Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. Wherever the sons of menThis phrase emphasizes the universality of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion. In the Hebrew context, "sons of men" refers to all humanity, highlighting the breadth of his rule. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon was a vast empire, and this phrase underscores the extent of his influence over all people, reflecting God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. or beasts of the field
The inclusion of "beasts of the field" signifies dominion over nature, reminiscent of the authority given to Adam in Genesis. This phrase suggests that Nebuchadnezzar's rule is comprehensive, extending beyond human subjects to the natural world, illustrating the completeness of his God-given authority. or birds of the air
This phrase further extends the scope of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion. In ancient Near Eastern texts, birds often symbolize freedom and the heavens. By including them, the text implies that Nebuchadnezzar's rule is not only earthly but also reaches into the heavens, symbolizing a divine mandate. dwell
The word "dwell" indicates a settled presence, suggesting stability and permanence. In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, it implies that his rule is established and recognized across the known world, reflecting the peace and order attributed to his governance. He has given them into your hand
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty in granting authority. The "hand" symbolizes power and control. In the biblical narrative, it is God who appoints rulers, and this phrase serves as a reminder that Nebuchadnezzar's power is not self-derived but divinely bestowed. and has made you ruler over them all
Here, the text reiterates the totality of Nebuchadnezzar's authority. The word "ruler" conveys a sense of responsibility and stewardship. In a biblical context, rulers are expected to govern justly, reflecting God's justice and mercy. You are that head of gold
This phrase is both a compliment and a prophetic symbol. Gold, in biblical symbolism, represents purity, value, and preeminence. Nebuchadnezzar, as the "head of gold," is acknowledged as the most glorious of the kingdoms in the statue's vision. This highlights the peak of Babylon's power and splendor, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to God's eternal kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon, who is the primary recipient of Daniel's interpretation of his dream. He is identified as the "head of gold" in the statue from his dream, symbolizing his supreme authority and the glory of his kingdom. 2. DanielA Hebrew prophet and interpreter of dreams, who is divinely gifted to reveal and explain Nebuchadnezzar's dream. His role is crucial in demonstrating God's sovereignty and wisdom. 3. BabylonThe empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, representing the pinnacle of human power and achievement at the time. It is depicted as the "head of gold" in the statue, signifying its preeminence. 4. The StatueA symbolic representation of successive world empires, revealed in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Each part of the statue is made of different materials, with the head of gold representing Babylon. 5. God's SovereigntyThe overarching theme of the passage, highlighting God's control over earthly kingdoms and His authority to appoint rulers. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsRecognize that all authority and power are ultimately granted by God. This should lead to humility and reliance on God's wisdom rather than human strength. The Temporary Nature of Earthly PowerUnderstand that human kingdoms, no matter how glorious, are temporary. This should encourage believers to invest in God's eternal kingdom. The Role of Believers in SocietyLike Daniel, believers are called to be faithful witnesses in their cultural contexts, using their God-given gifts to influence and interpret the times. Trust in God's PlanEven when earthly rulers seem powerful, trust that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. This assurance should bring peace and confidence in uncertain times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the identification of Nebuchadnezzar as the "head of gold" reflect God's sovereignty over human history? 2. In what ways can believers today exercise their God-given authority responsibly, as seen in Daniel's example? 3. How does the temporary nature of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom challenge us to prioritize God's eternal kingdom in our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Daniel's faithfulness and wisdom in dealing with earthly authorities? 5. How do the themes of Daniel 2:38 connect with the broader biblical account of God's ultimate plan for His kingdom? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:26-28This passage speaks of God's original mandate for humanity to have dominion over the earth, which parallels the authority given to Nebuchadnezzar over all living things. Jeremiah 27:6This verse confirms God's appointment of Nebuchadnezzar as ruler over many nations, emphasizing the divine orchestration of political power. Revelation 17:12-14These verses discuss the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, providing a future perspective on the transient nature of human power. People Abednego, Arioch, Azariah, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Meshach, Mishael, Nebuchadnezzar, ShadrachPlaces Babylon, ShinarTopics Air, Animals, Beast, Beasts, Birds, Caused, Dwell, Dwelling, Field, Fowl, Fowls, Gold, Hands, Heaven, Heavens, Making, Mankind, Placed, Rule, Ruler, Sky, Sons, Wheresoever, Wherever, WhithersoeverDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 2:38 4017 life, animal and plant
5509 rulers Daniel 2:17-49 6694 mystery Daniel 2:27-45 7730 explanation Daniel 2:31-38 5700 headship Daniel 2:31-45 1409 dream
5305 empires Daniel 2:36-45 5367 kingdoms Daniel 2:37-38 4333 gold
5219 authority, human institutions
5554 status Daniel 2:37-39 1194 glory, divine and human Daniel 2:37-44 9145 Messianic age Daniel 2:37-45 4971 seasons, of life Daniel 2:38-44 7773 prophets, role Library The Image and the Stone
'This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath He given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureBook and Tract Catalogue.
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION. BY I. C. WELLCOME AND C. GOUD. "The Plan of Redemption is an earnest book, evidently prepared after no little study, and with a conscientious desire to advance the cause of Christ. The Bible is made the basis of argument; it contains many fresh and well considered suggestions. The careful reader will find much that is valuable."--Watchman and Reflector. "This treatise aims to serve up the gospel scheme in a compact form. It states the plan and work well, and usually correctly. …
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope Editor's Preface
Professor Maspero does not need to be introduced to us. His name is well known in England and America as that of one of the chief masters of Egyptian science as well as of ancient Oriental history and archaeology. Alike as a philologist, a historian, and an archaeologist, he occupies a foremost place in the annals of modern knowledge and research. He possesses that quick apprehension and fertility of resource without which the decipherment of ancient texts is impossible, and he also possesses a sympathy …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1 The Scattering of the People
[Illustration: (drop cap A) The Fish-god of Assyria and Babylonia] At last the full punishment for their many sins fell upon God's chosen people. The words of warning written in the fifth book of Moses had told them plainly that if they turned aside and worshipped the wicked idol-gods of Canaan, the Lord would take their country from them and drive them out into strange lands. Yet again and again they had yielded to temptation. And now the day of reckoning had come. Nebuchadnezzar, the great king …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been …
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great A Description of Heart-Purity
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 The holy God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity' calls here for heart-purity, and to such as are adorned with this jewel, he promises a glorious and beatifical vision of himself: they shall see God'. Two things are to be explained the nature of purity; the subject of purity. 1 The nature of purity. Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatsoever defiles. We must distinguish the various kinds …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Wicked Husbandmen.
"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a Pure Religion --First Disciples.
Joseph died before his son had taken any public part. Mary remained, in a manner, the head of the family, and this explains why her son, when it was wished to distinguish him from others of the same name, was most frequently called the "son of Mary."[1] It seems that having, by the death of her husband, been left friendless at Nazareth, she withdrew to Cana,[2] from which she may have come originally. Cana[3] was a little town at from two to two and a half hours' journey from Nazareth, at the foot …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus The Gospel of the Kingdom.
"This is He whom Seers in old time Chanted of with one accord; Whom the voices of the Prophets Promised in their faithful word." We have seen that, in the providence of God, John the Baptist was sent to proclaim to the world that "The Kingdom of Heaven" was at hand, and to point out the King. And as soon as the Herald had raised the expectation of men by the proclamation of the coming Kingdom, our Lord began His public ministry, the great object of which was the founding of His Kingdom for the salvation …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it? Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 2:38 NIVDaniel 2:38 NLTDaniel 2:38 ESVDaniel 2:38 NASBDaniel 2:38 KJV
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