Daniel 2:48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon.

Then {H116} the king {H4430} made {H7236} Daniel {H1841} a great man {H7236}, and gave {H3052} him many {H7690} great {H7260} gifts {H4978}, and made him ruler {H7981} over {H5922} the whole {H3606} province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}, and chief {H7229} of the governors {H5460} over {H5922} all {H3606} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}.

The king promoted Dani'el to a high rank, gave him many rich gifts and made him governor of the entire province of Bavel and head of all the sages of Bavel.

Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:48 KJV describes the immediate and profound exaltation of Daniel by King Nebuchadnezzar following Daniel's successful interpretation of the king's forgotten dream. This verse marks a pivotal moment in Daniel's life, transitioning him from a captive exile to a powerful leader within the Babylonian Empire.

Context

This verse follows directly from Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which revealed the sequence of future world empires (Daniel 2:31-45). The king, astonished by Daniel's divine insight, fell on his face and worshipped Daniel, acknowledging that Daniel's God was "a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets" (Daniel 2:47). This elevation was not earned through political maneuvering or military prowess, but solely through God's revelation and Daniel's faithful stewardship of that revelation. Importantly, Daniel had earlier attributed all wisdom and understanding to God, refusing to take personal credit (Daniel 2:30).

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor and Elevation: Daniel's promotion is a clear demonstration of God's favor upon those who honor Him. Despite being a foreign captive, God used him in a powerful way to influence one of the most powerful rulers of his time. This echoes the story of Joseph's elevation in Egypt.
  • Recognition of True Wisdom: The "wise men of Babylon" (magicians, astrologers, sorcerers) had failed the king's test, facing execution (Daniel 2:12). Daniel's God-given wisdom proved superior to all human and occult knowledge, leading to his appointment as "chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon."
  • God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over kingdoms and leaders. He humbles the proud and exalts the humble, using His servants to accomplish His purposes even in seemingly pagan environments.
  • Humility Leading to Exaltation: Daniel's humility in crediting God for the interpretation is directly followed by his exaltation. This principle is consistently taught throughout scripture, such as in James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Practical Application

Daniel's story in this verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God honors faithfulness: When we prioritize God and use our gifts for His glory, He can open doors and grant influence beyond our expectations.
  • True wisdom comes from God: In a world that often values human intellect or worldly success, Daniel's example shows that divine wisdom is ultimately what truly distinguishes and provides lasting solutions.
  • God can use anyone, anywhere: Regardless of our background, circumstances, or perceived limitations, God can elevate us and use us for His purposes, even in challenging or hostile environments, if we remain faithful to Him.
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 2:6

    But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

  • Daniel 4:9

    O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

  • Daniel 5:11

    There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

  • Genesis 41:39

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:

  • Genesis 41:43

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

  • Daniel 5:16

    And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

  • Daniel 5:29

    Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

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