12-13. That set the king off. He lost his temper and ordered the whole company of Babylonian wise men killed. When the death warrant was issued, Daniel and his companions were included. They also were marked for execution.
14-15. When Arioch, chief of the royal guards, was making arrangements for the execution, Daniel wisely took him aside and quietly asked what was going on: “Why this all of a sudden?”
15-16. After Arioch filled in the background, Daniel went to the king and asked for a little time so that he could interpret the dream.
17-18. Daniel then went home and told his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what was going on. He asked them to pray to the God of heaven for mercy in solving this mystery so that the four of them wouldn’t be killed along with the whole company of Babylonian wise men.
19-23. That night the answer to the mystery was given to Daniel in a vision. Daniel blessed the God of heaven, saying,“Blessed be the name of God,forever and ever.He knows all, does all:He changes the seasons and guides history,He raises up kings and also brings them down,he provides both intelligence and discernment,He opens up the depths, tells secrets,sees in the dark—light spills out of him!God of all my ancestors, all thanks! all praise!You made me wise and strong.And now you’ve shown us what we asked for.You’ve solved the king’s mystery.”
24. So Daniel went back to Arioch, who had been put in charge of the execution. He said, “Call off the execution! Take me to the king and I’ll interpret his dream.”
25. Arioch didn’t lose a minute. He ran to the king, bringing Daniel with him, and said, “I’ve found a man from the exiles of Judah who can interpret the king’s dream!”