Daniel 2:26
The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Royal testing of advisors was common—kings demanded demonstration of claimed abilities. Nebuchadnezzar's test was unusually severe but strategically brilliant—it prevented fraud while providing absolute validation of genuine supernatural knowledge. His question created conditions for undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy. Throughout Scripture, God orchestrates circumstances that maximize His glory—Goliath's taunts heightened David's victory, Pharaoh's stubbornness magnified exodus miracles, Christ's death on cross became instrument of salvation. Daniel's moment followed this pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the king calling Daniel by his Babylonian name while Daniel demonstrates Yahweh's superiority teach about ironic providence?
- How does the question 'Art thou able' create opportunity to demonstrate that human inability highlights divine capability?
- In what ways does this testing moment prefigure countless situations where believers face impossible demands that God accomplishes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar's question tests Daniel's ability: "The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?" Calling him "Belteshazzar" (his Babylonian name honoring Bel/Marduk) emphasizes the king's perspective—Daniel remains a subject named for Babylon's god. Yet Daniel will prove that Yahweh, not Bel, reveals mysteries. The irony: a man named for a false god will demonstrate the true God's supremacy.
The king's question "Art thou able" tests Daniel's confidence. This is the moment—can this young Jew accomplish what all Babylon's wisdom failed to do? The question's phrasing allows honest answer; Daniel could admit inability without shame since everyone else already failed. Yet Daniel's coming response will demonstrate that while he personally isn't able, God is. True humility admits human inability while confidently asserting divine capability.
This question parallels many biblical tests: Can these dry bones live (Ezekiel 37:3)? Can anything good come from Nazareth (John 1:46)? Is anything too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:14)? The answer always demonstrates God's power exceeding human expectation or capability. Daniel's moment prefigures countless situations where believers face impossible demands, discovering that what humans cannot do, God accomplishes. This points to Christ who accomplished impossible salvation—conquering sin, death, and Satan through apparent weakness (crucifixion) that became ultimate power (resurrection).