Daniel 2:24

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {H3606}{H6903}{H1836} Daniel {H1841} went in {H5954} unto {H5922} Arioch {H746}, whom the king {H4430} had ordained {H4483} to destroy {H7} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}: he went {H236} and said {H560} thus {H3652} unto him; Destroy {H7} not {H409} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}: bring me in {H5954} before {H6925} the king {H4430}, and I will shew {H2324} unto the king {H4430} the interpretation {H6591}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Dani'el went to see Aryokh, whom the king had charged with destroying the sages of Bavel, and said to him, "Don't destroy the sages of Bavel! Bring me before the king, and I will give the king the interpretation."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”

American Standard Version

Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had appointed 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 show unto the king the interpretation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:24 marks a crucial turning point where Daniel, having received divine insight into King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation, boldly intervenes to prevent the execution of Babylon's wise men, including himself and his companions. Approaching Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, Daniel confidently asserts his ability to reveal the mystery, demonstrating profound faith, courage, and compassion, thereby setting the stage for God's wisdom to be publicly magnified and His servant honored.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:24 is strategically placed immediately after Daniel's fervent prayer and God's miraculous revelation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation, detailed in [Daniel 2:17-23](/daniel/2-17-23 "Daniel 2:17-23 - Daniel's Prayer and God's Revelation"). The narrative prior to this verse builds intense suspense, recounting King Nebuchadnezzar's escalating fury and his decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon, a command that directly imperiled Daniel and his friends, as seen in [Daniel 2:12-13](/daniel/2-12-13 "Daniel 2:12-13 - Nebuchadnezzar's Wrath and Decree"). Daniel's swift and decisive action in verse 24 serves as the pivotal response to this death sentence, showcasing his strategic wisdom and faith-filled initiative. It seamlessly transitions the narrative from the crisis and divine disclosure to the public presentation of God's truth before the king, ultimately leading to the king's profound acknowledgment of Daniel's God in [Daniel 2:46-47](/daniel/2-46-47 "Daniel 2:46-47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Acknowledgment of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 2:24 is the powerful Neo-Babylonian Empire during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a period renowned for its imperial might, architectural marvels, and sophisticated cultural practices. Babylonian society held its "wise men"—a diverse group encompassing astrologers, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans—in high esteem, as they served as indispensable royal advisors and interpreters of omens and dreams. These individuals wielded considerable influence and were expected to provide counsel to the king on matters of state and divine will. Nebuchadnezzar's unprecedented demand for both the dream's content and its interpretation was a deliberate test, designed to expose the true capabilities and limitations of his advisors. The king's absolute and unquestionable authority meant that his decree of execution was swift, final, and without appeal, underscoring the immediate and existential danger Daniel faced. Daniel, though a Jewish exile, was integrated into this class of wise men, having received an education in Babylonian lore, yet his fundamental reliance on the God of Israel for true wisdom presented a stark contrast to the pagan practices of his peers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the [Book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness"). Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, unequivocally demonstrating that genuine wisdom and the capacity to unveil "deep and secret things" ([Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Deep and Secret Things")) originate solely from God. Human wisdom, as exemplified by the impotent Babylonian wise men, is utterly inadequate in comparison. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Protection and Providence** over His faithful servants; Daniel's life, along with those of his companions, is miraculously preserved through God's direct and timely intervention. Thirdly, Daniel's actions in this verse exemplify **Courage and Faith in Adversity**, as he, despite facing a tyrannical king's death sentence, acts with remarkable boldness and unwavering confidence, placing his trust entirely in God's power. Finally, it introduces the significant theme of **Intercession and Mediation**, as Daniel steps forward to plead for the lives of others, subtly foreshadowing a greater mediator to come. These themes are foundational to the entire book, which consistently portrays God's ultimate control over earthly kingdoms and His unwavering faithfulness to those who honor Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daniel (Aramaic, _Dânîyêʼl'_):** This Aramaic form of the Hebrew name, meaning "God is my judge," identifies the central figure of the book. In this context, Daniel is not merely one of many wise men but a divinely appointed agent. His name itself subtly foreshadows his role in revealing God's judgment and interpretation to the king, positioning him as God's representative in a pagan court, empowered by a wisdom far superior to that of his Chaldean counterparts.
* **destroy (Aramaic, _ʼăbad'_):** This verb signifies "to perish" or, in its causative form, "to cause to perish, destroy." It vividly conveys the king's absolute decree for the complete annihilation of the wise men. Daniel's urgent plea, "Destroy not," directly confronts this decree, highlighting the immediate and severe threat to life that his intervention seeks to avert. It starkly contrasts the king's destructive power with Daniel's life-saving mission, rooted in divine revelation.
* **interpretation (Aramaic, _pᵉshar'_):** This noun refers specifically to the "solution," "explanation," or "unraveling" of a dream or riddle. It is precisely what the Babylonian wise men failed to provide and what Daniel now confidently offers. The use of this specific term underscores that Daniel's ability is not merely human insight or learned skill but a divinely granted understanding of mysteries, setting him apart from the other wise men and validating his claim to speak for God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise [men] of Babylon:"** This clause establishes Daniel's decisive and immediate action, directly linking his movement to the divine revelation he just received. He approaches Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who is already actively enforcing the king's decree to "destroy" (H7) the wise men. This highlights the extreme urgency and danger of the situation, emphasizing Daniel's courage in confronting the very instrument of the king's wrath.
* **"he went and said thus unto him;"** This brief yet potent clause underscores Daniel's directness, intentionality, and confidence. He doesn't hesitate or send a messenger but actively "went" (H236) and "said" (H560) with clear purpose, indicating a deliberate and assured approach to a powerful and dangerous official.
* **"Destroy not the wise [men] of Babylon:"** This is Daniel's bold, compassionate, and life-saving intercession. He uses the imperative "Destroy not" (H409, H7), directly challenging the king's decree through his agent. This plea is not merely for himself and his friends but extends to all the wise men, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of compassion and a desire to save lives, even those of his professional rivals or spiritual adversaries.
* **"bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation."** This final clause reveals the foundation of Daniel's unwavering confidence and his proposed solution. He offers a clear path forward: an immediate audience with the king, where he confidently promises to "shew" (H2324) or reveal the "interpretation" (H6591). This promise is a powerful testament to his faith in God's recent revelation and his understanding that God's ultimate purpose is to be publicly glorified through this act of divine disclosure.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 2:24 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully at play, as the reader is privy to Daniel's divine revelation, while Arioch and the king remain utterly ignorant, thereby intensifying the narrative tension and anticipation of Daniel's forthcoming disclosure. Daniel's urgent plea, "Destroy not the wise [men] of Babylon," functions as a profound act of **Intercession**, where he courageously steps into a mediatorial role to avert a decree of death, showcasing both his compassion and his divinely-empowered courage. There is a stark **Contrast** presented between the king's irrational wrath and destructive decree on one hand, and Daniel's calm, divinely-informed wisdom and life-saving intervention on the other. The entire scene also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the greater intercession and ultimate revelation that will come through God's ultimate King and Prophet, Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:24 powerfully illustrates the triumph of divine wisdom over human folly and the redemptive power of God's intervention in the face of human tyranny. It underscores that true wisdom and the ability to discern hidden truths come solely from God, not from human intellect, occult practices, or worldly power. Daniel's bold intercession for the lives of others, even those who were spiritually opposed to him, reflects a profound compassion and a commitment to justice rooted in his faith. This act of mediation and revelation serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and His willingness to use His faithful servants to display His glory and preserve life. The verse also highlights the importance of courage and initiative for believers when God has given them a word or a task to accomplish, demonstrating that divine revelation is given not just for personal comfort but for public action and God's glory.
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 2:24 provides a compelling model for believers facing difficult or seemingly impossible situations. It reminds us that when we seek God's wisdom and guidance in prayer, He is faithful to reveal what we need to know, often for purposes far beyond our immediate understanding or personal benefit. Daniel's immediate and courageous response—acting decisively to save lives and glorify God—challenges us to move beyond passive faith to active obedience. We are called not only to receive divine revelation but also to be agents of God's truth and compassion in a world often marked by fear, chaos, and destruction. Like Daniel, we are to be intercessors, standing in the gap for others with boldness, and solution-givers, demonstrating God's power and wisdom in practical, tangible ways. This verse encourages us to trust implicitly that God can use us, even in the most intimidating and high-stakes circumstances, to bring about His sovereign purposes and display His magnificent glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "crisis" where human wisdom or resources seem utterly insufficient?**
* **How does Daniel's immediate and courageous action inspire you to respond when God reveals His will or provides a clear answer to your prayers?**
* **For whom might God be specifically calling you to intercede, even if they are not part of your immediate circle or share your beliefs?**
* **How can you be a "solution-giver" in your sphere of influence, demonstrating God's wisdom and power in practical, redemptive ways?**

### FAQ
**What was King Nebuchadnezzar's decree, and why was it so severe?**

Answer: King Nebuchadnezzar had a profoundly disturbing dream but, upon waking, could not recall its content. He demanded that his wise men not only interpret the dream but also tell him what the dream was, believing that if they truly possessed divine insight, they would know the dream itself. When they failed to do so, admitting their inability to meet such an unprecedented demand, the king became enraged and issued a decree to destroy all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his companions. This decree was severe because it was a test of the wise men's true abilities and loyalty, and the king's absolute, tyrannical power allowed for such a ruthless and immediate response to perceived failure and deceit ([Daniel 2:5-9](/daniel/2-5-9 "Daniel 2:5-9 - Nebuchadnezzar's Demand and Threat")).

**How did Daniel know about the king's dream and its interpretation?**

Answer: Daniel and his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, sought God in fervent prayer after learning of the king's terrifying decree. God, in His infinite sovereignty and faithfulness, graciously revealed the "secret" (both the dream and its interpretation) to Daniel in a night vision ([Daniel 2:17-19](/daniel/2-17-19 "Daniel 2:17-19 - Daniel Seeks God's Revelation")). This divine revelation is the sole source of Daniel's knowledge and unwavering confidence, fundamentally distinguishing him from the other wise men who relied on human wisdom, divination, and occult practices, which proved utterly inadequate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's courageous intercession and divinely-granted revelation in Daniel 2:24 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Daniel stood as a mediator between a decree of death and the condemned, offering a path to life through revealed truth, so Jesus Christ stands as the supreme Intercessor and Revealer. Daniel, empowered by God, unveiled the hidden mysteries of the king's dream, thereby saving lives. In a far greater and eternal sense, Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's truth, revealing the profound mysteries of the Kingdom of God and the very heart of the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except Jesus")). He is the true wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Moreover, Daniel's plea to "Destroy not" echoes Christ's own redemptive mission to save, not to condemn ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son Not to Condemn")). As our great High Priest, Jesus continually intercedes for us before the Father, averting the spiritual death sentence that our sins justly deserve and presenting us blameless and holy ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Thus, Daniel's act is a beautiful, albeit partial, picture of Christ, who perfectly reveals God's truth, profoundly intercedes for humanity, and ultimately brings eternal life where there was only the threat of destruction.

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

Acts 27:24

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Daniel 2:12

For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise [men] of Babylon.

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: