What does Daniel 4:20 mean?
At Nebuchadnezzar's prodding (Daniel 4:19), Daniel begins his interpretation of the king's recent frightful dream (Daniel 4:4–5). What he describes in the next few verses effectively duplicates the description given by Nebuchadnezzar in the prior passage (Daniel 4:10–17). Daniel first focuses on the image of the which grew strong and could be seen from all points of the kingdom. He will go on to point out that this image represents the king, himself (Daniel 4:22).Nebuchadnezzar became a strong ruler, who reigned over everyone in the kingdom. It was clear to all that he was in charge. Evidence of his strength is seen in his summoning all the wise men in Babylon to the palace and commanding them to interpret his first dream (Daniel 2:2) or be torn limb from limb and have their houses leveled (Daniel 2:5). His immense power is seen, also, in his construction of a huge image of gold that he set on the plain of Dura (Daniel 3:1–5). He commanded everyone to worship the idol. Failure to do so incurred the penalty of execution by fire (Daniel 3:6).