Daniel 4:14 (BSB)

He called out in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches.

From Daniel 4. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Daniel 4:14

  • John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Daniel 4:14: He afterwards adds—the angel cried with a loud voice, cut down the tree, strip off the leaves, cut off its boughs, scatter its fruits, (or throw them away,) and let the beasts flee from its shadow, and the birds of heaven dwell no longer under its branches By this figure God meant to express that King Nebuchadnezzar should be for a time like a beast.
  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Daniel 4:4-18: Nebuchadnezzar, before he relates the judgments of God that had been wrought upon him for his pride, gives an account of the fair warning he had of them before they came, a due regard to which might have prevented them.
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Daniel 4:14: He cried aloud,.... Or, with strengths; (l) being a mighty angel, and that he might be heard far and near: and said thus, hew down the tree; remove this mighty monarch from his throne; take away his government from him: this is said to fellow angels employed in the affairs of Providence, and the execution of them, to bring about an event so momentous: and...
  • Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Daniel 4:14: Hew down-- (Mat 3:10; Luk 13:7). The holy (Jde 1:14) one incites his fellow angels to God's appointed work (compare Rev 14:15, Rev 14:18). beasts get away from under it--It shall no longer afford them shelter (Eze 31:12).