Daniel 2:32

This image's head [was] of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,

This image's {H6755} head {H7217} was of fine {H2869} gold {H1722}, his breast {H2306} and his arms {H1872} of silver {H3702}, his belly {H4577} and his thighs {H3410} of brass {H5174},

The head of the statue was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its trunk and thighs of bronze,

The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze,

As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass,

Daniel 2:32 is a pivotal verse within King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. It describes the upper sections of the colossal statue seen by the king, each part made of a different metal, symbolizing successive world empires.

Context

This verse follows the initial description of the great image in Daniel 2:31. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a disturbing dream that none of his wise men could interpret, until Daniel, empowered by God, revealed both the dream and its meaning. The detailed interpretation of the statue's components, including these metals, begins in Daniel 2:36, revealing a divine blueprint for future history.

Key Themes

  • Succession of Empires: The varying metals vividly illustrate a sequence of powerful global kingdoms that would rise and fall throughout history.
  • Decreasing Glory/Value: From the finest gold to silver and then brass, there's a symbolic progression from a kingdom of absolute power and wealth (Babylon) to those that, while powerful, are seen as less glorious or unified in comparison.
  • Divine Sovereignty: This prophecy highlights God's absolute control over human affairs and the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating that He "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "image" is tzelem (צלם), which refers to a sculpted figure or idol. The specific metals—gold (zahab, זהב), silver (kesef, כסף), and brass (nechosheth, נחשת)—are literal descriptions, but their symbolic significance is paramount in the interpretation of the dream.

Understanding the Metals

  • Head of Fine Gold: This represents the Neo-Babylonian Empire (approx. 605-539 BC), under King Nebuchadnezzar himself. Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and Nebuchadnezzar's absolute monarchy, making gold a fitting symbol for its supremacy.
  • Breast and Arms of Silver: This section symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire (approx. 539-331 BC), which conquered Babylon. Silver, being less precious than gold, suggests a kingdom of lesser glory, though still vast. The "two arms" are often seen as representing the dual nature of the Medes and Persians who formed this empire.
  • Belly and Thighs of Brass: This part points to the Grecian Empire (approx. 331-168 BC), led by Alexander the Great. Brass, or bronze, was commonly used for armor and weapons, aptly representing the swift and far-reaching military conquests of the Greek empire, which spread its influence across vast territories.

Practical Application

Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream provides a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in human history. Even when empires rise and fall, seemingly at random, God's sovereign plan is unfolding. For believers, this prophecy offers profound comfort and hope, assuring us that despite worldly chaos, there is a divine purpose at work, leading ultimately to the establishment of God's eternal and unshakable kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 4:30

    The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

  • Jeremiah 51:7

    Babylon [hath been] a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

  • Daniel 4:22

    It [is] thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

  • Daniel 2:39

    And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

  • Isaiah 14:4

    ¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

  • Daniel 11:2

    And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

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