Daniel 2:47Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following this event, he believed quickly, yet the Jews paid little attention to such matters. Do you observe how God reveals the wisdom of the Gentiles? As the appointed moment had arrived for the message to be shared with them, He had already vindicated Himself through their forebears, demonstrating that His choice of them over the Jews was neither futile nor without purpose.

Indeed, your God is the Supreme God and the Sovereign of all rulers, who discloses hidden truths when you might have unveiled the secret. Therefore, he does not merely show reverence to Daniel, but rather in honoring Daniel, he honors God, the source of the revelations. Similarly, as we read, Alexander the Great, the ruler of Macedon, showed deference to the high priest Joiada. If this does not resonate with you, it must be acknowledged that Nebuchadnezzar, overwhelmed by the astonishing signs and wonders, was at a loss for a course of action. Upon recognizing the one true Lord and Sovereign of Kings, he fell to worshiping His servant and offering incense in reverence.

The Supreme Sovereign had bestowed great benefits upon him through rest and a forgetting of that rest. Initially, he recognized his own insignificance, and subsequently, he understood the impotence of the deities he had venerated. Beyond that, he came to realize the majesty of the True God. Thus, he proclaimed: ‘Truly your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings, who discloses profound truths.’ He refers to the deities as gods not in accord with the sacred Scriptures, for the Scriptures name those who serve as priests as gods. It is written, ‘Thou shalt not revile the gods, and thou shalt not speak ill of the ruler of your people’ (Ex. 22:28). He designated the idols as gods because he had not yet fully grasped their powerlessness, though he discerned a distinction.