Daniel 5:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

NIV: He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."

NASB: This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of riddles, and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.'

CSB: did this because Daniel, the one the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and intelligence, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems. Therefore, summon Daniel, and he will give the interpretation."

NLT: This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.'

KJV: Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

NKJV: Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

The somewhat anonymous "queen" continues to describe Daniel. She seeks to calm the horrified Belshazzar (Daniel 5:6–11) who was recently terrified by a supernatural experience (Daniel 5:5). This was prompted by his vulgar, disrespectful party which featured drinking and idolatry (Daniel 5:1–4). The queen reminds Belshazzar that even if his other advisors are stumped, Daniel is surely able to explain the mysterious writing on the wall.

Daniel is praised for his intellect, spirituality, and skill. An excellent spirit indicates a mind that excels. A person who could interpret dreams was considered inspired by the gods. The word for "problems" may be translated "knots" or "joints." The queen's description of Daniel must have impressed Belshazzar, who desperately wanted someone to read and interpret the handwriting on the wall. Daniel had a reputation for being able to untangle difficult riddles. She urged Belshazzar to bring in Daniel, promising that he would interpret the handwriting.

The first name the queen uses is "Daniel," noting that his Babylonian name was given after his capture (Daniel 1:3–7). She then repeats his original name. The name Daniye'l literally means "God is my judge," referring to the One True God of Israel. It's probably no accident that the queen repeats his Hebrew name. Belshazzar's entertainment included desecrating sacred Israelite objects (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2). Not only is Daniel renowned for spiritual insight, but he also worships the God being disrespected during this party.

Daniel 5:10–16 records how Belshazzar summoned Daniel to interpret his terrifying experience (Daniel 5:5). The queen suggests consulting with Daniel, as he is known both for rare ability and his status as a captive who worships the God Belshazzar has been insulting (Daniel 5:1–4). Belshazzar admits he has no idea what the text says, or means, but he will do everything in his power to find out.

After Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, a succeeding ruler, Belshazzar, fails to learn the proper lesson. During a drunken party, he brings out Jewish objects to use in idolatry. The celebration is interrupted by disembodied fingers leaving strange markings on the wall. Daniel is summoned when no one else can read or interpret these. After boldly rebuking Belshazzar's immorality, Daniel explains the event as a prophecy of doom. That same night, Belshazzar dies, and the kingdom eventually comes under a new leader.

The first four chapters of Daniel occur under the rule of Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter falls between his reign and when the Medo-Persians conquered in 539 BC. This chapter focuses on Belshazzar, who may have ruled Babylon concurrently with his father Nabonidus. This was probably from 553 BC until his death in 539 BC, when the city was captured. After this, Daniel serves under Darius and / or Cyrus.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.