TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
World English Bible Messianic
Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus to him: Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore Daniel went vnto Arioch, whome the King had ordeyned to destroy the wise men of Babel: he went and sayde thus vnto him, Destroy not the wise men of Babel, but bring me before the King, and I will declare vnto the King the interpretation.
Young's Literal Translation
Therefore Daniel hath gone up unto Arioch, whom the king hath appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he hath gone, and thus hath said to him, `The wise men of Babylon thou dost not destroy, bring me up before the king, and the interpretation to the king I do shew.'
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In the KJVVerse 21,783 of 31,102
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Commentary on Daniel 2 verses 24–30
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.
25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.
30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
We have here the introduction to Daniel's declaring the dream, and the interpretation of it.
I. He immediately bespoke the reversing of the sentence against the wise men of Babylon, Dan 2:24. He went with all speed to Arioch, to tell him that his commission was now superseded: Destroy not the wise men of Babylon. Though there were those of them perhaps that deserved to die, as magicians, by the law of God, yet here that which they stood condemned for was not a crime worth of death or of bonds, and therefore let them not die, and be unjustly destroyed, but let them live, and be justly shamed, as having been nonplussed and unable to do that which a prophet of the Lord could do. Note, Since God shows common kindness to the evil and good, we should do so too, and be ready to save the lives of even bad men, Mat 5:45. A good man is a common good. To Paul in the ship God gave the souls of all that sailed with him; they were saved for his sake. To Daniel was owing the preservation of all the wise men, who yet rendered not according to the benefit done to them, Dan 3:8.
II. He offered his service, with great assurance, to go to the king, and tell him his dream and the interpretation of it, and was admitted accordingly, Dan 2:24, Dan 2:25. Arioch brought him in haste to the king, hoping to ingratiate himself by introducing Daniel; he pretends he had sought him to interpret the king's dream, whereas really it was to execute upon him the king's sentence that he sought him. But courtiers' business is every way to humour the prince and make their own services acceptable.
III. He contrived as much as might be to reflect shame upon the magicians, and to give honour to God, upon this occasion. The king owned that it was a bold undertaking, and questioned whether he could make it good (Dan 2:26): Art thou able to make known unto me the dream? What! Such a babe in this knowledge, such a stripling as thou are, wilt thou undertake that which thy seniors despair of doing? The less likely it appeared to the king that Daniel should do this the more God was glorified in enabling him to do it. Note, In transmitting divine revelation to the children of men it has been God's usual way to make use of the weak and foolish things and persons of the world, and such as were despised and despaired of, to confound the wise and mighty, that the excellency of the power might be of him, Co1 1:27, Co1 1:28. Daniel from this takes occasion, 1. To put the king out of conceit with his magicians and soothsayers, whom he had such great expectations from (Dan 2:27): "This secret they cannot show to the king; it is out of their power; the rules of their art will not reach to it. Therefore let not the king be angry with them for not doing that which they cannot do; but rather despise them, and cast them off, because they cannot do it." Broughton reads it generally: "This secret no sages, astrologers, enchanters, or entrail-cookers, can show unto the king; let not the king therefore consult them any more." Note, The experience we have of the inability of all creatures to give us satisfaction should lessen our esteem of them, and lower our expectations from them. They are baffled in their pretensions; we are baffled in our hopes from them. Hitherto they come, and no further; let us therefore say to them, as Job to his friends, Now you are nothing; miserable comforters are you all. 2. To bring him to the knowledge of the one only living and true God, the God whom Daniel worshipped: "Though they cannot find out the secret, let not the king despair of having it found out, for there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets," Dan 2:28. Note, The insufficiency of creatures should drive us to the all-sufficiency of the Creator. There is a God in heaven (and it is well for us there is) who can do that for us, and make known that to us, which none on earth can, particularly the secret history of the work of redemption and the secret designs of God's love to us therein, the mystery which was hidden from ages and generations; divine revelation helps us out where human reason leaves us quite at a loss, and makes known that, not only to kings, but to the poor of this world, which none of the philosophers or politicians of the heathens, with all their oracles and arts of divination to help them, could ever pretend to give us any light into, Rom 16:25, Rom 16:26.
IV. He confirmed the king in his opinion that the dream he was thus solicitous to recover the idea of was really well worth enquiring after, that it was of great value and of vast consequence, not a common dream, the idle disport of a ludicrous and luxuriant fancy, which was not worth remembering or telling again, but that it was a divine discovery, a ray of light darted into his mind from the upper world, relating to the great affairs and revolutions of this lower world. God in it made known to the king what should be in the latter days (Dan 2:28), that is, in the times that were to come, reaching as far as the setting up of Christ's kingdom in the world, which was to be in the latter days, Heb 1:1. And again (Dan 2:29): "The thoughts which came into thy mind were not the repetitions of what had been before, as our dreams usually are" -
Omnia quae sensu volvuntur vota diurno
Tempore sopito reddit amica quies -
The sentiments which we indulge throughout the day
often mingle with the grateful slumbers of the night.
- Claudian
"But they were predictions of what should come to pass hereafter, which he that reveals secrets makes known unto thee; and therefore thou art in the right in taking the hint and pursuing it thus." Note, Things that are to come to pass hereafter are secret things, which God only can reveal; and what he has revealed of those things, especially with reference to the last days of all, to the end of time, ought to be very seriously and diligently enquired into and considered by every one of us. Some think that the thoughts which are said to have come into the king's mind upon his bed, what should come to pass hereafter, were his own thoughts when he was awake. Just before he fell asleep, and dreamed this dream, he was musing in his own mind what would be the issue of his growing greatness, what his kingdom would hereafter come to; and so the dream was an answer to those thoughts. What discoveries God intends to make he thus prepares men for.
V. He solemnly professes that he could not pretend to have merited from God the favour of this discovery, or to have obtained it by any sagacity of his own (Dan 2:30): "But, as for me, this secret is not found out by me, but is revealed to me, and that not for any wisdom that I have more than any living, to qualify me for the receiving of such a discovery." Note, It well becomes those whom God has highly favoured and honoured to be very humble and low in their own eyes, to lay aside all opinion of their own wisdom and worthiness, that God alone may have all the praise of the good they are, and have, and do, and that all may be attributed to the freeness of his good-will towards them and the fulness of his good work in them. The secret was made known to him not for his own sake, but, 1. For the sake of his people, for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, that is, for the sake of his brethren and companions in tribulation, who had by their prayers helped him to obtain this discovery, and so might be said to make known the interpretation - that their lives might be spared, that they might come into favour and be preferred, and all the people of the Jews might fare the better, in their captivity, for their sakes. Note, Humble men will be always ready to think that what God does for them and by them is more for the sake of others than for their own. 2. For the sake of his prince; and some read the former clause in this sense, "Not for any wisdom of mine, but that the king may know the interpretation, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart, that thou mightest have satisfaction given thee as to what thou wast before considering, and thereby instruction given thee how to behave towards the church of God." God revealed this thing to Daniel that he might make it known to the king. Prophets receive that they may give, that the discoveries made to them may not be lodged with themselves, but communicated to the persons that are concerned.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–30. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 5:7
Let us not then be looking open-mouthed toward others. For it is true, the prayers of the saints have the greatest power, on condition, however, of our repentance and change. Since even Moses, who had rescued his own brother and six hundred thousand men from the wrath that was then coming on them from God, had no power to deliver his sister. … And Samuel was not able to save Saul from the wrath from above, yet he oftentimes preserved the Israelites.… And Daniel saved the barbarians from slaughter, but he did not deliver the Jews from their captivity.… So on the one hand, if we are careless, we shall not be able to obtain salvation, no, not even by the help of others; if, on the other hand, we are watchful, we shall be able to do this by ourselves, and by ourselves rather than by others. Yes, for God is more willing to give his grace to us than to others for us, that we, by our zeal to avoid his wrath, may both enjoy a deep trust in him and become better people.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 30
For nothing is so advantageous and so likely to pacify the hearers as to say nothing about one’s self of an honorable nature, but on the contrary, to forestall all suspicion of wishing to do so. And, in truth, much more did they [the apostles] increase their glory by despising glory and showing that what had just taken place was not a human act but a divine work; and that it was their part to join with the beholders in admiration rather than to receive it from them.… In the same manner also did the ancient fathers, for instance, Daniel, say, “Not because of any wisdom I have more than all the living has this mystery been revealed to me.” … And again Joseph, “Do not interpretations belong to God?”
JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER TWO
Verse 24. "Destroy not the wise men of Babylon. Take me in before the king and I will set forth the explanation to the king. ..." He follows the example of the clemency of God, who intercedes in behalf of his persecutors, and is unwilling that those men should perish on whose account he himself had been threatened with death.
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
DIALOGUE 4:50.5-6
“To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be hereafter, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.” And a little later, “You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image.” … Daniel, therefore, in reverently indicating that the dream was to be fulfilled and in telling from what thoughts it arose, shows clearly that dreams often rise from our thoughts and from revelation. Seeing, then, that dreams may arise from such a variety of causes, one ought to be very reluctant to put one’s faith in them, since it is hard to tell from what source they come.… If the mind is not on its guard against these, it will be entangled in countless vanities by the master of deceit, who is clever enough to foretell many things that are true in order finally to capture the soul by but one falsehood. This happened recently to one of our people who believed strongly in dreams. In one of them he was promised a long life. After collecting a large sum of money to last him for many years, he died suddenly, leaving all of his wealth behind untouched, without having so much as a single good work to take with him.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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).
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). 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, 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). He is the true wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3). Moreover, Daniel's plea to "Destroy not" echoes Christ's own redemptive mission to save, not to condemn (John 3:17). 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). 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.