Daniel 2:1

CHAPTER II

Nebuchadnezzar, in the second year of his reign, (or in the

fourth, according to the Jewish account, which takes in the

first two years in which he reigned conjointly with his

father,) had a dream which greatly troubled him; but of which

nothing remained in the morning but the uneasy impression.

Hence the diviners, when brought in before the king, could give

no interpretation, as they were not in possession of the dream,

1-13.

Daniel then, having obtained favour from God, is made acquainted

with the dream, and its interpretation, 14-19;

for which he blesses God in a lofty and beautiful ode, 20-23;

and reveals both unto the king, telling him first the

particulars of the dream, 24-35,

and then interpreting it of the four great monarchies. The then

existing Chaldean empire, represented by the head of gold, is

the first; the next is the Medo-Persian; the third, the

Macedonian or Grecian; the fourth, the Roman, which should

break every other kingdom in pieces, but which in its last

stage, should be divided into ten kingdoms, represented by the

ten toes of the image, as they are in another vision (Daniel 7:7)

by the ten horns of the fourth beast. He likewise informs the

king that in the time of this last monarchy, viz., the Roman,

God would set up the kingdom of the Messiah; which, though

small in its commencement, should ultimately be extended over

the whole earth, 36-45.

Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

(named by the prince of the eunuchs, Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abed-nego,) are then promoted by the king to great honour,

46-49.

NOTES ON CHAP. II

Verse Daniel 2:1. The second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar] That is, the second year of his reigning alone, for he was king two years before his father's death. Daniel 1:1. This was therefore the fifth year of his reign, and the fourth of the captivity of Daniel.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams wherewith his spirit was troubled] The dream had made a deep and solemn impression upon his mind; and, having forgotten all but general circumstances, his mind was distressed.