What is the Metal Man Statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream in Daniel 2?

In Daniel chapter 2, we read of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream:

Dan 2:1-3  Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him.  Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.”  

Dan 2:4-5  Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”  The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap.  “However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.”

Unable to Interpret

Not only were they unable to interpret the dream, but they also didn’t even know what the dream was.  Although they were without knowledge, there was one in the kingdom who could both tell and interpret the dream for Nebuchadnezzar.

Dan 2:19-22  ...the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.

Dan 2:23  “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

The text tells us the meaning but illustrating it makes it clearer and easier to understand.  Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a statue of a man, with a head of gold, arms and chest of sliver, a belly and thighs of brass/bronze, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay.  And Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that these represented kingdoms. Review our chart to understand the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream:

Click to view large image.

Watch for next week’s chart that compares the metal man of Daniel 2 with the beasts of Daniel 7.  It’s a different interpretation that might just surprise you.

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What About the Beasts of Daniel 7? — A Different Perspective
What is the Metal Man Statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream in Daniel 2?
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