Daniel 5:12 - because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
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What does "Daniel 5:12" mean?
This verse in Daniel 5:12 is a crucial turning point in the story of Belshazzar's feast. It explains why the queen mother suggests calling for Daniel to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. Let's break it down:
"because an excellent spirit..." This refers to Daniel's character. He possesses a wisdom and insight that goes beyond ordinary human understanding. It's implied that this "spirit" comes from God.
"...knowledge, understanding..." These are general terms for intelligence and the ability to comprehend complex things.
"...interpreting of dreams..." Daniel had previously demonstrated this ability by interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Daniel 2 and 4). This established his reputation as a divinely inspired interpreter.
"...showing of dark sentences..." This means he could explain obscure or cryptic sayings/riddles. The "dark sentences" likely refer to things that are difficult to understand because they are hidden or symbolic.
"...dissolving of doubts..." This highlights Daniel's problem-solving ability. He can resolve difficult questions and uncertainties.
"...were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar." This emphasizes that all these qualities are present in Daniel. The mention of his Babylonian name ("Belteshazzar") might be included to make it clear exactly which Daniel they are referring to, especially since he may have been out of the public eye for some time. Also this could point to the queen mother not recognizing Daniel by his given name.
"Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation." This is the queen mother's confident recommendation to Belshazzar. She believes that Daniel has the unique ability to decipher the meaning of the writing on the wall and solve the mystery.
In essence, the verse means:
"The reason why we should call Daniel is because he's known for having a God-given ability to understand things that no one else can. He's good at understanding complex ideas, explaining dreams, solving riddles, and resolving doubts. He is the same Daniel whom Nebuchadnezzar renamed Belteshazzar. Call him, and he'll tell us what the writing on the wall means."
Significance:
Highlights Daniel's unique abilities: The verse emphasizes Daniel's divinely granted wisdom and insight, setting him apart from the Babylonian wise men who have failed to interpret the writing.
Sets the stage for Daniel's role: It creates anticipation and prepares the reader for Daniel's entrance and his prophecy of doom.
Underscores the Queen's Wisdom: Even within a decadent court, the queen recognizes the value of true wisdom, even if it comes from a man who is not one of her own.
In short, this verse is a testimonial to Daniel's God-given abilities and a call to action based on his well-established reputation. It is a turning point in the narrative that leads to the interpretation of the writing on the wall and the downfall of Belshazzar's kingdom.
Daniel 5:12 - because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
What does "Daniel 5:12" mean?
This verse in Daniel 5:12 is a crucial turning point in the story of Belshazzar's feast. It explains why the queen mother suggests calling for Daniel to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. Let's break it down:
"because an excellent spirit..." This refers to Daniel's character. He possesses a wisdom and insight that goes beyond ordinary human understanding. It's implied that this "spirit" comes from God.
"...knowledge, understanding..." These are general terms for intelligence and the ability to comprehend complex things.
"...interpreting of dreams..." Daniel had previously demonstrated this ability by interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (Daniel 2 and 4). This established his reputation as a divinely inspired interpreter.
"...showing of dark sentences..." This means he could explain obscure or cryptic sayings/riddles. The "dark sentences" likely refer to things that are difficult to understand because they are hidden or symbolic.
"...dissolving of doubts..." This highlights Daniel's problem-solving ability. He can resolve difficult questions and uncertainties.
"...were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar." This emphasizes that all these qualities are present in Daniel. The mention of his Babylonian name ("Belteshazzar") might be included to make it clear exactly which Daniel they are referring to, especially since he may have been out of the public eye for some time. Also this could point to the queen mother not recognizing Daniel by his given name.
"Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation." This is the queen mother's confident recommendation to Belshazzar. She believes that Daniel has the unique ability to decipher the meaning of the writing on the wall and solve the mystery.
In essence, the verse means:
"The reason why we should call Daniel is because he's known for having a God-given ability to understand things that no one else can. He's good at understanding complex ideas, explaining dreams, solving riddles, and resolving doubts. He is the same Daniel whom Nebuchadnezzar renamed Belteshazzar. Call him, and he'll tell us what the writing on the wall means."
Significance:
Highlights Daniel's unique abilities: The verse emphasizes Daniel's divinely granted wisdom and insight, setting him apart from the Babylonian wise men who have failed to interpret the writing.
Sets the stage for Daniel's role: It creates anticipation and prepares the reader for Daniel's entrance and his prophecy of doom.
Underscores the Queen's Wisdom: Even within a decadent court, the queen recognizes the value of true wisdom, even if it comes from a man who is not one of her own.
In short, this verse is a testimonial to Daniel's God-given abilities and a call to action based on his well-established reputation. It is a turning point in the narrative that leads to the interpretation of the writing on the wall and the downfall of Belshazzar's kingdom.