11. What you demand, O king, is too difficult; there is no one who can tell it to the king except the gods, who do not dwell among people of flesh.”
12. At this the king became violently angry and ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be put to death.
13. When the decree was issued that the wise men should be slain, Daniel and his companions were also sought out.
14. Then Daniel prudently took counsel with Arioch, the chief of the king’s guard, who had set out to kill the wise men of Babylon.
15. He asked Arioch, the officer of the king, “What is the reason for this harsh order from the king?” When Arioch told him,
16. Daniel went and asked for time from the king, that he might give him the interpretation.
17. Daniel went home and informed his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
18. that they might implore the mercy of the God of heaven in regard to this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
19. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven:
20. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,for wisdom and power are his.
21. He causes the changes of the times and seasons,establishes kings and deposes them.He gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to those who understand.
22. He reveals deep and hidden thingsand knows what is in the darkness,for the light dwells with him.
23. To you, God of my ancestors,I give thanks and praise,because you have given me wisdom and power.Now you have shown me what we asked of you,you have made known to us the king’s dream.”
24. So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me before the king, and I will tell him the interpretation of the dream.” Arioch quickly brought Daniel to the king and said,