Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar had often heard of Daniel, and had been compelled to admire the dexterity of his genius, and the singular gift of his wisdom. How comes it, then, that he passed him by when he had need of his singular skill?
Daniel was condemned to death with all the magicians, though he had not even been summoned, the sword of tyranny devours one as well as another. Yet by prudence toward men and prayer toward God he found favour; in both he prevailed, and so was enabled to answer with counsel and wisdom.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 2:14-23
Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom,.... In a discreet manner, using soft words and gentle language, humbly and modestly inquiring what should be the meaning of all this. The Vulgate Latin version is, "he inquired of the law and decree" (i); what was the reason of the king's orders, which this officer had in commission to execute; with which others agree: or, "he made...