Daniel 2:24
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."
Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch
The phrase "Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch" signifies a decisive action taken by Daniel. The Hebrew root for "went in" (בּוֹא, bo) implies entering with purpose or intent. Daniel's approach to Arioch, the king's appointed executioner, demonstrates his courage and faith. Historically, Arioch was a high-ranking official, and Daniel's boldness in approaching him reflects his confidence in God's revelation. This action underscores the theme of divine providence and the courage that faith in God can inspire.

whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon
This phrase highlights the dire situation facing the wise men of Babylon. The word "appointed" (מִנָּה, minah) suggests a formal assignment or decree, indicating the king's serious intent. The historical context reveals that Babylon was a center of learning and wisdom, yet the king's decree threatened its intellectual elite. This sets the stage for God's intervention through Daniel, emphasizing the theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs.

He came and said to him, 'Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon
Daniel's plea, "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon," reveals his compassion and wisdom. The Hebrew word for "destroy" (אֲבַד, abad) means to perish or be lost, indicating the finality of the king's order. Daniel's intercession not only seeks to save lives but also demonstrates his understanding of God's mercy. This act of advocacy reflects the biblical principle of standing in the gap for others, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

Bring me in before the king
The phrase "Bring me in before the king" shows Daniel's readiness to stand before the most powerful ruler of his time. The Hebrew root for "bring" (הָעַל, haal) implies an elevation or ascent, symbolizing Daniel's rise to a position of influence. This request signifies his trust in God's revelation and his willingness to be used as an instrument of divine wisdom. It highlights the theme of God elevating the humble and faithful to positions of influence.

and I will give him the interpretation
Daniel's assurance, "and I will give him the interpretation," reflects his confidence in the divine revelation he received. The word "interpretation" (פִּשְׁרָא, pishra) refers to the explanation or unraveling of mysteries. This underscores the biblical theme that true wisdom and understanding come from God. Daniel's role as an interpreter of dreams foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ as the ultimate interpreter of God's will and purpose for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A young Hebrew man taken into Babylonian captivity, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams through God's revelation.

2. Arioch
The captain of the king's guard, tasked with executing the wise men of Babylon as per King Nebuchadnezzar's decree.

3. King Nebuchadnezzar
The ruler of Babylon who had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret, leading to his order to execute them.

4. Wise Men of Babylon
A group of magicians, enchanters, and astrologers who were unable to interpret the king's dream, thus facing execution.

5. Babylon
The empire where Daniel and his friends were held captive, known for its wealth, power, and idolatry.
Teaching Points
Courage in Faith
Daniel's approach to Arioch demonstrates the courage that comes from faith in God's provision and guidance.

Intercession for Others
Daniel's plea to spare the wise men shows the importance of interceding for others, even those who may not share our faith.

God's Sovereignty
The situation underscores God's control over earthly kingdoms and His ability to reveal hidden truths.

Wisdom from God
True wisdom and understanding come from God, not human intellect or power.

Boldness in Witness
Like Daniel, believers are called to be bold in their witness, trusting God to provide the words and wisdom needed.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's response to Arioch demonstrate his faith and trust in God? Reflect on a time when you had to trust God in a difficult situation.

2. In what ways can Daniel's intercession for the wise men of Babylon inspire us to pray for those who do not share our beliefs?

3. How does the account of Daniel in Babylon encourage us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding? Consider Proverbs 3:5-6 in your response.

4. What can we learn from Daniel about approaching authority figures with respect and confidence in God's plan?

5. How does Daniel's boldness in this passage challenge us to be bold in sharing our faith with others? Reflect on Acts 4:19-20 and how it relates to your life.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41
Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams parallels Daniel's situation, highlighting God's sovereignty in revealing mysteries.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart is exemplified by Daniel's reliance on God for the interpretation.

Acts 4:19-20
Peter and John's boldness before the Sanhedrin mirrors Daniel's courage in approaching Arioch and the king.

James 1:5
The promise of wisdom to those who ask God is demonstrated in Daniel's life as he seeks divine insight.

1 Corinthians 1:25
God's wisdom surpasses human understanding, as seen in Daniel's ability to interpret the dream when the wise men could not.
A Good Man Becomes Both King and SaviourJ.D. Davies Daniel 2:24
The Dream FoundH.T. Robjohns Daniel 2:14-30
People
Abednego, Arioch, Azariah, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Meshach, Mishael, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach
Places
Babylon, Shinar
Topics
Appointed, Arioch, Ar'i-och, Babylon, Bring, Clear, Daniel, Death, Declare, Destroy, Destruction, Dream, Execute, Follows, Interpret, Interpretation, King's, Ordained, Orders, Presence, Reason, Sense, Shew, Spoke, Thus, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 2:24

     7730   explanation

Daniel 2:17-49

     6694   mystery

Library
The Image and the Stone
'This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath He given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Book and Tract Catalogue.
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION. BY I. C. WELLCOME AND C. GOUD. "The Plan of Redemption is an earnest book, evidently prepared after no little study, and with a conscientious desire to advance the cause of Christ. The Bible is made the basis of argument; it contains many fresh and well considered suggestions. The careful reader will find much that is valuable."--Watchman and Reflector. "This treatise aims to serve up the gospel scheme in a compact form. It states the plan and work well, and usually correctly.
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

Editor's Preface
Professor Maspero does not need to be introduced to us. His name is well known in England and America as that of one of the chief masters of Egyptian science as well as of ancient Oriental history and archaeology. Alike as a philologist, a historian, and an archaeologist, he occupies a foremost place in the annals of modern knowledge and research. He possesses that quick apprehension and fertility of resource without which the decipherment of ancient texts is impossible, and he also possesses a sympathy
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1

The Scattering of the People
[Illustration: (drop cap A) The Fish-god of Assyria and Babylonia] At last the full punishment for their many sins fell upon God's chosen people. The words of warning written in the fifth book of Moses had told them plainly that if they turned aside and worshipped the wicked idol-gods of Canaan, the Lord would take their country from them and drive them out into strange lands. Yet again and again they had yielded to temptation. And now the day of reckoning had come. Nebuchadnezzar, the great king
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A Description of Heart-Purity
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 The holy God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity' calls here for heart-purity, and to such as are adorned with this jewel, he promises a glorious and beatifical vision of himself: they shall see God'. Two things are to be explained the nature of purity; the subject of purity. 1 The nature of purity. Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatsoever defiles. We must distinguish the various kinds
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Wicked Husbandmen.
"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a Pure Religion --First Disciples.
Joseph died before his son had taken any public part. Mary remained, in a manner, the head of the family, and this explains why her son, when it was wished to distinguish him from others of the same name, was most frequently called the "son of Mary."[1] It seems that having, by the death of her husband, been left friendless at Nazareth, she withdrew to Cana,[2] from which she may have come originally. Cana[3] was a little town at from two to two and a half hours' journey from Nazareth, at the foot
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
"This is He whom Seers in old time Chanted of with one accord; Whom the voices of the Prophets Promised in their faithful word." We have seen that, in the providence of God, John the Baptist was sent to proclaim to the world that "The Kingdom of Heaven" was at hand, and to point out the King. And as soon as the Herald had raised the expectation of men by the proclamation of the coming Kingdom, our Lord began His public ministry, the great object of which was the founding of His Kingdom for the salvation
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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