The Wisdom in Daniel:

A Deconstructed Approach

Devin Berry
RELB 411
Daniel
Dr. R. Dean Davis

1
Intended journal: Religion

Target reader audience: When writing my

research paper I kept in mind that my target
audience is one that comprised of college
students or others interested in religious
topics but lack the biblical backing to
truly grasp the information in most
religious journals. I believe everyone
should be able to read about religion and
not be inhibited by the excessive language.

2
 The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Wisdom1 as the

ability to discern inner qualities and relationships as

well as the teachings of the ancient wise men. However, the

wisdom in the book of Daniel is not only the knowledge of

facts but rather it is supernatural insight given by God.

One of the central themes of the prophetic book of Daniel,

in the Old Testament of the Christian bible, is Wisdom. The

book revolves around the wisdom of the Hebrew Youth, the

lack of wisdom of the Babylonian magicians, enchanters,

sorcerers and astrologers as well as the instances of

wisdom and a lack of wisdom by the Babylonian rulers. Many

articles for religious journals and books have been written

on the theme of Wisdom in the book of Daniel. The Book of

Daniel has a theme of wisdom through out it, including the

wisdom of the main character, Daniel, as well as the people

that Daniel encounters.

Daniel is considered to be, by mot Christians,

one of the four majors prophets, the other prophets being

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In order to understand the wisdom

of the Hebrew youth it is important to first understand the

context in which the wisdom is being utilized. The first

1
Wisdom. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved November 09,

2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom

3
chapter of the book of Daniel is simply a historical

background. The Chaldean King, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken

the tribe of Judah into captivity. “The word "Chaldeans"

refers to the Babylonians. Chaldea was originally a small

providence in the southern territory of Babylonia at the

head of the Persian Gulf.”2 The Hebrew children that were

deemed the healthiest were taken to Babylon to serve as

slaves; amongst these were Daniel and his friends.

The Hebrew children that had been taken into

captivity were educated by Chaldeans, as was ordered by

King Nebuchadnezzar. Because the Hebrew children were being

trained accordingly that they may service the King, they

received the greatest training in all fields including the

Babylonian education, language and literature. Their

Babylonian captors were not the only source of education

that they received. God gave knowledge and understanding of

all kinds of literature and learning.3

Daniel, along with three of his friends, had even

more wisdom than the rest of the Hebrew children. Hananiah,

2
Stefanovic, Zdravoko. Daniel: Wisdom to the Wise. Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association,

2007.
3
Abrams III, Cooper P. "Introduction to the Book of Daniel." Bible Truth. Available from http://bible-

truth.org/DanielIntro.html. Internet; accessed 15 November 2009.

4
Mishael and Azariah who were renamed with the Babylonian

names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in an effort of the

king to convert them from Judaism to the pagan traditions

of Babylon were the friends of Daniel. Daniel requested the

opportunity to consume no more than vegetables and to

imbibe no more than water for ten days in an effort to

prove that he did not require to defile his body with the

royal food and wine. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had the

wisdom to take part in this alongside Daniel. In the end,

they were stronger and healthier than all of their peers

and the Babylonians that served the king. Because of the

loyalty of the Boys, God blessed them with wisdom that far

surpassed that of the King’s advisors. “To these four young

men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of

literature and learning. And Daniel could understand

visions and dreams of all kinds.”4

The Hebrew Children, Shadrach, Meshach, Abendego and

Daniel specifically, were given immense knowledge by the

Lord. Their wisdom well surpassed that of the magicians,

enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers appointed by the

King. The king found them (Shadrach, Meshach, Abendego and

4
Dan. 1:17

5
Daniel) to be ten times superior to all the magicians and

astrologers in his realm.

Throughout King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he began to

have dreams that prevented him from sleeping. He gathered

every single one of his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers,

and astrologers and ordered them to tell him what he had

dreamed. He wished for an interpretation of his dream but

he desired that they inform him both of the dream and the

interpretation or else he would cut them into pieces.

Because the king’s wise men were unable to tell the king

what he had dreamed he ordered that all wise men in the

kingdom be destroyed and because Daniel was considered a

wise man he was to be destroyed as well. Daniel went to

Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard and requested an

audience with the king so that he might divulge to the king

the dream.

While sleeping in the night, the wisdom of God came to

Daniel and he was able to dream the exact dream that the

king had dreamed. Daniel was able to enlighten the king of

his dream and interpret it for him. Because of Daniel’s

wisdom and capability to interpret dreams and the

astrologers’ lack of wisdom, King Nebuchadnezzar bowed to

6
Daniel, placed him in an elevated position and lavished him

with gifts.

This is not the only instance of the lack of

wisdom on the part of the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers,

and astrologers. In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar tells of

a dream he had dreamed. This time he informed them what he

had dreamed and yet they lacked the wisdom to interpret it

for him. Daniel has to make up for their lack of wisdom and

come to the rescue yet again.

Once more, the astrologers demonstrate their

lack of wisdom in Daniel 5:7-8. King Belshazzar called them

together, asking them to read the writing on the wall and

interpret it. They were neither able to read the writing

nor tell the King what it meant. “All the hopes and

confidence that he had in his wise men vanished, which sunk

him into a troubled state. His countenance also showing his

despair and disappointment.“5 Daniel is the individual that

steps up to redeem all, yet again. Each time, they were

unsuccessful because they lacked the wisdom. Daniel

succeeded because he had the wisdom of God. His exceptional

5
Daniel Chapter 5: From Feasting to Fear and Death." Daniel Prophecy. Available from

http://www.danielbibleprophecy.org/daniel5.html. Internet; accessed 17 November 2009.

7
success is due to the superior wisdom and power of God.6

The astrologers relied purely on false wisdom, which is

relying on your own wisdom and being separated from God.

God chose Daniel. He was removed from his home

and brought to serve in Babylon. Because of Daniel’s

allegiance to the Lord he was blessed with extraordinary

wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. What set him apart

from the other Hebrew children, who were gifted, by God,

with great wisdom, was the fact that he was able to

interpret dreams. This ability positioned him high up in

the courts of Babylon. All of Daniel’s wisdom was a

stupendous gift from God.

Nebuchadnezzar depended on the wisdom of his Wiseman

but only Daniel could interpret the king’s dream.7 The

reason behind this is that God did not bless the pagan

Babylonian wise men that were serving the king with this

particular gift. The only one bestowed this ability for his

faithfulness was Daniel. “The life of Daniel took

unexpected turns. A captive, then an interpreter of dreams,

6
Collins, John Joseph. "Court-tales in Daniel and the development of apocalyptic." Journal of Biblical

Literature 94 no.2 (1975): 218-234.

7
Jemison, Injety Roy . "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL: A

BACKDROP FOR A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW IN FAITH-LEARNING EXPERIENCE." ·Institute for

Christian Teaching Education Department of Seventh-day Adventists

8
and then honored to a position next to the king. Daniel

turned Satan’s victory in capturing him from Babylon to a

victory for God when he exercised loyalty to God’s health

rules and let God’s wisdom operate in his training.”8 Daniel

served kings under both Babylonian and Medo-Persian

empires. This was exceedingly improbable, especially

considering he was a foreign person. The only reasonable

answer for why this would happen is because the wisdom that

God had granted him was so enormous.

There are numerous instances of both a great display

of wisdom as well as a great lacking of wisdom on the part

of both King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar throughout

this book. An example of this is visible in Daniel 2:6,

after the king’s high court officials have failed him, he

is ready to kill them all but more than that he is prepared

to reward and honor the one with wisdom (Daniel) which will

lead to many great things for all in the future. Another

example of King Nebuchadnezzar displaying wisdom shines

through in Daniel 2:47. At this point in time, King

Nebuchadnezzar realizes that it is God that is truly

ruling, not him. God is the source of all wisdom. King

8
Jemison, Injety Roy . "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL: A

BACKDROP FOR A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW IN FAITH-LEARNING EXPERIENCE." ·Institute for

Christian Teaching Education Department of Seventh-day Adventists

9
Belshazzar is not able to quickly come to this same

conclusion. He knew Daniel because of Daniel’s position in

his father’s courts and yet in his stupidity he ignored

what he knew about Daniel. He needed it to be pointed out

to him, in Daniel 5:10 that there was a man of great wisdom

in his kingdom who had been endowed with spirit of the

gods.

The book of Daniel is overflowing with example after

example of Daniel being inspired and exhibiting great

wisdom. From the beginning, in Daniel 1:8, Daniel has the

wisdom to abstain from the food being presented by the

king. He advised his friends to refrain as well and not

defile themselves from God. Even though life-threatening

results were very possible, they had the wisdom to

differentiate what was right. True wisdom is loyalty to God

and His covenant.

Not only does Daniel demonstrate wisdom when it comes

to making the greatest decisions, but he also displays

wisdom in supernatural instances. When King Nebuchadnezzar

had his dream in the beginning of chapter 2, Daniel was the

only one in the kingdom with the wisdom to tell the king

precisely what he had dreamed and interpret it as well. He

possessed the wisdom to interpret the dream because he had

10
the wisdom to plead with God for mercy concerning the

King’s dream. Daniel went before the king, told him the

dream, interpreted it, and thus was given his high place.

“Daniel believed that his God was the sole dispenser of

wisdom and power. In 2:23, Daniel praised the God who gave

him wisdom and power.”9

God gave Daniel wisdom because he communicates with

Him. This is in great contrast to the wise men that said

that interpretation of dreams only comes from their pagan

gods, who do not communicate with men. Part of what Daniel

had to learn about wisdom is that you have to wait. Dreams

and visions did not come to him instantly the moment he

wanted, but rather he had to wait and pray about it. Part

of wisdom is learning how to wait.

The book of Daniel follows a large part of the life

and experience of the prophet Daniel. It is about and in

part written by Daniel himself. It follows his life from

being abducted by Babylon along with his friends and being

brought to the Kingdom of King Nebuchadnezzar. Under King

Nebuchadnezzar’s rule he was able to prove that one could

stay loyal to God and still grow strong. He was also able
9
Stefanovic, Zdravoko. Daniel: Wisdom to the Wise. Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association,

2007. p. 91-92

11
to show that those who stay faithful to God are blessed

greatly. Though he was an outsider, and worse-off a

foreigner, he was able to rise to a high position in the

King’s court. Through use of the great gift of wisdom that

God bestowed upon him he was able to Save himself and his

friends.

The book of Daniel has a central theme of wisdom. In

nearly every chapter, there is wisdom or a lack of wisdom

being demonstrated by any number of people. Daniel

demonstrates the most amount of wisdom. Shadrach, Meshach,

and Abendego also demonstrate great wisdom when following

Daniel’s lead. At no time do the magicians, enchanters,

sorcerers, nor the astrologers demonstrate large amounts of

wisdom. They continue to follow the pagan ways and instead

of attempting to accept Daniel, they turn against him. King

Nebuchadnezzar ultimately sees the truth, realizes the

power of God and admits that God is the source of all

wisdom. Every aspect of the book of Daniel focuses upon the

centralized wisdom theme.

Annotated Bibliography

1. wisdom. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Retrieved November 09, 2009, from http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/wisdom

12
 • The dictionary gives the meaning of a word. In order
to understand a word and apply it to what has been
read and learned it is important to first understand
the word. The most basic aspect of the word is needed
in order to achieve the best interpretation.

2. Stefanovic, Zdravoko. Daniel: Wisdom to the Wise. Nampa,

ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2007.
• This is the most comprehensive book covering the book
of Daniel. The book covers all topics mentioned in the
book of Daniel. The chapters contain an overall
introduction and then proceed into great detail. All
points are supported with biblical texts.

3. Abrams III, Cooper P. "Introduction to the Book of

Daniel." Bible Truth. Available from http://bible-
truth.org/DanielIntro.html. Internet; accessed 15 November
2009.
• This is a part of a larger study on the book of
Daniel. Mr. Abrams breaks down the different chapters
of Daniel into easy to understand sections. He
provides a historical background with texts from other
portions of the bible.

4. Presents of God Ministry. "The Dream of A King: A Study

of Daniel 2."Presents of God. Available from
http://www.remnantofgod.org/daniel2.htm. Internet; accessed
15 November 2009 .
• Presents of God Ministry uses this study to break down
aspect of Daniel. For instance, they break down King
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream into a list formation to
interpret it more easily. They give name to the
different horns and which are still in existence.
Unlike other sources it also includes pictures.

5. Daniel Chapter 5: From Feasting to Fear and Death."

Daniel Prophecy. Available from
http://www.danielbibleprophecy.org/daniel5.html. Internet;
accessed 17 November 2009.
• This study takes key phrases from the scripture and
elaborates on that particular phrase. The original
scripture is provided first. The author’s
interpretation follows it.

13
6. Collins, John Joseph. "Court-tales in Daniel and the
development of apocalyptic." Journal of Biblical Literature
94 no.2 (1975): 218-234.
• This serves as a catholic interpretation and
application of the lessons that Daniel offers us.

7. Jemison, Injety Roy . "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME IN

THE BOOK OF DANIEL: A BACKDROP FOR A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW IN
FAITH-LEARNING EXPERIENCE." ·Institute for Christian
Teaching Education Department of Seventh-day Adventists
• This resource provides the Seventh-Day Adventist
interpretations of the book of Daniel. It incorporates
the Great Controversy theme into Daniel. Ellen G.
White’s writings are used as a way to interpret the
book of Daniel.

8. McWilliams, Barry. "My King of Kings! Key Themes of

Daniel." A Vacation Bible School Curriculum by Barry
McWilliams an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church
in America. Available from
http://www.eldrbarry.net/vbs/2/king2.htm. Internet;
accessed 2 November 2009.
• This represents yet another denominational

perspective on studying the book of Daniel. This study

primarily focuses on the central theme of the sovereignty

of God. This bible study is broken up into numerous

sections with each section having a different theme, but

all themes tie back to the central one.

14