Daniel 2 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him.
2 Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.
3 And the king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.”
4 Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”
5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “The word from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins.
6 But if you do not make the dream known to me, there is but one sentence for you. You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the times change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.”
7 They answered a second time and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show its interpretation.”
8 The king answered and said, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm—
9 if you do not make the dream known to me, there is but one sentence for you. You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the times change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.”
10 The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean.
11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.
12 Because of this the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.
13 So the decree went out, and the wise men were about to be killed; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them.
14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.
15 He replied to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel.
16 And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king.
17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions,
18 that they might seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night.
20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
for you have made known to us the king’s matter.
24 Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation.”
25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.”
26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?”
27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked,
28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:
29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.
30 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.
31 You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening.
32 The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze,
33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.
34 As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
36 This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation.
37 You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory,
38 And wherever the children of man dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens he has given into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all. You are the head of gold.
39 Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
40 And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these.
41 And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle.
43 As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay.
44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,
45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold.
46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him.
47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”
48 Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
49 At Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.

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The True Meaning of Daniel 2

The book of Daniel was written by the prophet Daniel, who lived during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites. Daniel was a young Jewish man taken captive to Babylon, where he rose to a position of great influence and power due to his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniel’s remarkable gift of interpreting the king’s dream, which foretells the rise and fall of great kingdoms, is seen in this chapter. This event not only demonstrates Daniel’s divine calling but also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God’s eternal kingdom, as described in the vision. The events in this chapter echo the words of the prophet Isaiah, who declared, “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales” (Isaiah 40:15). We will witness the power of God as we delve into this chapter and reveal the future and the importance of remaining faithful in the face of adversity. The events that unfold will remind us of the sovereignty of God and the need to trust in His plan, even when the circumstances seem uncertain.

Daniel 2:1-13

Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face a crucial moment in their lives during their time in exile in Babylon, as presented in Daniel 2:1-13. The passage begins with King Nebuchadnezzar having troubling dreams that deeply disturb him. Ancient people commonly believed that dreams held significance and often viewed them as messages from the divine. Nebuchadnezzar, feeling troubled by the dreams, demands that his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers not only interpret the dream but also tell him what the dream actually was. This unreasonable demand places the wise men of Babylon in a difficult position, as their usual practice was to interpret dreams once they were told the dream itself.

This episode highlights the limitations of human wisdom and power, as the wise men of Babylon are unable to meet the king’s demands. It also sets the stage for the revelation of God’s surpassing wisdom through Daniel, who would later interpret the dream by the power of God. The inability of the Babylonian wise men to fulfill the king’s request underscores the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than human knowledge alone. This theme of divine wisdom surpassing human wisdom is a recurring motif in the book of Daniel and serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and their rulers. Nebuchadnezzar orders the execution of all the wise men in Babylon, including Daniel and his friends, as they confess their inability to meet the king’s demands in a fit of rage typical of his character. This decree puts Daniel and his friends in imminent danger, despite the fact that they were not present during the initial summons since they were not part of the group of wise men consulted by the king. This turn of events demonstrates the harsh and unforgiving nature of Nebuchadnezzar’s rule, as well as the precarious position of the Jewish exiles in a foreign land.

The unfolding events in these verses set the stage for God’s intervention through Daniel, showcasing his sovereignty and power. The dire situation faced by Daniel and his friends serves as a backdrop for God to work miraculously through them, ultimately leading to the revelation of the dream to Daniel and the interpretation that would not only spare their lives but also elevate Daniel in the eyes of the king. This narrative underscores the themes of divine protection for the faithful, even in the face of adversity, and the demonstration of God’s power to pagan rulers and nations.

This passage in Daniel 2 sets the foundation for the subsequent prophecies and visions in the book, revealing God’s plan for the rise and fall of kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. It also highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and reliance on God’s wisdom in navigating the challenges and trials of life. God’s wisdom and power far surpass that of any earthly ruler or kingdom, reminding us that He is in control of human history as we reflect on the events in Daniel 2.

Daniel 2:14-23

The passage in Daniel 2:14-23 describes a critical moment in Daniel’s life as he faces an imminent threat. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that troubled him greatly. His advisors and magicians were unable to interpret the dream, and in his anger, the king issued a decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his friends. This was a life-threatening situation for Daniel and his companions.

Daniel, being a man of faith and wisdom, sought divine intervention through prayer. He went to his house and shared the situation with his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). They prayed fervently, seeking mercy from God concerning the mystery of the king’s dream, and asked for wisdom to be granted to Daniel to interpret it.

This event underscores the importance of seeking God in times of crisis and relying on Him for wisdom and guidance. Daniel did not panic or resort to his own knowledge but instead turned to God in prayer. This is a timeless message that resonates throughout the Bible – the importance of seeking God’s help and wisdom in all circumstances. Proverbs 3:5-6 also emphasizes the need to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledging Him in all your ways. God revealed the mystery of the dream to Daniel in a vision as a result of their faithful prayers. Daniel praised God for His wisdom and power, acknowledging that God was the one who revealed mysteries and deep things. Daniel’s response reflects humility and gratitude, recognizing that his ability to interpret the dream was a gift from God rather than his own doing.

This passage serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to intervene in the affairs of men. It showcases Daniel’s unwavering faith and reliance on God, even in the face of a life-threatening situation. The story of Daniel is a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and God’s faithfulness in providing wisdom and guidance to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.

Daniel 2:24-30

Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in a critical moment in the story of Daniel, as seen in Daniel 2:24-30. To break down this passage into important sections:

  1. Daniel goes to Arioch in verse 24, who had been sent by the king to execute all the wise men of Babylon. This is a significant moment because it demonstrates Daniel’s courage and wisdom. Despite the imminent danger, Daniel does not panic or act in haste; instead, he approaches the situation with a sense of calm and authority.

  2. Daniel’s request for time: Daniel asks for time to interpret the dream in verse 16. This shows his reliance on God for wisdom and insight. Rather than relying on his own abilities, Daniel acknowledges that only God can reveal the mysteries of the dream. This act of seeking God’s guidance is a timeless lesson for believers, emphasizing the importance of prayer and dependence on God’s wisdom in times of need.

  3. Daniel’s response to the dream: Daniel praises God for revealing the dream’s interpretation to him in verse 27. This response highlights Daniel’s humility and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Despite his exceptional wisdom and insight, Daniel attributes all credit to God, setting an example of humility and gratitude for believers to follow. This echoes Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trusting in the Lord with all your heart and leaning not on your understanding.

  4. The dream’s interpretation: Daniel explains the dream and its interpretation to King Nebuchadnezzar, culminating in verse 30. The dream symbolizes the rise and fall of kingdoms, with a stone representing God’s kingdom that will never be destroyed. This prophecy not only foretells the future but also underscores the ultimate sovereignty and power of God over all earthly kingdoms. It serves as a reminder to believers that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail, offering hope and assurance in times of uncertainty.

Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of faith, prayer, humility, and trust in God’s sovereignty. Daniel’s actions and responses throughout this event exemplify these virtues, providing believers with timeless lessons on how to navigate challenges with wisdom and reliance on God. Just as Daniel trusted in God for interpretation and guidance, we are encouraged to seek God’s wisdom in all aspects of our lives, knowing that He holds the ultimate authority and power over all things.

Daniel 2:31-35

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon encountered a significant dream that troubled him in Daniel 2:31-35. The king dreamt of a immense and dazzling statue with a head of fine gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Disturbed by the dream’s meaning, the king summoned his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, demanding not only the interpretation of the dream but also the recounting of the dream itself, to prove the sincerity and accuracy of the interpretation.

This section of the chapter introduces us to the pivotal moment when God’s chosen vessel, Daniel, steps forward in faith to interpret the dream through divine revelation. The head of gold represents Babylon, the chest and arms of silver symbolize the subsequent kingdom of the Medes and Persians, the belly and thighs of bronze signify the empire of Greece, and the legs of iron embody the mighty kingdom of Rome as we delve into the narrative. The feet of iron mixed with clay may represent a future divided kingdom. This dream foretells the rise and fall of powerful empires throughout history. It also underscores the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of the world and the insignificance of human kingdoms compared to His eternal dominion.

The progression of metals from gold to clay signifies a decline in the splendor and strength of earthly kingdoms as time advances. The Bible consistently emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and glory in contrast to the enduring nature of God’s kingdom. This message is reiterated in various other parts of the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40:15, which states, “Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales.” This encourages believers to place their trust in God’s unchanging and everlasting reign rather than in the transient powers of the world.

The significance of this passage lies not only in the foretelling of future events but also in the demonstration of God’s power to reveal hidden things to those who seek Him earnestly. Daniel’s ability to interpret the dream accurately, with God’s help, showcases the importance of faith, prayer, and reliance on God’s wisdom in navigating the complexities of life. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate revealer of mysteries and that His plans supersede any human authority or kingdom. Daniel 2:31-35 encapsulates profound truths about the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, the sovereignty of God over history, and the importance of trusting in His divine guidance. It prompts readers to reflect on the transitory nature of human achievements and to anchor their faith in the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God.

Daniel 2:36-45

A crucial passage in Daniel 2:36-45 presents the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. This dream had troubled the king deeply, and he sought answers from his wise men, who were unable to provide him with the meaning he yearned for. Daniel, a godly young man who had been brought into the king’s service, was able to reveal the interpretation through divine intervention. Daniel starts by telling the king in this section of the text that he is the head of gold that the dream had depicted. The golden head symbolized the Babylonian Empire, the powerful kingdom ruled by Nebuchadnezzar at that time. It was a means of acknowledging the king’s dominion and authority over the region, while also signifying the splendor and might of his reign. This part of the dream’s interpretation served to affirm Nebuchadnezzar’s current status as a ruler, but it also foreshadowed the future rise and fall of other kingdoms. Daniel foretold the subsequent kingdoms that would come after Babylon as the dream continued. The chest and arms of silver represented the Persian Empire, which would rise to power after the fall of Babylon. Following that, the belly and thighs of bronze symbolized the Greek Empire led by Alexander the Great, which would conquer the Persians. Finally, the legs of iron and feet of iron mixed with clay represented the Roman Empire, known for its strength and eventual division.

The imagery of the rock not cut by human hands striking the statue and destroying it is a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. This stone represents the kingdom of God that will be established in the future, destroying all earthly dominions and enduring forever. It highlights the transient nature of human empires in contrast to the eternal and unshakable nature of God’s kingdom.

The interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream depicted a timeline of successive earthly kingdoms, each rising and falling in accordance with God’s divine plan. It serves as a reminder of the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and control over human history. This passage echoes the prophetic tradition found throughout the Bible, where God reveals His plans for the future and demonstrates His power to bring them to fruition. Daniel 2:36-45 provides historical insight into the rise and fall of ancient empires and reinforces the overarching message of God’s ultimate authority and the certainty of His kingdom prevailing over all earthly powers. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to seek His kingdom above all else.

Daniel 2:46-49

King Nebuchadnezzar’s response after Daniel interpreted his dream is the focus in Daniel 2:46-49. This particular passage highlights Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition of the power of Daniel’s God and his subsequent actions.

Nebuchadnezzar is depicted falling prostrate before Daniel, acknowledging his God as the “God of gods and the Lord of kings”. This moment was significant as it showcased a pagan king recognizing the supremacy of the one true God. Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction underscores the theme of divine intervention and how God’s power surpasses all earthly authorities. It also serves as a reminder that even the most powerful rulers are subject to the authority of God.

Nebuchadnezzar then lavishes Daniel with gifts and honors him greatly. This act of generosity reflects not only Nebuchadnezzar’s gratitude towards Daniel but also signifies the respect and admiration he held for someone who had demonstrated such profound wisdom and connection to God. Despite being a pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar’s actions towards Daniel show a shift in his perspective and hint at a transformation that will unfold throughout the book of Daniel.

Furthermore, Nebuchadnezzar appoints Daniel as ruler over the province of Babylon and promotes his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to positions of authority as well. This act not only rewards Daniel and his friends for their faithfulness and wisdom but also demonstrates how God can elevate His servants to positions of influence and leadership even in the midst of a pagan kingdom. This promotion also sets the stage for the challenges and trials that Daniel and his friends will face as they navigate their roles in a foreign land while remaining steadfast in their faith. Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, the honor bestowed upon Daniel, and the elevation of Daniel and his friends to positions of authority showcase a pivotal moment in the narrative in Daniel 2. It reinforces themes of divine intervention, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over earthly powers. The story of Daniel and his friends resonates throughout the Bible as an example of unwavering faith and the reward that comes from trusting in God, even in the face of adversity.

After Daniel 2

The king’s dream had been revealed, and the interpretation provided. The young Hebrew captive, Daniel, had demonstrated his God-given wisdom and understanding, earning the trust and favor of the mighty Babylonian ruler. Yet, as the chapter drew to a close, a sense of unease lingered. For the vision spoke of kingdoms that would rise and fall, each more fleeting than the last. And in the end, a kingdom would be established that would never be destroyed – a kingdom that would stand forever. What could this mean for the people of God, and the future that lay before them? The answers, it seemed, were yet to be unveiled.