Daniel 2:17

KJV

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Daniel {H1841} went {H236} to his house {H1005}, and made the thing {H4406} known {H3046} to Hananiah {H2608}, Mishael {H4333}, and Azariah {H5839}, his companions {H2269}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Dani'el went home and made the matter known to Hananyah, Misha'el and 'Azaryah, his companions;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

American Standard Version

Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:17 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding crisis of King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream, demonstrating Daniel's immediate and profound reliance on divine intervention. Instead of strategizing alone or succumbing to despair, Daniel promptly retreats to his home to enlist the prayerful support of his three trusted companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. This action underscores Daniel's deep faith, his understanding of the indispensable role of corporate prayer, and the power of spiritual fellowship in navigating life-threatening challenges, thereby setting the stage for God's miraculous revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:17 follows Daniel's courageous and Spirit-led appeal to King Nebuchadnezzar for a reprieve from the death sentence imposed on all Babylonian wise men. The preceding verses vividly portray the king's fury and the dire consequences of his forgotten dream: a decree that anyone unable to reveal and interpret it would be "cut to pieces" and their houses "made a dunghill" ([Daniel 2:5](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5 - Nebuchadnezzar's Demand")). Daniel, with remarkable wisdom and tact, intervenes, securing a delay and promising to provide the answer ([Daniel 2:14-16](/daniel/2-14-16 "Daniel 2:14-16 - Daniel's Wise Request for Time")). Verse 17 then details Daniel's immediate and crucial response to this granted reprieve: he does not engage in human strategizing but turns directly to his spiritual community for united prayer, recognizing that the solution to this impossible demand could only come from God. This action serves as a crucial transition from the royal court's political tension to a scene of profound spiritual reliance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Empire during the early years of the Jewish exile (circa 605-539 BC), a period marked by Nebuchadnezzar's absolute and often ruthless rule. The "wise men" of Babylon—a diverse group including magicians, enchanters, and astrologers—held significant positions as royal advisors, yet their lives were entirely subject to the king's volatile temperament. For Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were Hebrew exiles already distinguished by their wisdom and faithfulness to God within the Babylonian court ([Daniel 1:17-20](/daniel/1-17-20 "Daniel 1:17-20 - God Grants Wisdom to Daniel and His Companions")), this crisis was not merely a professional challenge but an existential threat. Their response, rooted in their monotheistic faith, stood in stark contrast to the pagan divination practices of the Babylonian wise men, highlighting the unique source of their wisdom and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, emphasizing that God alone possesses the wisdom to reveal hidden mysteries and control the affairs of kingdoms ([Daniel 2:20-22](/daniel/2-20-22 "Daniel 2:20-22 - Daniel's Prayer of Praise for God's Wisdom and Power")). Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Community and Corporate Prayer**, demonstrating that even a figure of Daniel's spiritual stature did not face an overwhelming challenge in isolation. Instead, he sought the united intercession of his trusted companions, known also by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ([Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - The Babylonian Names of Daniel's Friends")). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Faithfulness Under Pressure**, as Daniel's immediate action reflects unwavering trust in God's ability to deliver, even when confronted with an impossible royal decree and the threat of imminent death. This act of "making the thing known" was an invitation to participate in a collective, faith-filled pursuit of divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Aramaic, _bayith'_):** (H1005) This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew word for "house," denotes a private dwelling or a domestic setting. In the context of Daniel 2:17, Daniel's return "to his house" signifies a deliberate withdrawal from the public, politically charged, and perilous royal court to a private space. This domestic environment served as a sanctuary where he could openly and intimately share the gravity of the situation with his trusted companions, fostering an atmosphere conducive to earnest and unhindered corporate prayer, free from the constraints or dangers of the king's presence.
* **made... known (Aramaic, _yᵉdaʻ'_):** (H3046) This Aramaic verb means "to know," "to understand," or, in its causative form, "to cause to know" or "to make known." Daniel's use of this verb indicates an intentional and urgent act of disclosure. It was not a casual sharing of information but a deliberate communication of the "thing" (the king's forgotten dream and the death decree) that necessitated immediate, collective engagement and intercession. This term implies a call to action, an invitation for his companions to participate actively in seeking divine wisdom and intervention.
* **companions (Aramaic, _chăbar'_):** (H2269) Derived from a root meaning "to join" or "to associate," this word refers to an associate, fellow, or intimate friend. In this verse, it emphasizes the deep bond, shared faith, and mutual commitment among Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were not merely colleagues or co-exiles but trusted spiritual allies who had endured trials together and shared a common devotion to the God of Israel. This term highlights the communal aspect of their spiritual life and their readiness to stand together in prayer and solidarity in the face of an existential threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Daniel went to his house,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate and purposeful nature of Daniel's response after securing a delay from the king. His movement "to his house" signifies a strategic retreat from the public sphere of the Babylonian court to a private, secure location where he could consult with his trusted circle. This action demonstrates his understanding that the solution would not come through political maneuvering or human wisdom, but through divine revelation sought in a context of spiritual intimacy and safety.
* **"and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:"**: This second clause reveals the precise nature of Daniel's immediate action. He did not go to pray alone, but intentionally "made the thing known"—the king's forgotten dream and the death decree—to his three closest spiritual allies. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) were not just friends but fellow exiles who shared Daniel's faith and commitment to God. This act of disclosure was a direct invitation for them to join him in intercession, recognizing the power of united prayer in the face of an impossible situation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Emphasis** is achieved through the immediate and decisive action of Daniel ("Then Daniel went..."). This swift transition from the perilous royal court to his private dwelling underscores the urgency of the situation and Daniel's clear priority: seeking God's intervention through communal prayer. **Characterization** is profoundly evident in Daniel's actions, which portray him not merely as a man of exceptional wisdom and favor with God, but also as a leader who deeply values and actively seeks the support of his spiritual community. He is depicted not as a lone hero, but as one who understands the essential power of corporate prayer. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the miraculous revelation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its subsequent interpretation, thereby demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in response to the united prayers of His devoted servants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:17 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of corporate prayer and the indispensable value of spiritual community, especially in times of extreme crisis. Daniel, despite his exceptional wisdom and personal favor with God, did not attempt to bear the burden of the king's impossible demand alone. Instead, he immediately turned to his trusted companions, recognizing that the divine revelation needed to save their lives would be sought and received through united intercession. This act highlights God's design for believers to support one another in prayer, sharing burdens and seeking God's will collectively. It underscores that while individual faith is vital, there is unique power, encouragement, and a sense of shared responsibility found when the body of Christ comes together in earnest supplication, trusting in God's ability to provide wisdom and deliverance beyond human comprehension.

* [Matthew 18:19](/matthew/18-19 "Matthew 18:19 - Agreement in Prayer")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:17 offers a timeless and profound model for believers facing overwhelming challenges. It teaches us that our first instinct in crisis should not be to panic, strategize independently, or rely solely on our own intellect or resources, but to turn to God in prayer, often in fellowship with other believers. Daniel's immediate action of involving Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah reminds us of the profound strength, wisdom, and divine intervention available through corporate prayer and the support of a godly community. When we share our burdens with trusted spiritual companions, we not only invite their intercession but also experience the encouragement, accountability, and collective faith that can move mountains. This verse challenges us to cultivate deep, trusting relationships within our faith community, making it a natural reflex to seek united prayer when confronted with seemingly impossible situations, believing that God delights to reveal His power and wisdom in response to the earnest cries of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with a daunting challenge, is your first instinct to seek God in prayer, and to involve your spiritual community?**
* **Who are your "Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah"—the trusted companions with whom you can share your deepest burdens and seek united prayer?**
* **How might intentionally cultivating deeper, more vulnerable relationships within your faith community enhance your ability to navigate life's crises?**
* **What "impossible thing" are you currently facing that you need to "make known" to God and to your trusted prayer partners?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel go to his house and not pray alone in the palace?**

Answer: Daniel's decision to go "to his house" was likely a strategic and deeply spiritual choice. The palace environment was public, politically charged, and potentially dangerous for such a sensitive matter, especially given the king's volatile decree. His "house" offered a private, secure, and intimate setting where he could openly discuss the dire situation with his trusted companions without fear of being overheard or misunderstood by those who did not share their faith. This allowed for a focused, earnest session of corporate prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God in a dedicated and unhindered environment, rather than a solitary, potentially distracted moment in the king's court. This act also highlights the value of seeking God's face in a place of sanctuary and shared spiritual purpose, as the solution required divine revelation beyond human wisdom.

**Who were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah?**

Answer: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were Daniel's close companions, fellow Hebrew exiles who had been brought to Babylon alongside him. They were known for their unwavering faithfulness to God and their exceptional wisdom, having been trained with Daniel in the king's court and found to be "ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters" ([Daniel 1:4-7](/daniel/1-4-7 "Daniel and His Friends Chosen for Training") and [Daniel 1:20](/daniel/1-20 "Daniel and His Friends Excel in Wisdom")). They are perhaps more widely recognized by their Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, respectively. These three men later demonstrated their profound faith and commitment to God by refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, leading to their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace ([Daniel 3:16-27](/daniel/3-16-27 "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace")). Their shared history of faithfulness, their deep bond, and their proven spiritual integrity made them the ideal partners for Daniel in this moment of crisis.

**What was "the thing" Daniel made known to his companions?**

Answer: "The thing" (Aramaic, _millâh_) refers to the impossible and life-threatening demand made by King Nebuchadnezzar: that his wise men not only interpret a dream he had forgotten but also reveal its content. The penalty for failure was death for all the wise men in Babylon, including Daniel and his companions ([Daniel 2:5](/daniel/2-5 "Daniel 2:5 - Nebuchadnezzar's Demand")). Daniel had just successfully petitioned the king for a delay, promising to provide the answer through divine revelation. Therefore, "the thing" was the entire life-threatening crisis itself—the king's forgotten dream, the impending execution, and the urgent need for God's miraculous intervention to save their lives. It was the specific, impossible mystery that required a supernatural solution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:17, with its profound emphasis on seeking divine revelation through united prayer in the face of an impossible situation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate wisdom and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Daniel's immediate turn to God and his companions for a revelation that would save lives points to Christ as the very **Wisdom of God** incarnate, through whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Just as Daniel sought to "make known" the king's mystery, Jesus came to "make known" the mysteries of God's kingdom and the Father's heart, revealing truths that were hidden for ages and bringing light to the world ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God; the Only God Has Explained Him") and [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Hidden for Ages")). Daniel's reliance on God for deliverance from a decree of death finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, through His own sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, delivers humanity from the decree of spiritual death and offers eternal life as a free gift ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Death and Deliverance from Fear of Death")). Furthermore, the corporate prayer of Daniel and his companions prefigures the New Testament church, where believers are called to gather in Christ's name, trusting that He is present and hears their united petitions, revealing His will and providing deliverance for His people ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Are Gathered")). Thus, Daniel's act of faith points us to the greater reality of Christ as our ultimate Revealer, Deliverer, and the Head of the Body that prays in unity, fulfilling all of God's redemptive purposes.

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.

Cross-References

Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Daniel 1:11

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:6

Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.