14 Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment to Arioch , the captain of the king's bodyguard , who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon ; 15 he said to Arioch , the king's commander , "For what reason e is the decree from the king so urgent ?" Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter . 16 So Daniel went in and requested of the king that he would give him time , in order that he might declare the interpretation to the king . 17 Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends , Hananiah , Mishael and Azariah , about the matter , 18 so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery , so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon . 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision . Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven ; 20 Daniel said , "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever , For wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 "It is He who changes the times and the epochs ; He removes kings and establishes kings ; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding . 22 "It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things ; He knows what is in the darkness , And the light dwells with Him. 23 "To You, O God of my fathers , I give thanks and praise , For You have given me wisdom and power ; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, For You have made known to us the king's matter ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 2:14-23
Commentary on Daniel 2:14-23
(Read Daniel 2:14-23)
Daniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the king's dream, and the meaning of it. Praying friends are valuable friends; and it well becomes the greatest and best men to desire the prayers of others. Let us show that we value our friends, and their prayers. They were particular in prayer. And whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of God's mercies. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants and burdens. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in. The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed. The fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. Daniel was thankful to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of himself and his fellows. How much more should we be thankful to God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those who are not among the worldly wise and prudent!