Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 31:3

3 Behold the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches , and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature ; and his top was among the thick boughs.

Kingdom, and its Kings were the greatest, the world ere knew before thee, they had longest time of growth through 1340, or 1360 years from Belus, who was Nimrod, or Belus Assyrius, to Sardanapalus, from 1719, or 1717, or 1718 to 3059. of the World. And they had as fair advantages, as reaching a foresight, and as unwearied diligence to advance the Kingdom; yet I brought it down.

Like a Cedar; Kings and Kingdoms oft compared to Trees, both in profane, and sacred Emblems, or like the most Goodly Cedar for Strength and Beauty.

A great Mountainous tract from East to West, 125 mile in length, encloseth Canaan on the North.

Which are the Beauty, Greatness, Strength of the Tree, so had this mighty Kingdom fair Provinces, as Branches springing from it.

What we render shadowing in the Hebr. may signifie, either silent, and quiet, or framing, and modelling, intimating, that this Kingdom, like a shady Tree, gave shelter to the weak, as if fram'd artificially to this, and 'twas a silent, quiet repose its Subjects had; as weak Creatures find shelter in a mighty wood, so these.

This Kingdom grew to great height, while its branches were so beneficial.

Or Clouds, for so the word will without violence bear; Cloud being called so from their thickness; however, the Head among the thick boughs speaks the magnificence, and greatness of this King compassed about with Tributary Kings, and Princes, and Mighty men.

Marginal references: Heb. fair of branches.