12. Because of this, the king became violently angry and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
13. The decree was issued that the wise men were to be executed, and they searched for Daniel and his friends, to execute them.
14. Then Daniel responded with tact and discretion to Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon.
15. He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh? ” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
16. So Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king the interpretation.
17. Then Daniel went to his house and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the matter,
18. urging them to ask the God of heaven for mercy concerning this mystery, so Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of Babylon’s wise men.
19. The mystery was then revealed to Daniel in a vision at night, and Daniel praised the God of heaven
20. and declared:May the name of Godbe praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
21. He changes the times and seasons;He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to thosewho have understanding.
22. He reveals the deep and hidden things;He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.