Daniel 2:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I exalt and glorify You, declares the God of my ancestors, for You have bestowed upon me wisdom and might. He aptly referenced the ancestors, seeking to intercede through them, much like a person deeply devoted is reminded of those they hold dear. And now You have disclosed to me what we petitioned before You. He may have requested something different, prompting God to unveil it to him. For You have made known to us the undertakings of the sovereign.

To You, O God of my ancestors, I acknowledge, that is, to You, O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For You have bestowed upon me wisdom and might; You have revealed to me the interpretation of the dream and its significance. And You have disclosed to me, as we earnestly request. To demonstrate the power of the prayers of my companions, he states, You have revealed to me what we collectively sought. And You have made known to me the king's vision, meaning You have unveiled the intentions of the king's heart.

I acknowledge and worship You, O God of my ancestors, for bestowing upon me wisdom and strength. To prevent any notion that what he requested stems from his own merit, he attributes it to the righteousness of his forefathers and to the faithfulness of God, who showed mercy upon their lineage even during their time of captivity. Now, You have revealed to me what we sought from You. The prayer of four individuals is disclosed to one, allowing him to avoid pride and to ensure he does not seem to have made the request alone. Additionally, this revelation enables him to express gratitude for being the sole recipient of the understanding of the mystery contained in the dream.

Therefore, to You, O God of my ancestors, I offer my confession and praise, for You have granted me wisdom and strength; and now You have revealed to me that which I sought from You, as You have disclosed to me the vision of the king, to communicate it to him. Such are the spirits of the righteous; they understand that God is the provider of their needs; they seek His sanctuary; and when they are blessed, they do not fail to recognize these gifts, but instead, they uplift their Creator with songs of thanksgiving. The humble disposition he maintains regarding himself is worthy of note in this holy figure. For, both in prayer, he included his companions in seeking divine communion, and in composing a song of gratitude for the blessing he received, he acknowledged them once more.