What does Daniel 2:24 mean?

Daniel was a foreigner and a slave in Babylon trained to be an advisor to his own captors (Daniel 1:1–6). Yet he maintained faith in the God of Israel and was gifted in dreams and visions (Daniel 1:8–17). In this passage, he has shown firm trust in the Lord. He calmly asked for an explanation from the man charged with killing him (Daniel 2:12–15). Then, he promised he could answer the king's challenge about a dream (Daniel 2:1–6, 16). This was then revealed to Daniel in a vision from God (Daniel 2:17–19).

The sequence of these events shows evidence of God's guiding hand. King Nebuchadnezzar was vicious and could be cruel when he did not get his way (Daniel 2:5; 3:19–20; 2 Kings 25:1–7). The same king later demonstrates his violent temper when three advisors—the companions who prayed with Daniel during this event—refuse to worship his idol (Daniel 3:13–20). Yet at this time the captain of the guard was willing to explain the situation to Daniel and give him time to request an audience with the king (Daniel 2:15–16). He also paused executing the wise men, on nothing more substantial than Daniel's promise. In a sense, Arioch is giving obedience and trust to Daniel, rather than Nebuchadnezzar. This could have cost him his life, yet he acts according to the plans of God (Daniel 2:21–23).

This section of the book of Daniel (Daniel 2:4—7:28) is recorded in Aramaic, rather than Hebrew. Aramaic was the common language of Babylon at that time. This highlights how the early contents of the book are meant as messages to, and about, the Gentile people.