Daniel 2:49

Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king.

Then Daniel {H1841} requested {H1156} of {H4481} the king {H4430}, and he set {H4483} Shadrach {H7715}, Meshach {H4336}, and Abednego {H5665}, over {H5922} the affairs {H5673} of the province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}: but Daniel {H1841} sat in the gate {H8651} of the king {H4430}.

At Dani'el's request, the king put Shadrakh, Meishakh and 'Aved-N'go in charge of the affairs of the province of Bavel, while Dani'el remained in attendance on the king.

And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

And Daniel requested of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel was in the gate of the king.

Context

Daniel 2:49 concludes the dramatic narrative of Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream. After Daniel successfully revealed and interpreted the king's forgotten dream of the great statue, which foretold the succession of world empires, Nebuchadnezzar was profoundly impressed. He acknowledged Daniel's God as the "God of gods, and the Lord of kings" (Daniel 2:47). As a result, Daniel was elevated to a position of great authority, becoming ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the wise men. This verse highlights Daniel's immediate act of integrity and loyalty following his own promotion.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness Rewarded and Shared: Daniel's unwavering faithfulness to God led to his extraordinary promotion. However, he did not forget his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who had stood with him in prayer and faced the same peril. He immediately requested that they also be appointed to significant administrative roles, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and communal support.
  • Strategic Divine Placement: This verse illustrates God's sovereign hand in placing His people in positions of influence, even within pagan governments. Daniel's request ensured that not only he but also his three friends were strategically positioned to impact the affairs of the powerful Babylonian Empire, potentially serving as a moral and spiritual influence in a hostile environment.
  • Access and Authority: The phrase "Daniel sat in the gate of the king" signifies a position of ultimate access and authority. While his friends managed provincial affairs, Daniel himself held a chief administrative and judicial role, constantly in the king's presence and privy to the highest levels of government.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sat in the gate of the king" (Hebrew: ba-sha'ar ha-melekh) is highly significant. In ancient Near Eastern cities, the "gate" was not merely an entrance but the central hub of civic life. It was where legal judgments were made, business transactions occurred, and official decrees were issued. To "sit in the gate" implied holding a high judicial, administrative, and executive position, indicating constant access to the king and significant power in governmental affairs. Daniel was effectively the king's chief minister or prime minister, similar to Joseph's role under Pharaoh in Egypt.

Practical Application

Daniel 2:49 offers several timeless lessons for believers:

  • Use Influence for Good: When God blesses us with opportunities or positions of influence, we should use them not only for personal gain but also to benefit others, especially those who have supported us or are in need. Daniel's act of advocating for his friends is a powerful example.
  • God's Sovereignty in Placement: Recognize that God can place His people in strategic positions in various spheres of society—government, business, education, arts—to be a light and an influence for His purposes.
  • Faithfulness Leads to Opportunity: Daniel's consistent faithfulness to God, even under pressure, opened doors to unimaginable opportunities. This serves as an encouragement that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).
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 1:7

    Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

  • Esther 2:19

    And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.

  • Amos 5:15

    Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

  • Esther 2:21

    ¶ In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

  • Daniel 3:12

    There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

  • Daniel 3:30

    Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

  • Daniel 1:17

    ¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
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