Daniel is hesitant to tell the king the interpretation of his dream.
King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream that disturbed him and that his wise men were unable to interpret. So he called on Daniel and Daniel once again comes into the king’s presence to explain to him the meaning of his dream.
This is the dream which King Nebuchadnezzar had seen. Now he turns to Daniel, calling him his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, asking him to tell its interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar had already consulted the wise men of his kingdom and none of them were able to make known to him the interpretation. Daniel had already interpreted one of the king’s dreams and the king recognized that Daniel was able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in him.
Then Daniel, whose Babylonian name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. It seems that Daniel already knew that the dream was not good news for Nebuchadnezzar so he was hesitant to explain it to him. Despite Daniel’s position of prominence in the kingdom, one word from the king and Daniel could be killed. But Nebuchadnezzar reassured Daniel, he responded and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” He is saying that despite bad news he wants Daniel to proceed with his interpretation, he just desires to know what it means.
Biblical Text
18 This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.’ 19 “Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.’
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