Daniel 2:44-49
2:44 a Those kings were probably kings that arose within the fourth kingdom and attempted to strengthen themselves by alliances of intermarriage. However, the phrase might refer to all the kings of the statue as God’s kingdom persistently breaks into the flow of history.• it will stand forever: Only a kingdom whose authority and power are from God (see John 18:36 b) can never be destroyed, for all earthly kingdoms crumble.
2:45 c The Babylonians often pictured the earth as a mountain (or ziggurat); hence, the rock would cover or replace the entire earth.
• The dream is true: The dream, clearly explained by divine revelation, was truth from God.
• its meaning is certain: God guaranteed that what the dream communicated would certainly take place.
2:46 d The Aramaic word translated worshiped could also be translated “paid him homage or honor,” but not necessarily so. Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan; his religion had many gods, and he thought that the spirit of the gods was in Daniel (4:8 e; cp. 5:11 f). Regardless, he was recognizing that what Daniel had done was not the result of the ordinary human spirit (cp. Gen 41:38 g).
2:47 h greatest of gods ... Lord over kings: Nebuchadnezzar repaid the compliment (2:37-38 i), acknowledging by his words and actions (2:46 j) that God is supreme over all, even over Nebuchadnezzar himself.
2:48 k Daniel was made ruler over Babylon as the king’s deputy (cp. Gen 41:37-46 l).
2:49 m Daniel delegated the administration of the province to his three friends so that he could remain in the king’s court as his counselor.
Copyright information for
TNotes