THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Consider the vision that was bestowed upon Nebuchadnezzar. Since the Gospel was to be proclaimed among the nations later, it is prefigured in a tradition that belongs to the Gentiles during a time when the temple had already been destroyed and the commandments of the Law were no longer observed. This revelation is explained through the Jewish people, for although the message was destined for the Gentiles, it was to be delivered through Jewish apostles. The same was true for Cornelius. The Gentiles take the lead, rather than remain behind. It is noteworthy that Nebuchadnezzar was the first to experience the vision, while Daniel was the one to discern its deeper meaning.
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Observe how the Jews occupy both the forefront and the background: they were the initial recipients of divine blessings but failed to recognize their significance, ensuring equality with the Gentiles. Thus, believers were even bestowed with the Holy Spirit prior to their baptism. In the days of Abraham, God first made the promise of many nations and then instituted circumcision, yet salvation comes through that act. This was repeatedly conveyed to the Jews through the prophets. Had your laziness not been so great, I would have disclosed when and where this was emphasized. But because the Jews ignored these messages, the gospel was then offered to the Gentiles. The Jews, listening to these words, showed scorn; yet the Gentile, upon hearing, humbled himself. This serves as a foreshadowing of events occurring during Christ’s ministry. The Canaanite woman reverently worshipped Him, while the Jews did not only withhold their reverence but actively rejected Him. Similarly, the Jews imprisoned Jeremiah while the Gentile honored Daniel. In another instance, the Jews expelled the apostles, while the Gentiles proclaimed, "gods in the form of men have come down to us" (Acts 14:11). When judgment is rendered impartially, it stands unblemished and righteous.
The vibrant imagery here is striking. The message of Christ reaches Babylon, and the one receiving it is a barbarian to illustrate that not only Gentiles but also those who are considered outsiders will hear it, as Paul states, "I must preach the gospel both to the Greeks and to the barbarians" (Rom. 1:14). And do not lose hope in the face of adversity! Indeed, circumstances appear dire: the king's arrogance, the uncivilized nature of the audience, the unremarkable status of the speaker—who was a captive in his youth—and their differing beliefs. Did not the king declare, "You should have foreseen the fate of your city; you were blind, and now you prophesy?" Later, foolish individuals claimed that Christ should have risen by His own will. The message of Daniel addressed the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar's realm and the conclusion of all creation—but despite this, Nebuchadnezzar had faith; had he not believed, he would not have honored Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar believed, while many others did not. Thus, numerous prophecies were articulated. If those do not come to fruition, then disbelieve these as well. However, to clarify rather than obscure this prophecy, we will provide an interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar witnessed five elements: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay. The entirety of the image represents time and its progression. He aptly referred to it as an image, for all our deeds resemble mere reflections—lifeless representations. It is fitting to describe the head as "gold," just as gold, despite its brilliance, is derived from the earth, symbolizing our very nature and deeds. Consider how it is ultimately reduced to "dust," just as it was before (Dan. 2:35). Yet, a stone alone cannot enact this transformation. A stone might shatter, yet it cannot alter its essence. Thus, a mystery of the resurrection emerges. When our bodies decay and revert to their foundational elements, returning to the earth, then corruption occurs. And this transformation is accomplished through the stone. As you envision the image constructed of diverse materials—where the head shines, the chest is less resplendent, the abdomen is simpler, and the feet are inferior—know that these are differences in appearance only. Ultimately, they share the same nature, as evidenced by the conclusion, which reduces everything to dust. There lies considerable wisdom within this understanding that can be applied to current leaders, transitioning from the one ruling then to the present authority, then to the successor symbolized by bronze, and finally to those represented by iron and clay. But when you enter a tomb, even if great effort is undertaken to prepare a golden coffin, you will find the same nature remains. Remember then the rich man who was imprisoned (i.e. Paul) or the rich man who became impoverished like clay (i.e. Job), and you will recognize that ultimately all is reduced to dust. Yet, take note: all became dust only after the stone fell.