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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 2:18 urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/27_Dan_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 2:18 - The Dream Revealed to Daniel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nkjv/daniel/2.htm">New King James Version</a> that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nasb_/daniel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nasb/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nasb77/daniel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> in order that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/lsb/daniel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so that they might seek compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/amp/daniel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> in order that they might seek compassion from the God of heaven regarding this secret, so that Daniel and his companions would not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/csb/daniel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> urging them to ask the God of the heavens for mercy concerning this mystery, so Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of Babylon’s wise men. <a href="/hcsb/daniel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> 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&#8217s wise men. <a href="/asv/daniel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/cev/daniel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then he said, "Pray that the God who rules from heaven will be merciful and explain this mystery, so that we and the others won't be put to death." <a href="/erv/daniel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/gwt/daniel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He told them to ask the God of heaven to be merciful and to explain this secret to them so that they would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise advisers in Babylon. <a href="/gnt/daniel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> He told them to pray to the God of heaven for mercy and to ask him to explain the mystery to them so that they would not be killed along with the other advisers in Babylon. <a href="/isv/daniel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Daniel was seeking mercy, in order to ask about this mystery in the presence of the God of heaven, so that Daniel and his friends might not be executed along with the rest of the advisors of Babylon. <a href="/msb/daniel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/net/daniel/2.htm">NET Bible</a> He asked them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends would not be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nheb/daniel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that they would seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/wbt/daniel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/web/daniel/2.htm">World English Bible</a> that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/daniel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and to seek mercies from before the God of the heavens concerning this secret, that they do not destroy Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/ylt/daniel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and to seek mercies from before the God of the heavens concerning this secret, that they destroy not Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/slt/daniel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And for seeking companions from before the God of the heavens concerning this secret: that Daniel and his companions shall not be destroyed with the rest of the wise of Babel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/daniel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> To the end that they should ask mercy at the face of the God of heaven concerning this secret, and that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/cpdv/daniel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so that they would seek mercy before the face of the God of heaven, about this mystery, and so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the other wise men of Babylon. <a href="/nabre/daniel/2.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/daniel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/daniel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> That they might ask mercy before the God of heaven concerning the mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/hpbt/daniel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> That they would seek mercy from before The God of Heaven concerning this mystery, that Daniel and his companions would not be destroyed with the rest of the Wise Men of Babel<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/daniel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> that they might ask mercy of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/sep/daniel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they sought mercies from the God of heaven concerning this mystery; that Daniel and his friends might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. <a href="/parallel/daniel/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=404" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/daniel/2.htm">The Dream Revealed to Daniel</a> …17Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 18<a href="/hebrew/1156.htm" title="1156: lə·miḇ·‘ê (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To ask, seek. (Aramaic) or b ah (Aramaic); corresponding to ba'ah; to seek or ask.">urging them to plead</a> <a href="/hebrew/7359.htm" title="7359: wə·ra·ḥă·mîn (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Compassion. (Aramaic) corresponding to racham; (plural) pity.">for mercy</a> <a href="/hebrew/4481.htm" title="4481: min- (Prep) -- From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than. (Aramaic) corresponding to min."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6925.htm" title="6925: qo·ḏām (Prep) -- Before. (Aramaic) or qdam (Aramaic) (Daniel 7:13); corresponding to qedem; before.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/426.htm" title="426: ’ĕ·lāh (N-msc) -- God, god. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'elowahh; God.">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8065.htm" title="8065: šə·may·yā (N-mdd) -- Heavens. (Aramaic) corresponding to shamayim.">of heaven</a> <a href="/hebrew/5922.htm" title="5922: ‘al- (Prep) -- Upon, over, above. (Aramaic) corresponding to al.">concerning</a> <a href="/hebrew/1836.htm" title="1836: də·nāh (Pro-ms) -- This. (Aramaic) an orthographical variation of dek; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/7328.htm" title="7328: rā·zāh (N-msd) -- A secret. (Aramaic) from an unused root probably meaning to attenuate, i.e. (figuratively) hide; a mystery.">mystery,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1768.htm" title="1768: dî (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that, because. ">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1841.htm" title="1841: dā·nî·yêl (N-proper-ms) -- God is my judge, an Isr. leader in Bab. (Aramaic) corresponding to Daniye'l; Danijel, the Heb. Prophet.">Daniel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2269.htm" title="2269: wə·ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Fellow, comrade. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chabar; an associate.">and his friends</a> <a href="/hebrew/3809.htm" title="3809: lā (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. (Aramaic) or lah (Aramaic) (Dan. 4:32); corresponding to lo'.">would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7.htm" title="7: yə·hō·ḇə·ḏūn (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To perish. (Aramaic) corresponding to 'abad.">be killed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5974.htm" title="5974: ‘im- (Prep) -- With. (Aramaic) corresponding to im.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/7606.htm" title="7606: šə·’ār (N-msc) -- Rest, remainder. (Aramaic) corresponding to sh'ar.">the rest</a> <a href="/hebrew/2445.htm" title="2445: ḥak·kî·mê (N-mpc) -- A wise man. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chakam; wise, i.e. A Magian.">of the wise men</a> <a href="/hebrew/895.htm" title="895: ḇā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- An E. Mediterranean empire and its capital city. (Aramaic) corresponding to Babel.">of Babylon.</a> 19During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19</a> Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. <a href="/acts/4-24.htm">Acts 4:24-31</a> When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. / You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ ... <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a> And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a> Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a> Pray without ceasing. <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Romans 15:30</a> Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">2 Corinthians 1:11</a> as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, <a href="/psalms/50-15.htm">Psalm 50:15</a> Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” <a href="/jeremiah/33-3.htm">Jeremiah 33:3</a> Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3-4</a> Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. / So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21-23</a> And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. / For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” / So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request. <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4-11</a> When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. / Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, / let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.they would.<a href="/daniel/3-17.htm">Daniel 3:17</a> If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.<a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">1 Samuel 17:37</a> David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.<a href="/esther/4-15.htm">Esther 4:15-17</a> Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, … of the God of heaven.<a href="/genesis/18-28.htm">Genesis 18:28</a> Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.<a href="/malachi/3-18.htm">Malachi 3:18</a> Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.<a href="/2_peter/2-9.htm">2 Peter 2:9</a> The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/2-14.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/daniel/2-17.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/daniel/2-17.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/daniel/2-3.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/daniel/2-12.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/daniel/2-12.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/daniel/2-12.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/daniel/2-13.htm">Fellows</a> <a href="/daniel/2-17.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-20.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-8.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-32.htm">Mercies</a> <a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/job/11-7.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-12.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-22.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Question</a> <a href="/daniel/2-16.htm">Request</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-23.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/daniel/2-2.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/36-25.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/daniel/2-14.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/2-24.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/daniel/8-15.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/daniel/2-24.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/daniel/7-14.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/daniel/7-20.htm">Fellows</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-7.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Mercies</a> <a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/hosea/10-7.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/hosea/2-2.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/haggai/2-11.htm">Question</a> <a href="/daniel/2-49.htm">Request</a> <a href="/daniel/4-4.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/daniel/7-16.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/matthew/15-23.htm">Urged</a> <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 2</div>1. <a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream, </a> 5. <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats.</a> 10. <a href="/daniel/2-10.htm">They acknowledging their inability are judged to die.</a> 14. <a href="/daniel/2-14.htm">Daniel obtaining some respite finds the dream.</a> 19. <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">He blesses God.</a> 24. <a href="/daniel/2-24.htm">He staying the decree is brought to the king.</a> 31. <a href="/daniel/2-31.htm">The dream.</a> 36. <a href="/daniel/2-36.htm">The interpretation.</a> 46. <a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Daniel's advancement.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>urging them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven Daniel, along with his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, is in a dire situation due to King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon. The phrase highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and reliance on divine intervention. The "God of heaven" is a title emphasizing God's sovereignty and authority over all creation, contrasting with the Babylonian gods. This reflects the biblical theme of God's supremacy over earthly powers, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a> and <a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Isaiah 40:22</a>. The plea for mercy underscores the belief in God's compassion and willingness to reveal mysteries to those who seek Him earnestly.concerning this mystery The "mystery" refers to King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which none of the Babylonian wise men could interpret. In biblical terms, a mystery is a divine truth that is hidden until God chooses to reveal it. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where mysteries are often associated with God's redemptive plan (e.g., <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3-5</a>). The inability of the Babylonian magicians to interpret the dream highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation, a theme that runs throughout the book of Daniel.so that Daniel and his friends would not be killed The urgency of the situation is clear, as Daniel and his friends face execution along with the other wise men. This reflects the harsh realities of life in the Babylonian court, where the king's word was law. The narrative demonstrates God's protection over His faithful servants, a recurring theme in Daniel's life (e.g., the fiery furnace in <a href="/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3</a> and the lions' den in <a href="/daniel/6.htm">Daniel 6</a>). It also foreshadows the deliverance and salvation themes found throughout the Bible, pointing to God's ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.with the rest of the wise men of Babylon The inclusion of Daniel and his friends among the "wise men of Babylon" shows their integration into Babylonian society while maintaining their distinct identity as followers of the God of Israel. This situation illustrates the tension between living in a pagan culture and remaining faithful to God, a challenge faced by believers throughout history. The narrative sets the stage for God's power to be demonstrated over the wisdom of the world, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20-25</a>, where God's wisdom is contrasted with human wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a> A young Hebrew man taken into Babylonian captivity, known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God. He is the central figure in this passage, seeking divine intervention. 2. <a href="/topical/d/daniel's_friends.htm">Daniel's Friends</a> Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, also known by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They are fellow captives and companions of Daniel, sharing in his faith and trials. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_god_of_heaven.htm">The God of Heaven</a> The one true God whom Daniel and his friends worship. This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all earthly powers. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_mystery.htm">The Mystery</a> Refers to King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which none of the Babylonian wise men could interpret. It symbolizes divine revelation that requires God's intervention to understand. 5. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> The empire where Daniel and his friends are held captive. It represents a place of testing and challenge for the faithful.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> <a href="/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18</a> highlights the importance of seeking God's mercy through prayer in times of crisis. Believers are encouraged to turn to God first when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. <a href="/topical/c/community_in_faith.htm">Community in Faith</a> Daniel's inclusion of his friends in prayer emphasizes the strength found in communal faith and support. Christians are reminded of the value of praying together and supporting one another. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_for_wisdom.htm">Dependence on God for Wisdom</a> The passage underscores the necessity of divine wisdom to navigate life's mysteries. Believers should consistently seek God's guidance in decision-making. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> By referring to God as "the God of heaven," the text reminds us of His ultimate authority over earthly matters. Trusting in God's sovereignty provides peace amidst uncertainty. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> Daniel and his friends faced potential execution, yet they responded with faith rather than fear. This teaches believers to stand firm in their faith, even when facing dire circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 2</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_express_my_faith_at_work.htm">How can I express my faith at work?</a> <a href="/q/does_daniel_9_conflict_with_ot_exile_views.htm">Does Daniel 9 conflict with other Old Testament references regarding the exile and restoration of the Jewish people?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_record_of_nebuchadnezzar's_dream.htm">If Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2:1 was as significant as described, why is there no historical record outside the Bible that confirms any such event or demand from the king?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_daniel_absent_in_daniel_3.htm">Why is Daniel, a prominent figure in the king's court, conspicuously absent in the events of Daniel 3?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) The God of heaven.--We meet with this title of Almighty God for the first time in <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm" title="The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spoke to me, and that swore to me, saying, To your seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife to my son from there.">Genesis 24:7</a>. After the Captivity, it frequently designates the true God as contrasted with the heathen gods. (See <a href="/ezra/1-2.htm" title="Thus said Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.">Ezra 1:2</a>, <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm" title="And said, I beseech you, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keeps covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:">Nehemiah 1:5</a>, <a href="/psalms/136-26.htm" title="O give thanks to the God of heaven: for his mercy endures for ever.">Psalm 136:26</a>.) It is used by Daniel in this sense in this verse.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. The Septuagint has as close a connection between the preceding verse and that before us as has the Massoretie, only it is slightly different in its rendering, "And he told them to fast and pray [urged them to fasting and prayer], and to seek help from the Lord the Highest, concerning this mystery, in order that Daniel with his companions might not be given over to destruction with the wise men of Babylon." It is, certainly, possible that the Septuagint translator had a different reading here. The verb צוּם, "to fast," in the infinitive, might have begun the verse. Still there would be the difficulty of finding anything to correspond to παρήγγειλε. It, however, was probably added to bring the sentence into Greek regimen. The Septuagint translator read the words as nouns in the accusative, and of this case לְ was a frequent sign. Thus what they had was וּלְבָעוּ לְצומָא. The Hebrew word corresponding to the Aramaic word here translated "mercies," רַחֲמִין (rahamin), "bowels," "mercies," is common enough in Biblical language; but the phrase, "to desire mercies," is not found elsewhere in Scripture. It occurs in the later Targums, as <a href="/numbers/12-13.htm">Numbers 12:13</a>, as a paraphrastic addition to the simple statement of Onkelos, that Moses prayed before the Lord; only in the case quoted, as generally, the order is not, as here, the object before the verb - a construction more frequent in Assyrian than in Aramaic, save in poetry. The phrase is elliptical; the ruling verb is omitted. One is tempted to wonder whether the word had not originally been לבעון, making it a case of the Babylonian or Eastern Aramaic, third person plural imperfect; then the preceding word would be לצומון, with the vav dropped as unnecessary, and the mere inserted to make the word a regular infinitive. Confirmatory of our view is Theodotion, whose rendering, ἐζήτουν, implies that he had a third person plural imperfect here. We do not maintain that it is necessary that he should have had such a reading, but there is at least a high probability that he had. The Peshitta reverses the order of the words, and omits the conjunction vav, and, inserting the relative ל, as sign of subordination, proceeds, "that they entreat mercies from before God." Here, also, the third person plural imperfect is used. From the greater freedom that Jerome allowed himself in his translation, and from the wide difference between the grammatical construction of a Latin and an Aramaic sentence, no stress can be laid on the fact that he too translates by the third plural imperfect - ut quaerrent misericordiam. The balance of probability is that here we have to do with one of those indications of the Eastern origin of the Aramaic of Daniel. There is an instance of doublet in the LXX. here in the case of the phrase, τιμωρίαν ζητῆσαι, "to seek succour." Tertullian, in his reference to this passage, to which we have referred above (ver. 16), adds to what we quoted above, cum sua fraternitate jejunat, and thus shows that, though differing somewhat from the Septuagint text as we have it, the African Latin Version agreed with it in inserting something about "fasting" here. The God of heaven. This is rendered by the Septuagint here, as generally, ὕψιστος The probability here is that we have to do with no difference of reading, but rather with an objection to applying to God a title used for heathen deities. The title has a peculiar significance in the lips of those who, as Daniel, were educated as astrologers, and taught by those who regarded the sun, the moon, and the various planets as deities. Daniel and his fellows might thus believe in astrology, but maintain that the God of heaven, their God, used heavenly bodies as messengers to proclaim to those who could read the writing, the things that were coming on the earth. They might thus even give a certain limited subordinate power to the deities of Babylon; these deities were the servants of the God of heaven, who was also the God of Israel. There may be a reference to <a href="/jeremiah/10-11.htm">Jeremiah 10:11</a>. The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. The God of Israel is called the God of heaven because he has made the heavens. This title is used before - in <a href="/genesis/24-7.htm">Genesis 24:7</a>, where Abraham uses it. It is characteristic of Biblical Aramaic, that the covenant title of God, "Jehovah," is never used, Before we leave this, we would observe that the Peshitta inserts ל, d, the sign of the genitive, before shemayyaa, whereas the text before us uses the older form of construct state in the word for "God." Concerning this secret. A parallel passage illustrative of this is <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a>, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets; "also <a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a>, "Secret things belong unto the Lord our God." Whatever was about to happen, Daniel and his friends knew it could only happen according to the purpose and plan of God. He, as he was the real actor, knew what he was about to do, and whatever revelation of that future had been given to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream, it must have come from the God of heaven; therefore to him do Daniel and his friends make their entreaty. Professor Bevan declares רַז (raz) to be a Persian word. Neither Winer, Furst, nor Gesenius recognizes it to be such. Granted that it is Persian, is it not a possible supposition that it is derived from the Aramaic; not that the Aramaic word is derived from the Persian? Even on the supposition that this word was derived from the Persian, this is not extraordinary, when we learn the intimate relationship between the Median court and the Babylonian. That Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Does this mean that certain of the wise men had already perished? It seems almost necessary to maintain this from the meaning of שְׁאָר (shear), "remnant." It seems at first scarcely natural to take this word as meaning merely "the other," yet the usage in Ezra is in accordance with this: <a href="/ezra/4-9.htm">Ezra 4:9</a>, "Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest (וְּשאָר) of their companions." A further question may be raised - Does this prayer mean that the desire of Daniel and his friends was that, when the wise men of Babylon, under whose superintendence they had been taught, were slain, they should escape? Or does it mean that they prayed that "they with the wise men of Babylon should not be destroyed"? This wholly depends on the meaning to be attached to the word עִם ('im), "with." As in English, this word admits of both meanings. As the word is common to Hebrew and Aramaic, we shall take our examples from Hebrew. Thus <a href="/genesis/18-24.htm">Genesis 18:24</a>, "That be far from thee, Lord, to slay the righteous with the wicked." As example of the other use of the word, <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Genesis 32:6</a>, "Esau and four hundred men with him." Usage thus permits us to regard this prayer as intercessory, that these Hebrew youths prayed not only to be preserved themselves, but also that all the other wise men who shared their condemnation should also be preserved. This is the first record of concerted prayer. Of course, in heathen worship there was the caricature of this concert of prayer in the united shouting of the priests, say, of Baal. This is the earliest instance of that practice that has received such a gracious promise from our Lord (<a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19</a>), "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." We would not maintain, even in appearance, that multitude adds to efficacy with God. But when two or three are gathered together, there is an infection of earnestness, a community of enthusiasm generated, that makes each individual fitter to receive the answer. Yet, again, the more that join in a petition, the more it must be raised out of the grovelling region of selfishness. A man who has a purely selfish desire rising in his heart cannot ask his fellows to join him in supplicating God to grant his request. <a href="/commentaries/daniel/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>urging them to plead לְמִבְעֵא֙ (lə·miḇ·‘ê) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1156.htm">Strong's 1156: </a> To seek, ask for mercy וְרַחֲמִ֗ין (wə·ra·ḥă·mîn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7359.htm">Strong's 7359: </a> Compassion from קֳדָם֙ (qo·ḏām) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6925.htm">Strong's 6925: </a> Before the God אֱלָ֣הּ (’ĕ·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_426.htm">Strong's 426: </a> God of heaven שְׁמַיָּ֔א (šə·may·yā) Noun - mdd <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8065.htm">Strong's 8065: </a> The sky concerning עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5922.htm">Strong's 5922: </a> Above, over, upon, against this דְּנָ֑ה (də·nāh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1836.htm">Strong's 1836: </a> This mystery, רָזָ֖ה (rā·zāh) Noun - masculine singular determinate <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7328.htm">Strong's 7328: </a> To attenuate, hide, a mystery so that דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1768.htm">Strong's 1768: </a> Who, which, that, because Daniel דָּנִיֵּ֣אל (dā·nî·yêl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1841.htm">Strong's 1841: </a> Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon and his friends וְחַבְר֔וֹהִי (wə·ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2269.htm">Strong's 2269: </a> Fellow, comrade would not לָ֤א (lā) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> Not, no be killed יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ (yə·hō·ḇə·ḏūn) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7.htm">Strong's 7: </a> To wander away, lose oneself, to perish with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5974.htm">Strong's 5974: </a> With, equally with the rest שְׁאָ֖ר (šə·’ār) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7606.htm">Strong's 7606: </a> Rest, remainder of the wise [men] חַכִּימֵ֥י (ḥak·kî·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2445.htm">Strong's 2445: </a> Wise, a Magian of Babylon. בָבֶֽל׃ (ḇā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_895.htm">Strong's 895: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/daniel/2-18.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 2:18 That they would desire mercies (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>