The Source of Understanding

Daniel developed a reputation as a man who had an extraordinary gift for understanding. After arriving in Babylon, it was recognized that he was “endowed with understanding” (Daniel 1:4). After receiving training and being nourished by a careful diet, he had more understanding than others (Daniel 1:20).

After providing the details and interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream, Daniel tried to make it clear that he had no special powers, but that receiving understanding was a gift from God: “He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding” (Daniel 2:21). Yet others still focused on Daniel himself.

He continued to have this reputation, as Belshazzar’s wife reminded her husband that Daniel could interpret the meaning of a message written by a mysterious hand.

Yet in the last chapters of his book, we see Daniel showing his personal need for understanding. He was given a vision he found impossible to understand: “I was greatly troubled by the vision and could not understand it” (Daniel 8:27 NLT). After receiving another message, Daniel recognized that he needed supernatural help when an angel gave him “an understanding of what will happen” (Daniel 10:1-14). And in a final vision, Daniel acknowledged that he “could not understand” the message (Daniel 12:8).

The people who were impressed by Daniel often gave him the credit. But Daniel focused on and depended on God. He realized that, in himself, he had no supernatural understanding.

The Bible tells us that “the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Remember that, like Daniel, you can call on God for the understanding you need. But always give Him the praise. And trust in Him.