Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Daniel was promoted to rule over Babylon's primary province and be the chief of its wise men, the text subtly reveals Nebuchadnezzar is not just honoring Daniel, but integrating him. This wasn't just a promotion; it was a strategic move to place Daniel, who held divine insight, at the very top of both the civil and intellectual structures of his empire.
Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Daniel accurately interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream and reveals its meaning, the king is so astonished by Daniel's wisdom and God's power that he falls at Daniel's feet. This leads to Daniel being promoted to a very high position within the Babylonian administration, overseeing the entire province and becoming the chief of all the wise men. Though Nebuchadnezzar had previously relied on his own counselors, he now publicly acknowledges Daniel's God as the true source of wisdom and elevates Daniel to a place of significant authority.
How does someone go from a captive youth to ruling a vast province overnight? This verse reveals a power far greater than earthly might.
Nebuchadnezzar's promotion of Daniel wasn't just a reward; it was a testament to the undeniable power of God working through Daniel.
Divine Authority:
Daniel's rise to power stemmed directly from his ability to reveal the king's own dream and its meaning – something no one else could do. This wasn't a skill learned in Babylonian academies, but a direct impartation of wisdom from the Most High.
Visible Grace:
The king’s “high honors and many great gifts” were tangible expressions of his awe and respect. This wasn't merely political maneuvering; it was a public acknowledgment that Daniel possessed wisdom and insight beyond human capability. The king recognized that Daniel's greatness was a reflection of God's favor.
Daniel wasn't just given one job; he received two incredibly significant roles. What does this dual appointment reveal about his influence?
Daniel's new positions highlight the comprehensive trust Nebuchadnezzar placed in him, extending beyond mere administration to the heart of Babylonian intellectual life.
Governing the Land:
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Being made "ruler over the whole province of Babylon" placed Daniel in charge of the empire's most critical region. This was a position of immense practical authority, overseeing resources, people, and the functioning of a major territory.
Leading the Learned:
The appointment as "chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon" was even more profound. It meant Daniel, a young captive, was now the head of the Babylonian intelligentsia – astrologers, sorcerers, and scholars. This role implied overseeing their teachings and practices, giving him influence over the very minds shaping the empire.
Understand the original words
sholtan · Aramaic Noun
A position of high administrative or civil authority, often involving the governance of a territory or the oversight of major state affairs. It signifies status, responsibility, and delegated power from a sovereign.
rab signin · Aramaic Noun
A leading official, overseer, or administrator of high rank. It denotes a person in a position of primary responsibility, particularly in the context of government or specialized advisory roles.
Daniel's promotion to such high office, just after arriving as a captive youth, highlights the dramatic shift in power and God's ability to exalt even the exiled.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jews to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Jerusalem, and Daniel, a young Jewish noble, is among the first group of exiles taken to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation
King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream but forgets it. He demands his wise men recall and interpret it, threatening them with death if they fail.
c. 605 BC— this verse
Daniel Reveals the Dream and Its Meaning
Through divine revelation, Daniel recalls the dream and its interpretation, revealing God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar is deeply impressed and acknowledges the God of Israel.
c. 605 BC
Daniel's Appointment to High Office
In response to his success, Nebuchadnezzar promotes Daniel to a high position, making him ruler over the province of Babylon and chief of its wise men.
c. 605 BC
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Appointed
Daniel uses his newfound influence to request that his friends be appointed to manage the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remains close to the king.
Throughout Nebuchadnezzar's Reign (c. 605-562 BC)
Daniel's Continued Influence
Daniel serves in high-ranking positions throughout Nebuchadnezzar's long reign, demonstrating wisdom and faithfulness to God even amidst Babylonian culture and politics.
This passage shows a similar pattern of Pharaoh exalting Joseph to a high position of authority over all of Egypt due to his God-given wisdom in interpreting dreams.
Esther 2:3This verse highlights how royal appointments and gifts were bestowed upon individuals who gained favor, mirroring the king's actions towards Daniel.
Nehemiah 1:11Nehemiah, who served in a high position in the Persian court, prayed for success in his endeavors, showing the continuation of Jewish individuals holding significant roles in foreign kingdoms.
Daniel 6:3This later passage shows Daniel continuing to hold a high office, being preferred above the other presidents and satraps, reinforcing the significance of his earlier promotion.
barnesDaniel 2:48: "Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon."
There the king made Daniel a great man - That is, he gave him an honorable appointment; he so honored him that he was regarded as a great man. He was really made great by the grace of God, and the extraordinary favor which God had bestowed upon him, but the estimate which the king had of his great…
clarkeDaniel 2:48: "Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon."
Made Daniel a great man - By, 1. Giving him many rich gifts. 2. By making him governor over the whole province of Babylon. And, 3. By making him the chief or president over all the wise men.
While Daniel was promoted to rule over Babylon's primary province and be the chief of its wise men, the text subtly reveals Nebuchadnezzar is not just honoring Daniel, but integrating him. This wasn't just a promotion; it was a strategic move to place Daniel, who held divine insight, at the very top of both the civil and intellectual structures of his empire.
After Daniel accurately interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream and reveals its meaning, the king is so astonished by Daniel's wisdom and God's power that he falls at Daniel's feet. This leads to Daniel being promoted to a very high position within the Babylonian administration, overseeing the entire province and becoming the chief of all the wise men. Though Nebuchadnezzar had previously relied on his own counselors, he now publicly acknowledges Daniel's God as the true source of wisdom and elevates Daniel to a place of significant authority.
After Daniel accurately interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream and reveals its meaning, the king is so astonished by Daniel's wisdom and God's power that he falls at Daniel's feet. This leads to Daniel being promoted to a very high position within the Babylonian administration, overseeing the entire province and becoming the chief of all the wise men. Though Nebuchadnezzar had previously relied on his own counselors, he now publicly acknowledges Daniel's God as the true source of wisdom and elevates Daniel to a place of significant authority.
"Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon." — While Daniel was promoted to rule over Babylon's primary province and be the chief of its wise men, the text subtly reveals Nebuchadnezzar is not just honoring Daniel, but integrating him. This was…
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Last reviewed October 2026