Daniel 2:30
But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture rewarded successful advisors with wealth, power, and status. Daniel could have leveraged this moment for significant personal advancement. His explicit refusal of personal credit demonstrated character formed by covenant faith—glory belongs to God alone. This response influenced how Jewish communities understood success in exile—faithful service benefits others and glorifies God, not oneself. Christian leaders continue drawing on Daniel's example, recognizing that ministry success comes from God's power, not personal ability, and should result in divine glory, not human pride.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Daniel's explicit denial of superior personal wisdom teach about proper humility when positioned to receive public credit?
- How does his identifying multiple purposes for revelation demonstrate God's wisdom in accomplishing manifold objectives through single actions?
- In what ways does Daniel's self-effacing response prefigure Christ's own humility in attributing all to the Father and serving others' welfare?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel deflects personal glory: "But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart." The phrase "not...for any wisdom that I have" explicitly denies superior personal ability. Daniel insists he doesn't possess greater intelligence than others; revelation came entirely from God. This demonstrates exemplary humility—refusing credit when publicly positioned to claim it.
Daniel identifies two purposes for the revelation: "for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation" (referring to his praying companions) and "that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart." The first purpose involves community—God revealed the secret to bless Daniel's friends and demonstrate answered prayer. The second purpose serves Nebuchadnezzar—helping him understand his own thoughts that God placed in his mind. This teaches that divine revelation serves multiple audiences and purposes simultaneously, demonstrating God's comprehensive wisdom in accomplishing manifold objectives through single actions.
This self-effacing response models Christ's own humility. Jesus consistently attributed His works to the Father (John 5:19), refused personal glory (John 5:41), and directed praise toward God. As Daniel served as transparent conduit for divine revelation, Christ perfectly revealed the Father. And as Daniel insisted that revelation served others' benefit, Christ's entire ministry served humanity's salvation rather than personal aggrandizement. Daniel's humility prefigures Christ's self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8) and models the humility all believers should demonstrate.