19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven
19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
19 That night the answer to the mystery was given to Daniel in a vision. Daniel blessed the God of heaven,
19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.
31 "Your Majesty looked, and there before you stood a large statue-an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance.
31 Thou, O king, sawest,
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.
31 "What you saw, O king, was a huge statue standing before you, striking in appearance. And terrifying.
31 "You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome.
31 "In your vision, Your Majesty, you saw standing before you a huge, shining statue of a man. It was a frightening sight.
(Read Daniel 2:31-45)
This image represented the kingdoms of the earth, that should successively rule the nations, and influence the affairs of the Jewish church. 1. The head of gold signified the Chaldean empire, then in being. 2. The breast and arms of silver signified the empire of the Medes and Persians. 3. The belly and thighs of brass signified the Grecian empire, founded by Alexander. 4. The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman empire. The Roman empire branched into ten kingdoms, as the toes of these feet. Some were weak as clay, others strong as iron. Endeavours have often been used to unite them, for strengthening the empire, but in vain. The stone cut out without hands, represented the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, which should be set up in the kingdoms of the world, upon the ruins of Satan's kingdom in them. This was the Stone which the builders refused, because it was not cut out by their hands, but it is become the head stone of the corner. Of the increase of Christ's government and peace there shall be no end. The Lord shall reign, not only to the end of time, but when time and days shall be no more. As far as events have gone, the fulfilling this prophetic vision has been most exact and undeniable; future ages shall witness this Stone destroying the image, and filling the whole earth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 2:19
Commentary on Daniel 2:14-23
(Read Daniel 2:14-23)
Daniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the king's dream, and the meaning of it. Praying friends are valuable friends; and it well becomes the greatest and best men to desire the prayers of others. Let us show that we value our friends, and their prayers. They were particular in prayer. And whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of God's mercies. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants and burdens. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in. The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed. The fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. Daniel was thankful to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of himself and his fellows. How much more should we be thankful to God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those who are not among the worldly wise and prudent!