This was the dream;Daniel is speaking to King Nebuchadnezzar, who had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret. This phrase indicates the transition from recounting the dream to explaining its meaning. The dream itself, involving a statue made of various metals, symbolizes successive kingdoms. Daniel's ability to recount the dream without prior knowledge demonstrates divine revelation, emphasizing God's sovereignty and wisdom.
now we will tell the king
The use of "we" may refer to Daniel and his companions, who prayed for God's revelation, or it could be a humble way of including God in the process. Daniel's approach shows respect and confidence, acknowledging that the interpretation comes from God. This moment highlights the importance of divine guidance in understanding mysteries, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Daniel.
its interpretation.
The interpretation of the dream is crucial as it reveals God's plan for future empires and the eventual establishment of His eternal kingdom. The dream's interpretation serves as a prophecy, foretelling the rise and fall of kingdoms, culminating in God's unshakeable kingdom. This prophecy is significant in biblical eschatology and is often linked to other prophetic scriptures, such as those in Revelation. The interpretation also prefigures Christ as the ultimate King whose kingdom will never be destroyed.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DanielA young Hebrew prophet and wise man in the Babylonian court, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams.
2.
NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret, leading to Daniel's involvement.
3.
BabylonThe empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, known for its grandeur and as a place of exile for the Israelites.
4.
The DreamA divine revelation given to Nebuchadnezzar, which Daniel is about to interpret, concerning the future kingdoms of the world.
5.
The InterpretationThe explanation of the dream's symbolism, which Daniel provides, revealing God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
Teaching Points
God's SovereigntyDaniel's ability to interpret the dream underscores God's control over history and His power to reveal mysteries.
Faithfulness in ExileDaniel's role in Babylon demonstrates how believers can remain faithful and influential even in a foreign and challenging environment.
The Role of ProphecyProphecy serves to reveal God's plans and purposes, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate plan for the world.
Wisdom and DiscernmentDaniel's discernment and wisdom in handling the situation with Nebuchadnezzar highlight the importance of seeking God's guidance in difficult circumstances.
Courage to Speak TruthDaniel's willingness to speak the truth to power, even at personal risk, is a model for believers to stand firm in their convictions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Daniel 2:36?
2. How does Daniel 2:36 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers?
3. What role does Daniel's interpretation play in understanding God's plan for history?
4. How can we apply Daniel's faithfulness in Daniel 2:36 to our daily lives?
5. How does Daniel 2:36 connect to other prophecies about God's eternal kingdom?
6. What does Daniel 2:36 teach us about relying on God's wisdom for guidance?
7. What does Daniel 2:36 reveal about God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms?
8. How does Daniel 2:36 support the prophecy's historical accuracy?
9. What is the significance of Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2:36?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 2?
11. Why is Daniel, a prominent figure in the king's court, conspicuously absent in the events of Daniel 3?
12. If Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2:1 was as significant as described, why is there no historical record outside the Bible that confirms any such event or demand from the king?
13. In Daniel 4:18, why would Nebuchadnezzar trust Daniel's God-based interpretation over the Babylonian wise men if their religious context supposedly revered other deities?
14. How can modern scientific understanding explain Daniel's alleged ability to know and interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31-35) without natural means?What Does Daniel 2:36 Mean
This was the dream– Daniel has just finished recounting, in detail, the enormous statue of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay (Daniel 2:31-35).
– By opening with “This was the dream,” he confidently affirms that what Nebuchadnezzar saw matches precisely what God revealed to Daniel the night before (Daniel 2:19, 28).
– The line echoes Joseph’s certainty when he declared, “God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do” (Genesis 41:25).
– It underscores Scripture’s trustworthiness: the narrative does not speculate or approximate; it records the dream exactly, illustrating Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is flawless.”
– Practical takeaway: God knows the king’s thoughts (Psalm 139:2) and ours as well, so nothing in our lives is hidden from His sovereign oversight.
now we will tell the king– The shift from describing to explaining shows that revelation is meant to lead to understanding (Deuteronomy 29:29; Acts 8:30-31).
– Daniel’s use of “we” highlights partnership—his three friends prayed with him (Daniel 2:17-18), and God is the ultimate Source of wisdom (James 1:5).
– Respect for authority is evident. Even though Nebuchadnezzar is a pagan ruler, Daniel addresses him honorably, mirroring Romans 13:1’s call to honor governing authorities.
– By standing before the most powerful monarch of his day, Daniel illustrates 1 Peter 3:15: be ready to give an answer, yet with gentleness and respect.
its interpretation– Daniel recognizes that dreams without interpretation offer no benefit (Genesis 40:8). God does not speak in riddles; He supplies clarity (1 Corinthians 14:33).
– The interpretation that follows (Daniel 2:37-45) reveals four successive earthly kingdoms culminating in God’s everlasting kingdom—fulfilling Isaiah 9:7’s promise of a throne that will never end.
– Assurance flows from the phrase: what God reveals, He also explains. Believers can trust that Scripture interprets itself (2 Peter 1:20-21).
– The forthcoming explanation of metals and kingdoms shows history marching exactly as foreseen—reminding us of Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
summaryDaniel 2:36 marks the hinge between God’s revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and God’s authoritative explanation of its meaning. By stating the dream first, Daniel validates divine accuracy; by promising the interpretation, he models humble service and confidence in God’s Word. The verse assures us that the God who discloses mysteries also supplies clear understanding, and that His sovereign plans—revealed, interpreted, and fulfilled—stand forever.
(36)
We--
i.e., Daniel and his three friends, for to their intercession (
Daniel 2:17-18) the revelation was due.
Verse 36. -
This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. The various versions agree closely with the Massoretic text. It is scarcely a variation when the Septuagint has
ἐπὶ, "to," instead of
ἐνώπιον, "before," that is to say,
לְ instead of
קְדָם (
qedam). Jerome must have read
קָדָמָך, (
qadamak), "before thee," as he renders
coram te,
rex; but that also is unimportant. Having finished telling Nebuchadnezzar his dream, Daniel now announces his intention of giving the interpretation. Commentators have noticed the fact that Daniel does not say, "I will give," but "we." The opinion of Professor Fuller is that Daniel here includes with himself his three companions; of Keil, Kranichfeld, Zockler, and Behrmann, that he identifies himself with all worshippers of Jehovah; Aben Ezra makes the plurality by making him refer to himself and the Divine wisdom; Jephet-ibn-Ali makes its force lie in contrast; Hitzig makes it really the
pluralis excellintiae, and quotes in defence
Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7, where it is God himself that speaks. Had Daniel introduced the phrase, "thus saith the Lord," this opinion might have been defended. It may be that Daniel fell back on the methods and ordinary mode of address for an astrologer before the King of Babylon (see ver 7). He does not wait for the king to acknowledge that this is the dream he had. Daniel at once pro-coeds with the interpretation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thisדְּנָ֣ה (də·nāh)Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 1836: Thiswas the dream;חֶלְמָ֔א (ḥel·mā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 2493: A dreamnow we will tellנֵאמַ֥ר (nê·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 560: To say, tell, commandthe kingמַלְכָּֽא׃ (mal·kā)Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A kingits interpretation.וּפִשְׁרֵ֖הּ (ū·p̄iš·rêh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6591: An interpretation
Links
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OT Prophets: Daniel 2:36 This is the dream (Dan. Da Dn) 
