Daniel 2:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is this? Does He merely foresee and refrain from action? No, He acts. He transforms seasons and periods. He speaks not of the changes of years but of the changes in deeds. He raises up rulers and removes them, for it is He who orchestrates these transformations. But does He only have foresight and execute? Is there not another aspect, the most significant of all, that is unique to Him—the ability to grant understanding to others? He bestows wisdom upon the wise. Not to those who possessed wisdom beforehand but to those to whom He imparts wisdom. Any wise individual without His influence is not truly wise. Do not assume that wisdom is merely the skill of the Chaldeans. And, as He states, understanding is given by the discerning.

He who alters seasons and years, which denotes the epochs of the four kingdoms symbolized by the four forms of the body, establishes rulers and leads before them. This pertains to the successive kingdoms that dominated one another. He imparts wisdom to the discerning, for He has unveiled visions to those who revere God. He bestows understanding upon the wise leaders, and the interpretation of the vision has been disclosed to those who guide according to the significance of the prophetic truths.

He alters times and seasons, removes rulers and establishes new ones. Consequently, it is not unexpected that kings come and go, and kingdoms rise and fall, as it is the divine intention that they undergo governance, transformation, and conclusion. The motives behind these changes are known only to Him, the Creator of all, who sometimes allows unworthy leaders to emerge, enabling the unjust to punish one another. Simultaneously, He subtly prepares the listener through a broad discussion that conveys the vision pertains to the transition and succession of empires. ‘He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and understanding unto the prudent,’ as written, “He that heareth the wise shall be wiser” (Proverbs 1:5).

The prophet demonstrates his kindness in every aspect, composing not just a song but using its essence to unveil the vision, declaring that it is appropriate to continually offer praise to the eternal God, the wellspring of wisdom and understanding. This is the God who governs all creation in accordance with righteousness and goodness, revealing the fragility of human success through changing circumstances, thereby manifesting His omnipotence to everyone. He establishes rulers and easily removes them, granting authority and withdrawing it at His discretion. He bestows wisdom and discernment generously—not just to everyone, but especially to those who seek to know Him.

Daniel's declaration, "Give wisdom to the wise, and understanding to those who think," primarily pertains to himself, as God unveiled not only the dream that the dreamer was unaware of, but also the rationale behind the vision and its relation to the dreamer’s thoughts. This rationale stemmed from the king's reflections. The king likely harbored pride in his triumphs, having shown valor not only in battles against foreign nations but also against the Jews, who had basked in God's numerous blessings in Egypt, during their time in the wilderness, and in Palestine. Observing the downfall of several kingdoms—including that of Assyria—he may have pondered whether similar turmoil awaited him. In this context, he experienced a vision.