Daniel 4:8 Commentary and Bible Study

‘But at the last Daniel came in before me.’ Why at the last? Most likely because he wasn't wanted. The astrologers were afraid to tell the king the meaning, even if they understood it, but Daniel is not afraid and will tell. Probably also because he lived his life separately from those astrologers and Chaldeans. He didn't mix with them; he wouldn't have gone in with them. Only when they are found wanting will he go in. He won't associate himself with those people at all. Another suggestion is that Daniel came in later because he was praying at first. But at the last the king has to hear Daniel. He is so troubled; he has received no answer from the wisest men n Babylon. ‘Whose name was Belteshazzar.’ It must have been very painful for Daniel to have that name foisted upon him. His real name reminded him of the God he loved, but this Babylonian name labelled him with the name of a false god. By faith he had constantly to resist the brainwashing effect of this new name. Surely he winces every time that name was used. The name, or at least part of it, was the name of a leading Babylonian god, and the king insists on using that name, knowing perfectly well that it derives from a Babylonian god. ‘Master of the magicians’ – that is probably just a title of honour; he is not literally master of the magicians. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar is calling him, ‘Master magician’. Daniel winces inside himself at that too. ‘According to the name of my god.’ Although he says this to Daniel before the discipline falls on him, and was certainly at that point still a confirmed polytheist, at the time of writing he has been through the experience described in this chapter and yet he still includes these words. This account will go round the empire and he says, ‘My god, Bel.’ This could just be a mention of an ethnic Babylonian god, but it puts doubt on his conversion. He has had great help and revelation through Daniel, and he has been awed and amazed at the true God, but has he ever searched for him? Has he ever requested instruction from Daniel, and has he ever repented of his sins or changed his ways? Daniel is apparently called last – for none would come without being called, and none would fail to come when they were called. The king speaks with respect to Daniel, even though calling him last, for this is his last hope of an explanation for his troubling dream. He must know Daniel’s character well by now, and he must realise that he is not going to dress up the interpretation in any way but give it as it is. The king must brace himself for what he is about to be told.