Daniel 2:28

KJV

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {H1297} there is {H383} a God {H426} in heaven {H8065} that revealeth {H1541} secrets {H7328}, and maketh known {H3046} to the king {H4430} Nebuchadnezzar {H5020} what {H4101} shall be {H1934} in the latter {H320} days {H3118}. Thy dream {H2493}, and the visions {H2376} of thy head {H7217} upon {H5922} thy bed {H4903}, are these {H1836};

Complete Jewish Bible

But there is a God in heaven who unlocks mysteries, and he has revealed to King N'vukhadnetzar what will happen in the acharit-hayamim. Here are your dream and the visions you had in your head when you were in bed.

Berean Standard Bible

But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:

American Standard Version

but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:28 is Daniel's profound declaration to King Nebuchadnezzar, asserting that while human wisdom has failed, there is a transcendent God in heaven who possesses the unique power to reveal hidden mysteries. This verse establishes that the king's forgotten dream and its accompanying visions are not random, but are divinely purposed revelations concerning the unfolding of future events, specifically "what shall be in the latter days," thus setting the stage for a sweeping prophecy of world history culminating in God's eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:28 serves as the pivotal turning point in the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Prior to this, King Nebuchadnezzar has been tormented by a dream he cannot recall but knows is significant. He demands not only an interpretation but also the dream's content from his wise men, astrologers, and sorcerers, threatening their lives if they fail. Their collective inability highlights the limitations of human wisdom and pagan divination. Daniel, having heard of the decree, requests time to seek divine revelation. After he and his companions pray, God reveals the mystery to Daniel in a night vision. This verse is Daniel's humble yet confident opening statement to the king, immediately deflecting glory from himself and attributing the power of revelation solely to the "God in heaven," thereby contrasting divine omnipotence with human impotence and setting the theological framework for the entire prophecy that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605-562 BC), who had conquered Judah and exiled many of its people, including Daniel and his friends. Babylon was the preeminent world power, known for its advanced civilization, monumental architecture, and sophisticated religious practices, including astrology and divination. Kings like Nebuchadnezzar wielded absolute authority, and their decrees were final. The king's demand for both the dream and its interpretation was an extreme test, designed to expose fraudulent claims of divine insight among his court advisors. Daniel, a Jewish exile, stands in stark contrast to these Babylonian wise men, representing the true God of Israel whose power and knowledge far surpass any human or pagan deity, even in the heart of the world's most powerful empire.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the book of Daniel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, emphasizing that God alone is the ultimate source of knowledge and the revealer of hidden things, particularly concerning the future. Unlike the powerless human astrologers and magicians, the "God in heaven" knows and makes known what is to come, a truth echoed in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants"). Another significant theme is **God's Control Over History**, as the phrase "maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days" underscores God's active orchestration and foretelling of historical events, demonstrating His absolute control over human kingdoms and destinies. This dream is not random but a divinely ordained message about future dispensations. Furthermore, the verse introduces the **Prophecy of the "Latter Days,"** a critical prophetic term referring to the distant future, often encompassing the end times or the period leading up to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This signifies that the dream's scope extends far beyond Nebuchadnezzar's immediate reign, encompassing successive world empires and culminating in God's ultimate plan for humanity, as seen throughout [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"). Finally, Daniel's immediate attribution of credit to God highlights the theme of **Humility and Giving Glory to God**, a hallmark of true servants of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew `Eloah`, refers to the singular, transcendent God of Israel. In the context of the Babylonian court, where polytheism and idolatry were rampant, Daniel's declaration of "a God in heaven" is a powerful assertion of monotheism and the supremacy of Yahweh over all other deities. It underscores that the source of this revelation is not one of Babylon's many gods, but the one true God who reigns from the heavens.
* **revealeth (Aramaic, _gᵉlâh'_):** This verb means "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." In this context, it signifies the act of uncovering or making known what was previously hidden or secret. It emphasizes God's unique capacity to disclose profound mysteries that are beyond human comprehension or discovery, directly contrasting with the failed attempts of Nebuchadnezzar's wise men to "reveal" the dream.
* **secrets (Aramaic, _râz'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to attenuate" or "to hide," this word refers to a mystery or hidden knowledge. Daniel uses this term to describe the profound, concealed truths of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which only God can unveil. The use of "secrets" highlights the divine origin and exclusive nature of the information being revealed, setting it apart from any humanly attainable wisdom or insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there is a God in heaven":** This opening clause immediately establishes a stark contrast with the preceding narrative, where all human wisdom and pagan divination have failed. Daniel asserts the existence of a singular, sovereign God whose dwelling place is "in heaven," signifying His transcendence, omnipotence, and ultimate authority over earthly affairs and human knowledge. This declaration sets the stage for the divine intervention that is about to unfold.
* **"that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.":** This is the core assertion of God's unique power. God is not merely a distant deity but an active agent who "revealeth secrets"—unveiling mysteries that are otherwise inaccessible. Crucially, He "maketh known" these hidden truths specifically to King Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan ruler, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even gentile kings and His willingness to communicate His plans through them. The phrase "what shall be in the latter days" introduces the prophetic scope of the dream, indicating that its revelation pertains to events far into the future, encompassing the course of world history.
* **"Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;":** With this concluding clause, Daniel directly addresses the king, affirming that the divine revelation he has received precisely corresponds to the king's forgotten dream and the accompanying mental "visions" experienced during sleep. This validates Daniel's claim and prepares the king for the detailed interpretation that will follow, confirming that God has indeed provided the exact information Nebuchadnezzar sought.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:28 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is immediately established by the opening "But." This word sharply contrasts the impotence of the Babylonian wise men, who could not reveal the king's dream, with the omnipotence of "a God in heaven" who "revealeth secrets." This highlights the vast chasm between human limitations and divine capability. There is also a strong element of **Attribution**, as Daniel immediately and unequivocally attributes the source of the revelation to God, not to his own wisdom or skill. This serves to glorify God and underscore Daniel's humility. The phrase "what shall be in the latter days" functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extensive and far-reaching prophetic content that will be unveiled in the subsequent verses, setting the expectation for a grand sweep of historical revelation. Finally, the entire verse is a **Declarative Statement**, delivered with confidence and authority, stemming not from Daniel himself but from the certainty of divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:28 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation, including human history and the unfolding of time. It asserts that God is not a passive observer but an active participant who not only knows the future but also orchestrates and reveals it according to His divine purpose. This stands in stark contrast to the limited knowledge and power of human beings and false gods. The ability to "reveal secrets" and make known "what shall be in the latter days" is an exclusive attribute of the one true God, demonstrating His omniscience and omnipotence. This foundational truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that even amidst the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, God's ultimate plan remains firmly in His control.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:28 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, chaos, and a pervasive sense of being out of control, this verse reassures us that there is indeed "a God in heaven" who is sovereign over all things. He knows the end from the beginning, and He is actively working out His divine plan through the course of human history. This truth invites us to cultivate a deep trust in His providence, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or incomprehensible. Furthermore, Daniel's immediate attribution of glory to God models a vital spiritual discipline: humility. Any wisdom, insight, or ability we possess comes from Him, and our primary response should be to acknowledge His grace and give Him all the credit. This verse also calls us to seek divine wisdom above human knowledge, reminding us that true understanding of life's deepest mysteries and the future comes from God's revelation, not from worldly sources or human intellect. Living with this eternal perspective, knowing that God reveals "what shall be in the latter days," empowers us to navigate present challenges with hope, confident that all earthly kingdoms are temporary, and God's kingdom is everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's immediate glorification of God challenge my own tendencies to seek personal recognition or credit for accomplishments?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely more on human wisdom or worldly solutions rather than seeking God's divine revelation and guidance?**
* **How does the assurance that God "maketh known what shall be in the latter days" impact my perspective on current global events and my sense of hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar forget his dream, and why was it so important that Daniel reveal both the dream and its interpretation?**

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar's inability to recall his dream, coupled with his demand that his wise men not only interpret it but also tell him what it was, served several crucial purposes. First, it highlighted the absolute impotence of the Babylonian court's astrologers, enchanters, and sorcerers. Their failure to even know the dream exposed their claims of supernatural insight as fraudulent, demonstrating that their power was limited and not truly divine. Second, it ensured that when the dream *was* revealed, there could be no doubt about the source of the revelation. By requiring Daniel to state the dream first, God prevented any human claim to its knowledge or interpretation, thereby ensuring that all glory and credit for the profound insight went solely to the "God in heaven." This dramatic setup powerfully underscored God's unique sovereignty and His ability to intervene directly in human affairs and reveal hidden truths, contrasting sharply with the false gods and limited wisdom of Babylon.

**What is the significance of the phrase "latter days" in Daniel 2:28?**

Answer: The phrase "latter days" (Aramaic: `aharit yomayya`) is a crucial prophetic idiom used throughout the Old Testament. In this context, it refers to a distant future period, extending far beyond Nebuchadnezzar's immediate reign. It signifies the unfolding of God's ultimate purposes for human history, leading up to the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This phrase indicates that the dream's scope is not merely about Nebuchadnezzar's empire but encompasses a grand sweep of successive world empires and their eventual culmination. In broader biblical prophecy, "latter days" or "last days" often points to the eschatological period, including the time of the Messiah's coming, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the final consummation of God's plan, as seen in [Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Peter Quotes Joel on the Last Days").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:28, with its declaration of a "God in heaven that revealeth secrets" concerning "what shall be in the latter days," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent revelation of God to humanity, the very Word made flesh, through whom God has spoken most fully and finally ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "secrets" that God reveals are ultimately centered on His redemptive plan, a mystery now fully disclosed in Christ ([Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Hidden for Ages, Now Revealed")). The "latter days" to which Daniel points are precisely the era inaugurated by Christ's first coming, culminating in His second advent and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Jesus Himself is the "stone cut out without hands" from [Daniel 2:34](/daniel/2-34 "Daniel 2:34 - The Stone Cut Without Hands") and [Daniel 2:45](/daniel/2-45 "Daniel 2:45 - The Stone Becomes a Great Mountain"), which strikes the feet of the great image, signifying the demise of all earthly kingdoms and the rise of God's indestructible kingdom ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom of God Endures Forever")). Through Christ, God not only reveals the future but actively brings it to pass, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never be destroyed and will fill the whole earth, ultimately culminating in His glorious return and the full manifestation of His righteous reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 40:8

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.

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

Daniel 10:14

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days.

Genesis 49:1

¶ And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you [that] which shall befall you in the last days.

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.