Endeavours have often been used to unite them, for strengthening the empire, but in vain. Some were weak as clay, others strong as iron. The Roman empire branched into ten kingdoms, as the toes of these feet. The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman empire. The belly and thighs of brass signified the Grecian empire, founded by Alexander. The breast and arms of silver signified the empire of the Medes and Persians. The head of gold signified the Chaldean empire, then in being. This image represented the kingdoms of the earth, that should successively rule the nations, and influence the affairs of the Jewish church. Let those whom God has highly favoured and honoured, lay aside all opinion of their own wisdom and worthiness, that the Lord alone may be praised for the good they have and do. Daniel confirmed the king in his opinion, that the dream was of great consequence, relating to the affairs and changes of this lower world. There is One who can do that for us, and make known that to us, which none on earth can, particularly the work of redemption, and the secret designs of God's love to us therein. The insufficiency of creatures should drive us to the all-sufficiency of the Creator. How much more should we be thankful to God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those who are not among the worldly wise and prudent! Commentary on Daniel 2:24-30ĭaniel takes away the king's opinion of his magicians and soothsayers. Daniel was thankful to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of himself and his fellows. The fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants and burdens. And whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of God's mercies. Let us show that we value our friends, and their prayers.
Praying friends are valuable friends and it well becomes the greatest and best men to desire the prayers of others.
Commentary on Daniel 2:14-23ĭaniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the king's dream, and the meaning of it. Those who deceived, by pretending to do what they could not do, were sentenced to death, for not being able to do what they did not pretend to. Men are more eager to ask as to future events, than to learn the way of salvation or the path of duty yet foreknowledge of future events increases anxiety and trouble. The king said that his learned men must tell him the dream itself, or they should all be put to death as deceivers. We know not the uneasiness of many who live in great pomp, and, as others vainly think, in pleasure also. The greatest men are most open to cares and troubles of mind, which disturb their repose in the night, while the sleep of the labouring man is sweet and sound. (31-45) Honours to Daniel and his friends. (24-30) The dream and the interpretation. (14-23) He obtains admission to the king.
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