Daniel 2:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This directive, he asserts, lacks any basis, rationale, or credibility - a description fitting for those we deem unashamed. Observe his audacity. He questions the severity of such a command. It appears to me that even prior to the commencement of the vision, he had thwarted the chief sorcerer from committing murder, both by denouncing this edict and by vowing to discover a solution for the distress.

He inquired of the individual who held authority from the king, asking, “What prompted such a dire decree from the sovereign?” The Chaldeans, aware that Daniel and the three young men possessed wisdom and understanding far surpassing all the soothsayers and magicians in Chaldea, concealed the king's inquiry from them, fearing that they might be favored for interpreting the dream. Consequently, Daniel sought clarification regarding the ominous order, unaware of the reason behind his peril.

Sovereign of sovereigns, what could this profound saying from the king signify? Daniel likely was unaware of it, nor did he participate in the gathering of Babylon's wise men; for nearly three years had not passed since the Babylonian king ordered that they be nourished with his royal provisions, intending that after a set period, they would be presented before him. If the Prophet indicated beforehand that they entered and were distinguished above others, there is no need for astonishment; for in aiming to complete that narrative, he clearly illustrated all that transpired at that time, subsequently moving to recount events that occurred in the interim.