What does Daniel 2:19 mean?

When Nebuchadnezzar's royal advisors could not tell him the content of his own dream, he knew they had been lying about their spiritual powers (Daniel 2:8–9). The magicians admitted that only a true god could know such things (Daniel 2:10–11), and in a rage the king ordered all the wise men of Babylon be executed. Daniel, despite knowing nothing about the king's dream, promised he would be able to give an answer (Daniel 2:12–16). He and his three friends prayed, and God granted their request (Daniel 1:6; 2:17–18).

Scripture does not say when Daniel was to meet with Nebuchadnezzar, but it was likely very soon after his request for an audience, perhaps even the next day. The Bible does not say exactly when this vision came to Daniel, but it came in response to his earnest prayer. In most contexts, the Bible uses the term "dream" to refer to something seen while sleeping, while a "vision" occurs when a person is awake. Prophets were known to experience both dreams and visions, both of which were supernatural revelations. Perhaps he and his three friends prayed far into the night, and then God gave Daniel the vision.

God provided the answer which only He could give (Daniel 2:27–28). He always answers prayer at exactly the appropriate time (Hebrews 4:16). True to his character, Daniel responded to this revelation by blessing the God of heaven. He did not rush to reveal the dream's meaning to Nebuchadnezzar. First, he praised the Lord for granting him knowledge. It is always appropriate to praise God for answered prayer.