Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
Ver. 1. Nebuchadnezzar the king.] This bare title seemed sufficient to him who came now newly out of the furnace of sharp affliction, whereby he was tamed and taken a link lower, as we say.
Unto all people, nations, and languages.] This epistolary narrative or proclamation was sent abroad a year or two before his death. And here observe, saith one, a an omission of twenty-seven years' history, wherein the Church in Babylon had her halcyons; the emperor being exercised in foreign wars, and the nobles disheartened from attempting anything against those four worthies, as having had formerly such ill success.
That dwell in all the earth.] Thus this great king is made a catholic preacher of humility and moderation of mind.
Peace be multiplied unto you.] Courtesy and kind language in great ones draweth all hearts unto them, as fair flowers do the eyes of beholders in the springtide.
a Mr Huet.