Daniel 2:20

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

Daniel 2:20 (KJV)

Context

Daniel 2:20 is Daniel’s response of praise after God revealed to him in a night vision the secret of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The king had demanded his wise men to recall and interpret his dream, but they could not, so a decree was issued to execute all the wise men. Daniel sought God’s mercy, and God answered by revealing the dream and its interpretation. This verse begins a prayer of thanksgiving that continues into verse 23.

Meaning

Daniel begins by blessing God’s name, a form of praise that expresses a wish that God be blessed by men forever, because His name, nature, perfections, and works warrant praise now and eternally. The phrase “for ever and ever” emphasizes God’s eternal nature and the unchanging character of His name, which represents His attributes and reputation.

Daniel then acknowledges that wisdom and might belong to God. Wisdom (chokmah in Hebrew) refers to God’s perfect knowledge, discernment, and understanding. Might (gevurah) refers to God’s power and strength, emphasizing His ability to accomplish His purposes and exercise authority over all things. By attributing these to God, Daniel recognizes that God possesses unrivalled understanding and power, far surpassing any human or earthly ruler.

Biblical connections

This praise is not generic; it is grounded in the immediate context where God demonstrated His wisdom and power by revealing the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, thereby showing that human wisdom is insufficient and God’s wisdom is supreme. The verse also sets the stage for Daniel’s subsequent acknowledgment that God changes times and seasons, removes kings, and gives wisdom (Daniel 2:21).

Application

Daniel’s blessing of God is a model of turning to God in praise when He answers prayer and reveals truth. For believers, this verse affirms that God is the source of all wisdom and might, and He is worthy of eternal praise. When we face situations beyond our understanding, we can turn to God, who alone possesses perfect wisdom and power, and respond with gratitude and trust.

Reflection

Consider how Daniel’s immediate response to God’s revelation was praise, not just relief. His first words acknowledged God’s eternal worth and sovereign attributes. This challenges us to make praise our first response when God answers prayer or reveals His truth, recognizing that all wisdom and might belong to Him alone.