Verses 24 through 45 are a record of Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
In his interpreting of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel exalted God (vv. 25-30). He did not exalt himself.
The contents of Nebuchadnezzar's dream were a great human image and its destiny (vv. 31-45).
This great image signifies the aggregate of human government throughout human history (vv. 31-33), from the beginning of human government in Babel (Babylon) in the land of Shinar (Gen. 10:6-12), as signified by the head, to the termination of human government in human history in the Roman Empire with the ten kings, as signified by the ten toes. From its beginning to its termination, human government has done and will continue to do three things: rebel against God, exalt man, and worship idols (Gen. 11:4, 9).
In the great human image, the head of gold, corresponding to the first beast in Daniel 7:3 and 4, signifies Nebuchadnezzar, the founder and the king of Babylon (2:36-38).
The breast and the arms of silver, corresponding to the second beast in 7:5, signify Medo-Persia (2:39a).
The abdomen and thighs of bronze, corresponding to the third beast in 7:6, signify Greece, including Macedonia (2:39b).