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.

Thou {H607}, O king {H4430}, art a king {H4430} of kings {H4430}: for the God {H426} of heaven {H8065} hath given {H3052} thee a kingdom {H4437}, power {H2632}, and strength {H8632}, and glory {H3367}.

Your majesty, king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory;

You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory.

Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;

Commentary

Context of Daniel 2:37

Daniel 2:37 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's mysterious dream. The king of Babylon had a disturbing dream that he could not recall, and none of his wise men or astrologers could reveal it or its meaning. Daniel, through divine revelation, not only reveals the dream but also its profound significance. This verse marks the beginning of Daniel's interpretation of the great image (Daniel 2:31-35), identifying Nebuchadnezzar as the head of gold. The setting is the powerful Babylonian Empire, at the height of its glory under Nebuchadnezzar.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The primary message is that God, the "God of heaven," is the ultimate source of all earthly power and authority. Even the most powerful human ruler, like Nebuchadnezzar, holds his position and might solely because it has been "given" to him by God. This theme underscores God's absolute control over human history and the rise and fall of kingdoms.
  • Nebuchadnezzar's Greatness, Divinely Bestowed: Daniel acknowledges Nebuchadnezzar's immense power, referring to him as a "king of kings," a title signifying supreme authority over other rulers or vassal states. However, this acknowledgment is immediately qualified by attributing all his "kingdom, power, and strength, and glory" directly to God. This highlights that human achievements, no matter how grand, are ultimately gifts from the Almighty.
  • Foundation of Prophecy: This verse lays the groundwork for the detailed prophetic outline of successive world empires that follows in the rest of Daniel chapter 2 and beyond. By establishing God's hand in Nebuchadnezzar's reign, it validates the divine origin of the entire prophetic revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "king of kings" in Aramaic is malka malchin (ΧžΧœΧ›Χ ΧžΧœΧ›Χ™ΧŸ), a superlative expression indicating supreme earthly dominion. While it denotes Nebuchadnezzar's unrivaled power at the time, Daniel immediately counters this human greatness by stating that this authority is not inherent but was "given" by "the God of heaven." This subtle yet profound distinction elevates God's authority above any earthly monarch, even one titled "king of kings."

Practical Application

Daniel 2:37 offers timeless truths relevant to believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God is in Control: In a world where political leaders and governments often seem to wield absolute power, this verse reassures us that God is ultimately sovereign over all earthly authorities (Romans 13:1). He sets up kings and takes them down (Daniel 2:21).
  • Humility for Leaders: For those in positions of authority, it's a call to humility, recognizing that their power is a stewardship from God, not an inherent right.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Understanding that God orchestrates historical events, including the rise and fall of nations, allows us to trust in His overarching plan for humanity, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Daniel 2:44).
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 26:7

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.

  • Jeremiah 27:6

    And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

  • Jeremiah 27:7

    And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

  • Ezra 1:2

    Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah.

  • Daniel 5:18

    O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

  • Ezra 7:12

    Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect [peace], and at such a time.

  • Isaiah 47:5

    Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.