Daniel’s Opportunity Has Come

According to the decree, Daniel and his friends also must die. When Daniel learned this, “with counsel and wisdom” he asked Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Arioch told him the story of the king’s perplexity over his dream and of his failure to find help. Upon hearing this, Daniel took his life in his hands, venturing into the king’s presence to beg for time so that he could ask his God to reveal to him the dream and its interpretation.RR 175.8

The monarch agreed to this request. “Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.” Together they sought wisdom from the Source of knowledge. Their faith was strong that God had placed them where they were, that they were doing His work. In times of perplexity they had always turned to Him for guidance. Now they submitted themselves anew to the Judge of the earth, pleading that He would grant deliverance. And the God whom they had honored, now honored them. He revealed the king’s dream and its meaning to Daniel “in a night vision.”RR 176.1

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,” Daniel exclaimed. “He reveals deep and secret things. ... I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand.”RR 176.2

Going immediately to Arioch, Daniel said, “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.” Quickly the officer ushered Daniel in before the king, with the words, “I have found a man of the captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation.”RR 176.3