Daniel 5:12

12 "This was because * * an 1extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named 2Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation."

Daniel 5:12 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 5:12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit
A superior spirit to all the wise men in Babylon for natural knowledge and political wisdom; and he had yet a more excellent spirit which she knew nothing of, and was no judge of; a spirit of real grace, and true piety and devotion: and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams;
of which interpreting two of Nebuchadnezzar's was a proof: and showing hard sentences:
or explaining enigmas and riddles, or proverbial, parabolical, and figurative phrases and expressions: and dissolving of doubts:
or untying knots, solving problems, and answering knotty, intricate, and difficult questions: were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar;
the prince of his eunuchs gave him that name, perhaps by the king's order; however, it was confirmed by him; he called him by it, and says it was according to the name of his god; see ( Daniel 1:7 ) ( 4:8 ) : now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation;
this she was confident of, from the knowledge she had of the above facts.

Daniel 5:12 In-Context

10 The queen entered the banquet hall because of the words of the king and his nobles; the queen spoke and said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm you or your face be pale.
11 "There is a man in your kingdom in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, illumination, insight and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, conjurers, Chaldeans and diviners.
12 "This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation."
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?
14 "Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Daniel 5:14; Daniel 6:3
  • 2. Daniel 1:7; Daniel 4:8
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