Daniel 2:17

Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Study Bible

Then Daniel returned to his house
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of transition and action. Daniel, whose name in Hebrew means "God is my judge," demonstrates wisdom and composure. The act of returning to his house signifies a retreat to a place of safety and familiarity, a common practice in ancient times when seeking divine guidance. The house, in biblical terms, often represents a sanctuary or a place of prayer, underscoring the importance of seeking God in times of crisis.

and explained the matter
The Hebrew root for "explained" is "pāras," which means to make clear or to declare. Daniel's action of explaining indicates transparency and the sharing of burdens. In a historical context, this reflects the communal nature of Jewish society, where matters of importance were discussed collectively. The "matter" refers to the king's decree and the impending danger, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.

to his friends
The term "friends" here is significant, as it denotes a deep bond and trust. In Hebrew, the word for friends can be "rēa," which implies a companion or associate. Daniel's reliance on his friends illustrates the biblical principle of fellowship and the strength found in unity. This communal support is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that believers are not meant to face trials alone.

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
These names are rich with meaning and reflect the identity and faith of these young men. Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious," Mishael means "Who is what God is?" and Azariah means "Yahweh has helped." Their Hebrew names remind us of their heritage and the faithfulness of God. Historically, these men were taken into Babylonian captivity, yet they maintained their devotion to God. Their presence in this narrative underscores the theme of divine providence and the power of prayerful intercession.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A young Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. He is a central figure in the Book of Daniel and serves as a model of faithfulness and reliance on God.

2. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
Daniel's friends, also exiles in Babylon. They are known for their faith and courage, particularly in the account of the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Their Hebrew names reflect their identity as followers of the God of Israel.

3. Babylon
The empire where Daniel and his friends are exiled. It represents a place of challenge and testing for the Jewish exiles, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's kingdom.

4. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
The event that prompts Daniel to seek God's wisdom. King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret, leading to a decree to execute them, including Daniel and his friends.

5. Prayer and Revelation
The context of Daniel 2:17 involves Daniel seeking God's mercy and revelation through prayer, highlighting the importance of communal prayer and dependence on God for wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Power of Godly Friendship
Daniel's immediate response to a crisis was to seek the counsel and prayer support of his friends. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly companions who can support us in prayer and faith.

Dependence on God for Wisdom
Daniel's situation teaches us to turn to God for wisdom and understanding, especially in times of uncertainty. We are reminded that God is the ultimate source of insight and revelation.

The Role of Prayer in Crisis
The passage underscores the significance of prayer in facing challenges. Daniel's example encourages us to bring our concerns to God and trust Him for guidance and solutions.

Faith in Action
Daniel's faith was not passive; he actively sought God's intervention. This teaches us that faith involves taking steps to seek God's will and acting in accordance with His guidance.

Community in Faith
The communal aspect of Daniel's prayer with his friends illustrates the strength found in shared faith and collective prayer. It encourages us to engage in community prayer and support.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Daniel's response to the crisis in Daniel 2:17 demonstrate the importance of community in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom in our daily decision-making, as seen in Daniel's example?

3. How do the relationships between Daniel and his friends reflect the biblical principle found in Proverbs 27:17?

4. What role does prayer play in your life when facing difficult situations, and how can Daniel's example inspire you to deepen your prayer life?

5. How can we cultivate godly friendships that encourage mutual support and spiritual growth, similar to the relationship between Daniel and his friends?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault. It connects to Daniel's reliance on God for understanding the king's dream.

Philippians 4:6-7
These verses speak about presenting requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, leading to peace. Daniel's approach to the crisis reflects this attitude of prayerful dependence.

Proverbs 27:17
This proverb about iron sharpening iron relates to the supportive and faith-building relationship between Daniel and his friends, emphasizing the importance of godly companionship.