The Church Fathers on this verse

Daniel 2:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Daniel went in, and desired of the king, that he would give him time to resolve the question, and declare it to the king.

Douay-Rheims

וְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל עַ֖ל וּבְעָ֣ה מִן־מַלְכָּ֑א דִּ֚י זְמָ֣ן יִנְתֵּן־לֵ֔הּ וּפִשְׁרָ֖א לְהַֽחֲוָיָ֥ה לְמַלְכָּֽא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

It is remarkable how the king permitted this. Observe the level of trust everyone has in Daniel regarding all matters. What led the king to believe that Daniel was truthful? Why did he not declare, “All are challenged, and admit that it is beyond human understanding; but you, a stranger, why do you presume to outshine them all?" Yet when God orchestrates circumstances, one should not doubt. Additionally, it might have been wiser for Daniel to approach the king later. Why did God not disclose the truth to him right away? First, so that the event would be revealed, causing great confusion among the wise men. Notably, even as a prophet, Daniel was unaware beforehand.

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Moreover, God demonstrates His righteousness through those who are just, showing that if He did not grant anything to His servants without fervent prayer during peril, He will certainly not do so for you. This is why Paul consistently calls for prayer: he emphasizes the significance of being steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:12). Living a righteous life alone is insufficient without the accompaniment of prayer. Consider also Daniel's tremendous faith. This marks a second significant act where Daniel, once again, is proactive, requesting the necessary time for additional preparation and prayer. He did not insist that the king act on his request immediately, and the king graciously granted him this favor, along with that of his companions.

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

After Arioch communicated the situation to Daniel, he approached the king and earnestly requested more time to provide his interpretations. Subsequently, he returned to his home and shared the matter with his companions Ananias, Mishael, and Azariah. Daniel sought this time not to uncover the enigmas through contemplation and insight, but rather to beseech the Lord of the enigmas. He thus called upon Ananias, Mishael, and Azariah to join him in prayer, with the intention of demonstrating that he did not rely solely on his own abilities, and that the collective prayer of those in mutual peril would unite them in their supplication.

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