13; Lamentations 4:19; Habakkuk 1:6) empire (Jeremiah 48:40).
plucked—Its ability for widespread conquests passed away under Evil-merodach, etc. [GROTIUS]; rather, during Nebuchadnezzar's privation of his throne, while deranged.
it was lifted up from the earth—that is, from its grovelling bestiality.
made stand . . . as a man—So long as Nebuchadnezzar, in haughty pride, relied on his own strength, he forfeited the true dignity of man, and was therefore degraded to be with the beasts. Daniel 4:16 : "Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him." But after he learned by this sore discipline that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:35-36), the change took place in him, "a man's heart is given to him; instead of his former beast's heart, he attains man's true position, namely, to be consciously dependent on God." Compare Psalms 9:20.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Daniel 7:4:
Ezekiel 5:17
Revelation 12:3
Revelation 13:1
Revelation 13:3
Revelation 17:9
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