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Commentary on Daniel 2 verses 14–23
When the king sent for his wise men to tell them his dream, and the interpretation of it (Dan 2:2), Daniel, it seems, was not summoned to appear among them; the king, though he was highly pleased with him when he examined him, and thought him ten times wiser than the rest of his wise men, yet forgot him when he had most occasion for him; and no wonder, when all was done in a heat, and nothing with a cool and deliberate thought. But Providence so ordered it; that the magicians being nonplussed might be the more taken notice of, and so the more glory might redound to the God of Daniel. But, though Daniel had not the honour to be consulted with the rest of the wise men, contrary to all law and justice, by an undistinguishing sentence, he stands condemned with them, and till he has notice brought him to prepare for execution he knows nothing of the matter. How miserable is the case of those who live under arbitrary government, as this of Nebuchadnezzar's! How happy are we, whose lives are under the protection of the law and methods of justice, and lie not thus at the mercy of a peevish and capricious prince!
We have found already, in Ezekiel, that Daniel was famous both for prudence and prayer; as a prince he had power with God and by man; by prayer he had power with God, by prudence he had power with man, and in both he prevailed. Thus did he find favour and good understanding in the sight of both, and in these verses we have a remarkable instance of both.
I. Daniel by prudence knew how to deal with men, and he prevailed with them. When Arioch, the captain of the guard, that was appointed to slay all the wise men of Babylon, the whole college of them, seized Daniel (for the sword of tyranny, like the sword of war, devours one as well as another), he answered with counsel and wisdom (Dan 2:14); he did not fall into a passion, and reproach the king as unjust and barbarous, much less did he contrive how to make resistance, but mildly asked, Why is the decree so hasty? Dan 2:15. And whereas the rest of the wise men had insisted upon it that it was utterly impossible for him ever to have his demand gratified, which did but make him more outrageous, Daniel undertakes, if he may but have a little time allowed him, to give the king all the satisfaction he desired, Dan 2:16. The king, being now sensible of his error in not sending for Daniel sooner, whose character he began to recollect, was soon prevailed upon to respite the judgment, and make trial of Daniel. Note, The likeliest method to turn away wrath, even the wrath of a king, which is as the messenger of death, is by a soft answer, by that yielding which pacifies great offences; thus, though where the word of a king is there is power, yet even that word may be repelled, and that so as to be repealed; and so some read it here (Dan 2:14): Then Daniel returned, and stayed the counsel and edict, through Arioch, the king's provost-marshal.
II. Daniel knew how by prayer to converse with God, and he found favour with him, both in petition and in thanksgiving, which are the two principal parts of prayer. Observe,
1.His humble petition for this mercy, that God would discover to him what was the king's dream, and the interpretation of it. When he had gained time he did not go to consult with the rest of the wise men whether there was anything in their art, in their books, that might be of use in this matter, but went to his house, there to be alone with God, for from him alone, who is the Father of lights, he expected this great gift. Observe, (1.) He did not only pray for this discovery himself, but he engaged his companions to pray for it too. He made the thing known to those who had been all along his bosom-friends and associates, requesting that they would desire mercy of God concerning this secret, Dan 2:17, Dan 2:18. Though Daniel was probably their senior, and every way excelled them, yet he engaged them as partners with him in this matter, Vis unita fortior - The union of forces produces greater force. See Est 4:16. Note, Praying friends are valuable friends; it is good to have an intimacy with and an interest in those that have fellowship with God and an interest at the throne of grace; and it well becomes the greatest and best of men to desire the assistance of the prayers of others for them. St. Paul often entreats his friends to pray for him. Thus we must show that we put a value upon our friends, upon prayer, upon their prayers. (2.) He was particular in this prayer, but had an eye to, and a dependence upon, the general mercy of God: That they would desire the mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, Dan 2:18. We ought in prayer to look up to God as the God of heaven, a God above us, and who has dominion over us, to whom we owe adoration and allegiance, a God of power, who can do everything. Our savior has taught us to pray to God as our Father in heaven. And, whatever good we pray for, our dependence must be upon the mercies of God for it, and an interest in those mercies we must desire; we can expect nothing by way of recompence for our merits, but all as the gift of God's mercies. They desired mercy concerning this secret. Note, Whatever is the matter of our care must be the matter of our prayer; we must desire mercy of God concerning this thing and the other thing that occasions us trouble and fear. God gives us leave to be humbly free with him, and in prayer to enter into the detail of our wants and burdens. Secret things belong to the Lord our God, and therefore, if there be any mercy we stand in need of that concerns a secret, to him we must apply; and, though we cannot in faith pray for miracles, yet we may in faith pray to him who has all hearts in his hand, and who in his providence does wonders without miracles, for the discovery of that which is out of our view and the obtaining of that which is out of our reach, as far as is for his glory and our good, believing that to him nothing is hidden, nothing is hard. (3.) Their plea with God was the imminent peril they were in; they desired mercy of God in this matter, that so Daniel and his fellows might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon, that the righteous might not be destroyed with the wicked. Note, When the lives of good and useful men are in danger it is time to be earnest with God for mercy for them, as for Peter in prison, Act 12:5. (4.) The mercy which Daniel and his fellows prayed for was bestowed. The secret was revealed unto Daniel in a night-vision, Dan 2:19. Some think he dreamed the same dream, when he was asleep, that Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed; it should rather seem that when he was awake, and continuing instant in prayer, and watching in the same, the dream itself, and the interpretation of it, were communicated to him by the ministry of an angel, abundantly to his satisfaction. Note, The effectual fervent prayer of righteous men avails much. There are mysteries and secrets which by prayer we are let into; with that key the cabinets of heaven are unlocked, for Christ has said, Thus knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
2.His grateful thanksgiving for this mercy when he had received it: Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven, Dan 2:19. He did not stay till he had told it to the king, and seen whether he would own it to be his dream or no, but was confident that it was so, and that he had gained his point, and therefore he immediately turned his prayers into praises. As he had prayed in a full assurance that God would do this for him, so he gave thanks in a full assurance that he had done it; and in both he had an eye to God as the God of heaven. His prayer was not recorded, but his thanksgiving is. Observe,
(1.)The honour he gives to God in this thanksgiving, which he studies to do in a great variety and copiousness of expression: Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever. There is that for ever in God which is to be blessed and praised; it is unchangeably and eternally in him. And it is to be blessed for ever and ever; as the matter of praise is God's eternal perfection, so the work of praise shall be everlastingly in the doing. [1.] He gives to God the glory of what he is in himself: Wisdom and might are his, wisdom and courage (so some); whatever is fit to be done he will do; whatever he will do he can do, he dares do, and he will be sure to do it in the best manner, for he has infinite wisdom to design and contrive and infinite power to execute and accomplish. With him are strength and wisdom, which in men are often parted. [2.] He gives him the glory of what he is to the world of mankind. He has a universal influence and agency upon all the children of men, and all their actions and affairs. Are the times changed? Is the posture of affairs altered? Does every thing lie open to mutability? It is God that changes the times and the seasons, and the face of them. No change comes to pass by chance, but according to the will and counsel of God. Are those that were kings removed and deposed? Do they abdicate? Are they laid aside? It is God that removes kings. Are the poor raised out of the dust, to be set among princes? It is God that sets up kings; and the making and unmaking of kings is a flower of his crown who is the fountain of all power, King of kings and Lord of lords. Are there men that excel others in wisdom, philosophers and statesmen, that think above the common rate, contemplative penetrating men? It is God that gives wisdom to the wise, whether they be so wise as to acknowledge it or no; they have it not of themselves, but it is he that gives knowledge to those that know understanding, which is a good reason why we should not be proud of our knowledge, and why we should serve and honour God with it and make it our business to know him. [3.] He gives him the glory of this particular discovery. He praises him, First, For that he could make such a discovery (Dan 2:22): He reveals the deep and secret things which are hidden from the eyes of all living. It was he that revealed to man what is true wisdom when none else could (Job 28:27, Job 28:28); it is he that reveals things to come to his servants and prophets. He does himself perfectly discern and distinguish that which is most closely and most industriously concealed, for he will bring into judgment every secret thing; the truth will be evident in the great day. He knows what is in the darkness, and what is done in the darkness, for that hides not from him, Psa 139:11, Psa 139:12. The light dwells with him, and he dwells in the light (Ti1 6:16), and yet, as to us, he makes darkness his pavilion. Some understand it of the light of prophecy and divine revelation, which dwells with God and is derived from him; for he is the Father of lights, of all lights; they are all at home in him. Secondly, For that he had made this discovery to him. Here he has an eye to God as the God of his fathers; for, though the Jews were now captives in Babylon, yet they were beloved for their father's sake. He praises God, who is the fountain of wisdom and might, for the wisdom and might he had given him, wisdom to know this great secret and might to bear the discovery. Note, What wisdom and might we have we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Thou hast made this known to me, Dan 2:23. What was hidden from the celebrated Chaldeans, who made the interpreting of dreams their profession, is revealed to Daniel, a captive-Jew, a babe, much their junior. God would hereby put honour upon the Spirit of prophecy just when he was putting contempt upon the spirit of divination. Was Daniel thus thankful to God for making known that to him which was the saving of the lives of him and his fellows? Much more reason have we to be thankful to him for making known to us the great salvation of the soul, to us and not to the world, to us and not to the wise and prudent.
(2.)The respect he puts upon his companions in this thanksgiving. Though it was by his prayers principally that this discovery was obtained, and to him that it was made, yet he owns their partnership with him, both in praying for it (it is what we desired of thee) and in enjoying it - Thou hast made known unto us the king's matter. Either they were present with Daniel when the discovery was made to him, or as soon as he knew it he told it them (heurēka, heurēka - I have found it, I have found it), that those who had assisted him with their prayers might assist him in their praises; his joining them with him is an instance of his humility and modesty, which well become those that are taken into communion with God. Thus St. Paul sometimes joins Sylvanus, Timotheus, or some other minister, with himself in the inscriptions to many of his epistles. Note, What honour God puts upon us we should be willing that our brethren may share with us in.
"Arioch, the captain of the king's guard" (literally, "the chief slaughterer or cook"). For as the cook slays all animals and cooks them, of a similar nature was his occupation. And the rulers of the world slay men, butchering them like brute beasts.
Verse 15. "And he inquired of him who had received authority from the king as to why so cruel a decree had gone forth from the presence of the king." Knowing that Daniel and the three youths possessed a knowledge and intelligence tenfold as great as that of all the soothsayers of Chaldea put together, the Chaldeans concealed from them the king's inquiry, lest they should receive preference over them in the matter of interpreting the dream. On this account Daniel inquired concerning the cruelty of the decree, being ignorant of the cause of his own peril.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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) 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.
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
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). 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). 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). 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 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), 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). 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). 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 and Hebrews 7:25). 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.