Daniel 2:14

¶ Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise [men] of Babylon:

Then {H116} Daniel {H1841} answered {H8421} with counsel {H5843} and wisdom {H2942} to Arioch {H746} the captain {H7229} of {H1768} the king's {H4430} guard {H2877}, which was gone forth {H5312} to slay {H6992} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}:

Then, choosing his words carefully, Dani'el consulted Aryokh, captain of the royal guard, who had already gone out to kill the sages of Bavel.

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel replied with discretion and tact.

Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon;

Daniel 2:14 describes a pivotal moment where Daniel, facing imminent death along with other Babylonian wise men, demonstrates remarkable composure and divine wisdom. This verse highlights Daniel's character and his immediate, strategic response to a grave crisis.

Context

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a disturbing dream that he could not recall, nor could his court magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers interpret it. In a fit of rage, the king issued a decree to slay all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah), who were also counted among them. Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, was the one tasked with executing this harsh decree. It is at this critical juncture that Daniel steps forward, not with fear, but with a calm, divinely inspired approach.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Wisdom and Prudence: Daniel's response is characterized by "counsel and wisdom." This isn't mere human cleverness but a Spirit-led discernment, enabling him to navigate a life-threatening situation with strategic thinking rather than panic. His actions contrast sharply with the helplessness of the other wise men.
  • Courage in Crisis: Despite the immediate threat of execution, Daniel does not cower. He boldly approaches Arioch, demonstrating great courage and faith that God would provide a solution.
  • Seeking Understanding: Before acting, Daniel seeks to understand the full scope of the problem. This illustrates the importance of gathering information and seeking clarity, even under duress, as a prerequisite for wise action.
  • Intercession and God's Sovereignty: This verse sets the stage for Daniel's request for time, leading to a powerful moment of prayer and intercession with his friends, through which God reveals the king's dream and its interpretation. It underscores God's sovereignty over human affairs and His willingness to reveal secrets to those who seek Him (Daniel 2:22).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "counsel and wisdom" translates the Aramaic words ṭe'ēm (rendered as 'discretion' or 'purpose' elsewhere) and śāḵal (meaning 'understanding' or 'insight'). Ṭe'ēm suggests a careful, deliberate consideration and a strategic plan, while śāḵal points to intelligent comprehension and the ability to act prudently. Together, they describe a profound, God-given ability to act intelligently and effectively in a difficult situation.

Practical Application

Daniel's response in this verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • When faced with overwhelming problems or crises, our first response should be to seek God's wisdom and guidance, rather than reacting in fear or panic.
  • God often uses those who are calm and discerning in times of chaos to bring about His purposes.
  • Like Daniel, we are called to be people of courage, trusting that God can provide solutions even in seemingly impossible circumstances. This often involves taking a measured, prayerful approach before acting.
  • Our faith can shine brightly in challenging environments, distinguishing us by our ability to respond with grace and wisdom. We can ask God for the wisdom He promises to give generously.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 2:24

    ¶ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise [men] of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise [men] of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.

  • Jeremiah 39:9

    Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:13

    ¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

  • Ecclesiastes 9:18

    Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

  • Genesis 37:36

    And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

  • 2 Samuel 20:16

    Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

  • 2 Samuel 20:22

    Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

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