12. That made the king very angry. He ordered that all of the wise men in Babylon be put to death.
13. So the order was given to kill them. Men were sent out to look for Daniel and his friends. They were also supposed to be put to death.
14. Arioch was the commander of the king's guard. He went out to put the wise men of Babylon to death. So Daniel spoke to him wisely and carefully.
15. He asked the king's officer, "Why did Nebuchadnezzar give a terrible order like that?" Then Arioch explained to Daniel what was going on.
16. When Daniel heard that, he went to the king. He told him he would explain the dream to him. But he needed more time.
17. Then Daniel returned to his house. He explained everything to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.
18. He asked them to pray that the God of heaven would give him mercy. He wanted God to help him understand the mystery of the king's dream. Then he and his friends wouldn't be killed along with the other wise men in Babylon.
19. During that night, God gave Daniel a vision. He showed him what the mystery was all about. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.
20. He said, "May God be praised for ever and ever! He is wise and powerful.
21. He changes times and seasons. He sets up kings. He removes them from power. The wisdom of those who are wise comes from him. He gives knowledge to those who have understanding.