Daniel 2:15

KJV

He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why [is] the decree [so] hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

KJV (with Strong's)

He answered {H6032} and said {H560} to Arioch {H746} the king's {H4430} captain {H7990}, Why {H4101}{H5922} is the decree {H1882} so hasty {H2685} from {H4481}{H6925} the king {H4430}? Then {H116} Arioch {H746} made the thing {H4406} known {H3046} to Daniel {H1841}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to Aryokh, "Since you are the king's official, let me ask: why has the king issued such a harsh decree?"Aryokh explained the matter to Dani'el.

Berean Standard Bible

“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

American Standard Version

he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:15 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding crisis of King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and the subsequent decree of death. In this critical juncture, Daniel, facing imminent execution alongside all the wise men of Babylon, exhibits remarkable composure and strategic wisdom. Rather than succumbing to panic, he calmly and prudently engages Arioch, the king's captain, with a probing question concerning the unusual haste and severity of the royal edict. This seemingly simple inquiry serves as a divinely orchestrated opening, allowing Daniel to gain crucial information about the crisis and subsequently seek divine intervention, thereby setting the stage for God's miraculous revelation and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King Nebuchadnezzar's furious decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon because they could not reveal and interpret his disturbing dream, which he himself had forgotten. The king's wrath had escalated after his astrologers and enchanters admitted their inability to meet his impossible demand, as detailed in [Daniel 2:10-12](/daniel/2-10-12 "Daniel 2:10-12 - The Chaldeans' Inability and the King's Fury"). Daniel and his companions, though not present at the initial confrontation, were among those targeted by this sweeping edict, as indicated in [Daniel 2:13](/daniel/2-13 "Daniel 2:13 - The Decree Reaches Daniel"). Upon learning of the decree, Daniel's response in [Daniel 2:14-15](/daniel/2-14-15 "Daniel 2:14-15 - Daniel's Prudent Response") stands in stark contrast to the fear and helplessness of the other wise men. His calm, discerning approach to Arioch, the captain responsible for the executions, is not merely a delay tactic but a strategic move that allows him to fully grasp the gravity of the situation before seeking divine counsel, a process that unfolds in [Daniel 2:16-18](/daniel/2-16-18 "Daniel 2:16-18 - Daniel Seeks Time and Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a period characterized by immense imperial power and often brutal authoritarianism. Monarchs like Nebuchadnezzar possessed absolute authority, and their decrees, once issued, were considered immutable and enforced with swift, often merciless, efficiency. The "wise men" (including magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans mentioned in [Daniel 2:2](/daniel/2-2 "Daniel 2:2 - The King Calls His Wise Men")) were a recognized class of royal advisors, expected to interpret signs, dreams, and omens. Their failure to meet the king's demand for both the dream and its interpretation was considered a profound betrayal or incompetence, warranting the extreme punishment of death. Daniel, as a Jewish exile, was integrated into this system but maintained his distinct identity and reliance on the God of Israel, a stark contrast to the pagan practices of the Babylonian wise men. The "hasty" nature of the decree reflects the king's volatile temperament and the precariousness of life under such a regime.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Daniel. First, **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** are profoundly evident as God orchestrates Daniel's timely intervention, turning a decree of death into an opportunity for His glory to be revealed. Daniel's calm inquiry is not accidental but part of God's overarching plan to save His servants and demonstrate His power over earthly rulers. Second, **Wisdom and Discernment** are central to Daniel's character. Unlike the panic-stricken wise men, Daniel exhibits spiritual maturity and practical prudence, approaching the crisis with thoughtful questions rather than impulsive reactions. His ability to engage Arioch effectively highlights the value of wisdom in navigating perilous circumstances, a theme woven throughout [the entire book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel"). Third, the **Tyranny and Folly of Earthly Power** are underscored by Nebuchadnezzar's arbitrary and disproportionate decree. His rage and impatience lead him to a hasty decision that threatens innocent lives, showcasing the inherent limitations and dangers of human authority unchecked by divine wisdom. This sets up a profound contrast with the ultimate sovereignty of God, who alone can reveal mysteries and control the destinies of kings and kingdoms, as later affirmed in [Daniel 2:20-22](/daniel/2-20-22 "Daniel 2:20-22 - Daniel's Prayer of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hasty (Aramaic, _chătsaph'_):** This Aramaic root (H2685) properly means "to shear or cut close," but figuratively, it conveys the sense of being "severe" or "urgent." In this context, it emphasizes not merely the speed with which the decree was issued, but its harshness, severity, and unreasonable nature. It highlights the king's impetuous and tyrannical character, acting out of frustration and anger rather than considered judgment. Daniel's use of this word is a subtle but pointed observation of the king's excessive reaction.
* **decree (Aramaic, _dâth'_):** The Aramaic word (H1882) refers to a "royal edict or statute," a binding law issued by the king. This term underscores the absolute and unchallengeable nature of Nebuchadnezzar's command. Once a "dâth" was issued, it was considered irreversible, making Daniel's intervention all the more remarkable. The very existence of such a decree places Daniel and his companions in mortal peril, emphasizing the high stakes of the narrative.
* **made known (Aramaic, _yᵉdaʻ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H3046) signifies "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." Here, it describes Arioch's action of revealing the full extent and reason for the king's decree to Daniel. This act of "making known" is crucial, as it provides Daniel with the necessary information to formulate his plan of action. It signifies a transfer of vital intelligence, enabling Daniel to understand the "thing" (Aramaic, _millâh'_ - H4406, "matter" or "subject") that had led to the death sentence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain,"**: This clause introduces Daniel's calm and measured response to Arioch, the official tasked with executing the decree. Daniel's direct engagement with the captain of the guard, rather than fleeing or pleading, immediately establishes his composure and strategic thinking in the face of extreme danger. It sets the tone for his proactive and discerning approach.
* **"Why [is] the decree [so] hasty from the king?"**: This is Daniel's pivotal question. It is not a question born of fear or ignorance, but of shrewd inquiry. Daniel seeks to understand the underlying cause and the extreme nature of the king's command. By questioning the "hasty" nature of the "decree," he implicitly challenges its justice or rationality, opening a door for dialogue and potentially a reprieve. It demonstrates his courage and wisdom, as he does not merely accept the situation but seeks to comprehend it.
* **"Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel."**: This final clause signifies the success of Daniel's strategic question. Arioch, perhaps surprised by Daniel's composure or sensing an opportunity, fully discloses the reason for the decree—the king's forgotten dream and the wise men's inability to reveal it. This revelation of "the thing" (the specific "matter" or "subject" of the crisis) is essential, as it provides Daniel with the precise information he needs to seek God's intervention and ultimately save the lives of all the wise men.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as the brief exchange between Daniel and Arioch is the catalyst for the entire resolution of the crisis. Daniel's carefully phrased question, "Why is the decree so hasty from the king?", is an example of a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not just to gain information but to prompt Arioch to explain the king's irrationality, thereby creating an opening for Daniel's intervention. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between Daniel's calm, discerning approach and the king's earlier "fury and great rage" ([Daniel 2:12](/daniel/2-12 "Daniel 2:12 - Nebuchadnezzar's Rage")) and the panic of the other wise men. This highlights Daniel's unique spiritual fortitude. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, as Daniel's initial display of wisdom and strategic thinking anticipates his later role as God's chosen instrument to reveal the king's dream and interpret its profound meaning, ultimately demonstrating God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:15 profoundly illustrates the principle that divine wisdom is often manifested through human prudence and strategic action, even in the direst circumstances. Daniel's composure and intelligent inquiry are not merely human traits but are indicative of a mind guided by God's Spirit, enabling him to navigate a life-threatening situation with grace and effectiveness. This moment underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use the most unexpected human interactions to advance His purposes and reveal His power. It teaches that faith does not negate the need for practical wisdom but rather empowers it, transforming potential despair into an opportunity for divine intervention and revelation.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Wisdom from God")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's response in Daniel 2:15 offers a powerful and enduring model for believers navigating crises in their own lives. When confronted with overwhelming or threatening circumstances, the natural human tendency is often to react impulsively, with fear, anger, or despair. However, Daniel demonstrates the profound value of pausing, seeking understanding, and engaging with the situation from a position of calm wisdom. His strategic question, "Why is the decree so hasty?", is a testament to the power of thoughtful inquiry over emotional reaction. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, asking clarifying questions rather than making assumptions or succumbing to panic. This approach not only allows us to gain crucial information but also positions us to respond effectively, often opening doors for divine intervention that would otherwise remain closed. Ultimately, Daniel's example reminds us that our faith in God's sovereignty should empower us to act with prudence and courage, trusting that He can work through our wise actions to bring about His purposes, even in seemingly impossible situations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In moments of crisis, what is your typical first reaction, and how might Daniel's composure challenge that tendency?**
* **How can asking thoughtful, clarifying questions, even when facing authority or adversity, open doors for resolution or divine intervention?**
* **What does Daniel's reliance on wisdom, rather than just raw emotion, teach us about trusting God's plan in difficult circumstances?**
* **How might you apply Daniel's approach of seeking understanding before acting in a current challenge you are facing?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Nebuchadnezzar's decree considered "hasty"?**

Answer: The decree was "hasty" (Aramaic, _chătsaph'_) because King Nebuchadnezzar issued it in a fit of extreme rage and frustration, without due deliberation or patience. He had forgotten his dream and demanded that his wise men not only interpret it but also reveal the dream itself, a feat they declared impossible for any human ([Daniel 2:10-11](/daniel/2-10-11 "Daniel 2:10-11 - The Chaldeans' Reply")). Their inability to meet his impossible demand led to his immediate and sweeping order to execute all the wise men of Babylon, a decision driven by his volatile temperament and unchecked absolute power, rather than by justice or reason.

**What was the significance of Daniel's question to Arioch?**

Answer: Daniel's question, "Why is the decree so hasty from the king?", was highly significant because it demonstrated his remarkable composure, wisdom, and strategic thinking. Instead of panicking or pleading, he calmly sought to understand the full context and severity of the situation. This question opened a crucial dialogue with Arioch, the king's captain, who then revealed the specific "thing" or "matter" (the king's forgotten dream) that had provoked the decree ([Daniel 2:16](/daniel/2-16 "Daniel 2:16 - Daniel Seeks Audience with the King")). This vital information allowed Daniel to formulate a plan, seek an audience with the king, and ultimately pray for divine revelation, thereby setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention and the preservation of many lives.

**Who was Arioch, and what was his role in this narrative?**

Answer: Arioch was the captain of King Nebuchadnezzar's guard, specifically tasked with carrying out the king's decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon ([Daniel 2:14](/daniel/2-14 "Daniel 2:14 - Arioch, the King's Captain")). His role was that of an enforcer of the royal will. In this narrative, Arioch becomes an unwitting instrument in God's plan. Daniel's calm and prudent approach to him in [Daniel 2:14-15](/daniel/2-14-15 "Daniel 2:14-15 - Daniel's Wise Engagement with Arioch") leads Arioch to explain the king's forgotten dream, thereby providing Daniel with the critical information needed to seek God's intervention. Arioch then facilitates Daniel's audience with the king ([Daniel 2:24](/daniel/2-24 "Daniel 2:24 - Arioch Brings Daniel to the King")), thus playing a key role in the unfolding of divine providence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's calm, wise, and intercessory role in Daniel 2:15, where he steps into a death sentence to seek understanding and ultimately divine revelation, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel stood between a tyrannical king's decree of death and the innocent lives of the wise men, so too does Christ stand as the ultimate Mediator between a holy God and a condemned humanity. Daniel's ability to "make known" the king's hidden mystery points to Jesus as the supreme Revealer of God's deepest truths and mysteries, the one through whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). While Daniel sought a temporary reprieve and a specific revelation, Christ offers eternal salvation and the full revelation of God's character and plan ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Christ Reveals God")). Furthermore, Daniel's subsequent act of seeking God in prayer for revelation mirrors Christ's perfect intercession on behalf of His people, continually making "intercession for us" before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Our Intercessor") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Eternal Intercessor")). Thus, Daniel's courageous and wise intervention in a moment of crisis serves as a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the greater wisdom, revelation, and redemptive intercession found perfectly in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.