2:5 proud man. This statement probably was fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar in particular (note Daniel 4:30), as well as by the Chaldeans in general. In contrast to those who “live by their faith” in God’s Word (Habakkuk 2:4), his “soul [was] lifted up” in pride, and therefore was “not upright in him.” He would come to his end at God’s time.

2:5 hell. “Hell” is sheol, the place of departed human souls, to which more are added daily. Nebuchadnezzar’s insatiable pride and ambition are thus compared picturesquely to hell itself.