Daniel 2:1

ยถ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

And in the second {H8147} year {H8141} of the reign {H4438} of Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} dreamed {H2492} dreams {H2472}, wherewith his spirit {H7307} was troubled {H6470}, and his sleep {H8142} brake {H1961} from him.

In the second year of the reign of N'vukhadnetzar, N'vukhadnetzar became so troubled by a series of dreams he had that he couldn't sleep.

In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.

And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams; and his spirit was troubled, and his sleep went from him.

Commentary

Daniel 2:1 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Daniel, setting the stage for one of the most significant prophetic visions in the Old Testament. This verse introduces the powerful Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, and the mysterious event that would lead to Daniel's elevation and the revelation of God's future plans for world empires.

Context

The phrase "in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar" precisely dates this event. While Daniel 1:1 mentions Daniel's capture in Nebuchadnezzar's third year, this "second year" refers to Nebuchadnezzar's sole reign after his father Nabopolassar's death, placing this dream early in his independent rule. This timing is crucial as it means Daniel and his companions, having been trained in Babylon, were now ready to be used by God. Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was at the height of his power, yet even he was subject to divine influence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation through Dreams: God frequently used dreams in ancient times as a means of communication, not only to His prophets but also to pagan rulers, to reveal His sovereign will and purposes. This dream was not a random nightmare but a divinely inspired vision.
  • God's Sovereignty over Empires: Despite Nebuchadnezzar's immense power, he is depicted as troubled and helpless without divine intervention. This highlights God's ultimate control over human affairs and the rise and fall of nations, a recurring theme throughout the book of Daniel.
  • Human Restlessness and the Need for Divine Understanding: The king's "spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him" illustrates profound psychological distress. His inability to recall or understand the dream signifies humanity's limited capacity to grasp divine truth without God's revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "his spirit was troubled" (ื ึดืคึฐืขึธืžึธื” - niphe'amah) conveys a deep sense of agitation and disturbance, indicating that the dream was not merely unsettling but profoundly unsettling, stirring the king's innermost being. This was more than just a bad night's sleep; it was a divinely orchestrated disruption designed to compel him to seek understanding.

Significance and Application

This verse acts as the dramatic prelude to the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31-45), which foretells the succession of world empires culminating in God's eternal kingdom. It reminds us that:

  • God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events even through the lives of those who do not acknowledge Him.
  • True understanding and peace often come only through divine revelation, especially when human wisdom fails. Just as Nebuchadnezzar sought answers from his wise men, we too often search for solutions in human systems before turning to God.
  • The restlessness experienced by Nebuchadnezzar can parallel the inner turmoil many experience today, pointing to a need for God's peace and guidance, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

This opening verse sets the stage for Daniel to demonstrate God's unique power to reveal secrets and interpret mysteries, ultimately exalting God's name above all earthly powers. The inability of Nebuchadnezzar's own wise men to help him paves the way for God's chosen servant, Daniel, to step forward and reveal the divine truth, demonstrating that "there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets" (Daniel 2:28).

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 4:5 (5 votes)

    I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

  • Esther 6:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

  • Job 33:15 (2 votes)

    In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

  • Job 33:17 (2 votes)

    That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.

  • Genesis 40:5 (2 votes)

    ยถ And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which [were] bound in the prison.

  • Genesis 40:8 (2 votes)

    And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

  • Daniel 2:3 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.