TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
Quickly Aryokh brought Dani'el before the king and told him, "I have found one of the exiles of Y'hudah who will reveal the interpretation to his majesty."
Berean Standard Bible
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.”
American Standard Version
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
World English Bible Messianic
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus to him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Arioch brought Daniel before the King in all haste, and sayd thus vnto him, I haue found a man of the children of Iudah that were brought captiues, that will declare vnto the King the interpretation.
Young's Literal Translation
Then Arioch in haste hath brought up Daniel before the king, and thus hath said to him--`I have found a man of the sons of the Removed of Judah, who the interpretation to the king doth make known.'
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In the KJVVerse 21,784 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 25. "I have found a man who belongs to the children of the captivity of Judah and who will set forth the explanation to the king." He credits his own diligence with what God's grace has bestowed, and he claims that he himself has done the finding, when actually Daniel had applied to him of his own volition that he might be presented to the king. This instance manifests the habitual reaction of messengers, for when they have good news to report, they wish it to appear their own doing. But the man who undertakes the explanation of the dream is certainly going to relate the dream beforehand. And note that Daniel is said to be of the children of Judah, rather than being a priest as the latter part of the story of Bel relates.
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 2:25 marks a crucial turning point in the unfolding narrative, as Arioch, the captain of King Nebuchadnezzar's guard, swiftly brings Daniel before the monarch. Following the complete failure of Babylon's wise men to reveal and interpret the king's forgotten and troubling dream, Arioch presents Daniel, a young man from the Jewish exiles, as the unique individual capable of providing the longed-for interpretation. This urgent presentation underscores the dire nature of the crisis and dramatically sets the stage for God's divine revelation to be unveiled through His chosen servant, demonstrating His sovereignty over human kingdoms and wisdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and theological message. Irony is profoundly evident, as the "wise men" of Babylon, with all their supposed knowledge, magical arts, and privileged positions, utterly fail to meet the king's demand, while a young, exiled captive from a conquered nation is the one divinely empowered to provide the solution. This creates a stark Contrast between the futility of human wisdom and the omnipotence of divine revelation. The phrase "in haste" serves as a crucial element of Pacing, dramatically accelerating the narrative and emphasizing the immediate danger that has been averted and the urgency of God's intervention. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as Foreshadowing, hinting at Daniel's future role as a consistent revealer of divine mysteries and God's continued use of him to demonstrate His sovereignty to powerful Gentile rulers throughout the book of Daniel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:25 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all human affairs, even in the most chaotic and desperate circumstances of a pagan empire. It underscores the profound truth that true wisdom and divine revelation come not from human intellect, political power, or pagan spiritual practices, but exclusively from God alone. God deliberately uses a marginalized, exiled individual to humble the pride of the world's most powerful king, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness and that He raises up whom He wills for His purposes. This moment is a profound testament to divine timing, where God's chosen instrument is brought to the forefront precisely when all human solutions have utterly failed, showcasing His ultimate authority and the futility of relying on anything other than Him for ultimate truth and salvation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This dramatic scene in Daniel 2:25 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today. It reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances, our perceived status, or the overwhelming challenges we may face. Just as He used Daniel, a humble captive in a foreign land, to reveal profound mysteries to a mighty king, He can use any of us, in any situation, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. When human wisdom, expertise, and power fail to provide answers or solutions, we are called to turn to God, trusting in His superior wisdom and revelation. This passage encourages us to cultivate a life of prayer, humility, and absolute dependence on God, knowing that He has perfect timing and will bring His servants to the forefront precisely when they are needed most to demonstrate His glory. Our role is to be faithful, available, and obedient, allowing God to work through us in ways we could never imagine, always remembering that His power is perfected in our weakness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Arioch and why was he so eager to bring Daniel before the king?
Answer: Arioch was the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, a position of significant authority responsible for enforcing the king's decrees, including the recent order to execute all the wise men of Babylon. He was exceptionally eager to bring Daniel before the king because Daniel had promised to provide the interpretation of the king's forgotten dream, a task that all the other wise men had failed to accomplish. Finding Daniel meant saving his own life, the lives of the other wise men, and potentially gaining immense favor with the king by resolving a crisis that threatened the entire court and the king's sanity. His haste reflects the immense relief and urgency of the situation.
Why is Daniel's identity as a "man of the captives of Judah" significant in this context?
Answer: Daniel's identity as a "man of the captives of Judah" is highly significant because it highlights the profound contrast between the immense power and wisdom of the Babylonian Empire and the seemingly powerless status of an exiled Jew. It underscores that God's power and wisdom transcend human hierarchies, national boundaries, and societal status. The complete failure of all the king's native, powerful advisors, contrasted with the success of a humble captive, powerfully demonstrates that true revelation comes only from the God of Israel, not from pagan practices or human intellect. This emphasizes God's ability to use the marginalized and unexpected to accomplish His purposes and display His glory, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
How did Daniel know the interpretation when all the king's other wise men failed?
Answer: Daniel knew the interpretation because God Himself revealed it to him. After Daniel wisely requested time from Arioch, he and his three faithful companions (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) earnestly prayed to the God of heaven for mercy concerning this profound mystery. In direct response to their fervent prayer, "the secret was revealed unto Daniel in a night vision" (Daniel 2:19). This divine revelation is the sole source of Daniel's knowledge, setting him apart from the Babylonian wise men who relied on human wisdom, divination, or occult practices, which are ultimately futile against the true God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:25, while a dramatic moment in Old Testament history, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's mysteries through Jesus Christ. Daniel, identified as a "man" (H1400, gᵉbar') and a "son" (H1123, bên) of Judah, chosen by God to reveal truth, stands as a compelling type of Christ. Just as Daniel was brought "in haste" by divine orchestration to "make known" (H3046, yᵉdaʻ') the king's forgotten dream and its interpretation, so Jesus, the true Son of God from the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:1), came into the world at God's appointed time (Galatians 4:4) to reveal the Father and the profound mysteries of the Kingdom of God. The Babylonian wise men failed utterly to "make known" the truth, but Jesus, who is the very "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:30), perfectly reveals God's nature and His redemptive plan for humanity. He is the ultimate "interpretation" (H6591, pᵉshar') of God's will and character, the One through whom all hidden things are brought to light (Colossians 2:3). Daniel's unique role as the sole revealer of divine truth in a time of crisis points to Christ as the sole Mediator and perfect Revealer of God's saving truth, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the One who perfectly "makes known" the Father to us, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" (John 1:18).