No doubt Nebuchadnezzar began to recall the dream, as Daniel revealed it to him, just as in the dream, itself, the thing was probably shadowy in the beginning, but, as the king continued to gaze at the figure, it became clearer (Daniel 2:31). Therefore, the proof of the accuracy of the interpretation, in the words of the king, was in the revealing of the dream itself (Daniel 2:9). In that context, then, Daniel claimed that it was the Lord God who revealed the dream both to him (Daniel 2:19) and to the king (Daniel 2:27-28). Therefore, its interpretation and prophecy are certain (Daniel 2:45), something to which all the king’s wise men agreed (Daniel 2:11).
When Daniel finished describing the dream and, then, giving its interpretation, King Nebuchadnezzar fell down before him in a position of worship. This verse is difficult to believe as it is translated, because, even under the pain of death, a devout Jew would never have permitted anyone to worship him as a god (cp. Acts 10:25-26 and 14:13-18), besides which the translation of this verse doesn’t agree with Nebuchadnezzar’s words in verse-47. The verse in question is:
“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors unto him” (Daniel 2:46).
I am not a scholar, but neither am I completely ignorant. The translation doesn’t agree with either what occurs in Daniel 2:47 or Daniel’s behavior in chapter one. I wonder, if there could be a full stop between the words “worshiped” and “Daniel” in verse-46 to indicate that the king did, indeed, worship, perhaps the Spirit who revealed these things to Daniel, and this would agree with what the king says in the next verse. I’m also wondering, if the next word, “Daniel,” could be the beginning of a new thought, like: “and (as for) Daniel (the king) commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors. In other words, the king made a feast to honor Daniel, which is essentially what a meal or grain offering does. Part of the meal offering is burnt to honor a god (in this case God Almighty) and the rest of the offering is eaten by those invited to the table, in this case Daniel would be the guest of honor. Something like this wouldn’t contradict Daniel’s behavior in chapter one. Moreover, Daniel could in good conscience drink the water and eat the vegetables provided at the feast and avoid eating what he considered unclean.
Then, King Nebuchadnezzar answered Daniel by praising the God of Israel, saying “…your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and the Revealer of secrets” (Daniel 2:47). Then he elevated Daniel’s importance in the kingdom, making him a great man, vis-à-vis he was given a high office as ruler and chief governor of Babylon. Moreover, he was given “great gifts” that were suitable and corresponding to his new and elevated position in Babylon.
Finally, Daniel made a request of Nebuchadnezzar that Daniel’s three brethren, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would assist him in his new position, which the king granted. They were placed over the affairs of the province of Babylon, but Daniel judged in the gate of the king (Daniel 2:49).
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