Daniel 2:21-22

Listen to Daniel 2:21-22
21 1He changes times and seasons; 2he removes kings and sets up kings; 3he gives wisdom to the wise 4and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 5he reveals deep and hidden things; 6he knows what is in the darkness, 7and the light dwells with him.

Daniel 2:21-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DANIAL 2

The subject of this chapter is a dream which Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed, but had forgot; upon which he calls his magicians and astrologers together, to tell him it, and the interpretation of it; threatening them with death if they did not, and promising them great rewards and honour if they did, Da 2:1-6, they urge the unreasonableness of the demand, and the impossibility of the thing; which so highly incensed the king, that he ordered their immediate destruction, Da 2:7-13, Daniel and his companions being in danger, he goes in to the king, and desires time, and he would show him what he had dreamed; which being granted, he spent it in prayer to God, Da 2:14-18, and the thing being revealed to him, he gave thanks to God, Da 2:19-23, and being introduced to the king, he both told him his dream, and the interpretation of it; which concerned the four monarchies of the world, and the everlasting kingdom of the Messiah, Da 2:24-45, upon which he was highly honoured, and greatly promoted by the king, Da 2:46-49.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

Cross References 7

  • 1. 2:21 [ver. 9; ch. 7:25]
  • 2. 2:21 [ch. 4:17; 5:20; Job 12:18; Ps. 75:7; Rom. 13:1]
  • 3. 2:21 See ch. 1:17
  • 4. 2:21 See ch. 1:17
  • 5. 2:22 Job 12:22; [Ps. 25:14; 139:12; Amos 4:13; Heb. 4:13]
  • 6. 2:22 Job 12:22; [Ps. 25:14; 139:12; Amos 4:13; Heb. 4:13]
  • 7. 2:22 1 Tim. 6:16; James 1:17; 1 John 1:5; [John 1:4, 5]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025