Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
Forasmuch as {H6903}{H3606} an excellent {H3493} spirit {H7308}, and knowledge {H4486}, and understanding {H7924}, interpreting {H6590} of dreams {H2493}, and shewing {H263} of hard sentences {H280}, and dissolving {H8271} of doubts {H7001}, were found {H7912} in the same Daniel {H1841}, whom the king {H4430} named {H7761}{H8036} Belteshazzar {H1096}: now {H3705} let Daniel {H1841} be called {H7123}, and he will shew {H2324} the interpretation {H6591}.
because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, discernment, and the ability to interpret dreams, unlock mysteries and solve knotty problems. He is called Dani'el, but the king gave him the name Belt'shatzar. Now have Dani'el summoned, and he will tell you what this means."
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
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Daniel 6:3
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. -
Daniel 5:14
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods [is] in thee, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. -
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. -
Daniel 5:16
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. -
Proverbs 12:26
¶ The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. -
Daniel 4:8
But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying], -
Psalms 16:3
[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.
In Daniel 5:12, the queen (likely the queen mother) advises King Belshazzar, who is in a state of panic after witnessing the mysterious writing on the wall during his extravagant feast. She reminds him of Daniel's extraordinary capabilities, which were well-known from the days of King Nebuchadnezzar.
Context of Daniel 5:12
This verse is pivotal in the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's Feast. After the king's wise men fail to interpret the ominous inscription, the queen interjects, recalling Daniel's proven track record. Daniel, originally given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar (Daniel 1:7), had previously demonstrated his unique ability to interpret dreams and solve complex mysteries for Nebuchadnezzar, as extensively detailed in Daniel chapter 2. Her recommendation sets the stage for Daniel to be summoned and deliver God's message to the doomed king.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "excellent spirit" (Aramaic: ruach yattira) implies a superior or extraordinary spirit, indicating a divine quality or endowment beyond normal human capacity, often reflecting a spirit of wisdom and discernment. The phrase "dissolving of doubts" (Aramaic: mesharey qitrin) literally means "untying knots," vividly illustrating Daniel's skill in unraveling complex problems and bringing clear solutions to seemingly impossible dilemmas.
Practical Application
Daniel's story in this verse reminds us that God equips His people with unique gifts and talents for His glory. We are called to cultivate and use the spiritual gifts God has given us, whether they are gifts of wisdom, knowledge, discernment, or service, to bring clarity, truth, and understanding to a confused world. Like Daniel, our character and abilities, when used for God's purposes, can be a powerful testimony, even in challenging environments. This also underscores the timeless truth that true wisdom comes from God, not human ingenuity alone.