The king saw through his seers’ delay to an attempt to put distance between the dream and its interpretation. They hoped that as time passed, he would forget what he had dreamed, if he had not done so already. Perhaps his expectations of them would diminish as well. However, he wanted to guarantee that the interpretation they offered was correct. read more
Nebuchandezzar’s Dream-ImageNebuchadnezzar in his second year had a dream, which he required the wise men of his court to describe and interpret on pain of death. They said this was beyond their power, but professed their readiness to explain the dream if the king would tell them its nature. Nebuchadnezzar persisted in his first demand, and as the wise men could not satisfy him he gave orders that they should be slain (Daniel 2:1-13). Daniel, however, interposed and asked that the execution of... read more
(7) Let the king tell.—The request was reasonable enough, according to the principles of Babylonian sorcery. Nebuchadnezzar’s doubts, however, were awakened, and he was not sure of the veracity of his magicians. He speaks with great common sense (Daniel 2:9), “If you can tell me the dream, I shall be sure that your interpretation is correct.” read more
(8) Gain time.—They hoped that by continual postponement they would induce the king to let the matter pass over; or, if not, that they might be able to wheedle the dream out of him, read more
Daniel 2-3 See Keble's lines on 'Monday in Whitsunweek '. Successive Monarchies Daniel 2:1-30 Nebuchadnezzar has a dream sent him by God. I. Strange as the vision had been it had left no clear impression upon his mind, but only a vague sense of great terror. He sent for the wise men of the kingdom, but for such a dilemma their art provided them with no expedient. The king threatens them and their families with death unless they make known to him his dream as well as its interpretation. II.... read more
THE DREAM-IMAGE OF RUINED EMPIRES"With thee will I break in pieces rulers and captains." - Jeremiah 51:23THE Book of Daniel is constructed with consummate skill to teach the mighty lessons which it was designed to bring home to the minds of its readers, not only in the age of its first appearance, but forever. It is a book which, so far from being regarded as unworthy of its place in the Canon by those who cannot accept it as either genuine or authentic, is valued by many such critics as a very... read more
CHAPTER 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream and Its Interpretation 1. The forgotten dream (Daniel 2:1-13 ) 2. The prayer meeting in Babylon and the answer (Daniel 2:14-23 ) 3. Daniel before the king (Daniel 2:24-28 ) 4. The revelation and interpretation of the dream (Daniel 2:29-45 ) 5. The promotion of Daniel and his companions (Daniel 2:46-49 ) Daniel 2:1-13 . The king had a dream which was occasioned by thinking concerning the future (Daniel 2:29 ). God answered his desire by this dream,... read more
2:7 They answered again and said, Let the king tell {h} his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.(h) In this appears their ignorance, that despite their braggings, yet they were not able to tell the dream, unless he told them of it. And if he did tell them, they would pretend knowledge where there was but mere ignorance, and so as deluders of the people they were worthy to die. read more
NEBUCHADNEZZAR ’S DREAM Daniel, like Ezekiel, was an Israelite in Babylonian captivity, but of a little earlier date (Daniel 1:1-4 , compared with Ezekiel 1:1-2 ). Of royal blood, fine physique, strong intellectuality and deep knowledge, he became trained in the language, traditions and astrological science of his captors that, with the other eunuchs, he might serve their king in responsible relations in the palace (Daniel 1:4-7 ). For religious reasons, and out of reverence to the true God,... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 2:7
The repetition of the wise men’s request reinforced it. This is frequently the intent of the biblical writers in repeating something. Repetition assures the reader that something is very important or absolutely certain. This is especially true in prophetic revelations such as the ones that follow in this book (cf. Genesis 41:32). read more