Book of Daniel - Chapter 4 - Verse 18

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him greatly, and none of the wise men in his kingdom were able to interpret it. In his desperation, he turned to Belteshazzar, also known as Daniel, who was known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. The king recognized that Daniel had a special gift, as he was able to understand the meanings of dreams through the power of the gods. By acknowledging Daniel's connection to the holy gods and his unique abilities, King Nebuchadnezzar placed his trust in Daniel to reveal the interpretation of his dream. This verse highlights Daniel's reputation as a wise and knowledgeable figure in the kingdom, as well as the supernatural elements at play in his ability to interpret dreams. It sets the stage for the revelation of the dream's meaning, which ultimately plays a crucial role in the unfolding of events in the Book of Daniel.

In this verse from the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar turns to Daniel, whom he refers to as Belteshazzar, for the interpretation of his dream. The king acknowledges Daniel's unique ability, stating that the wise men of his kingdom were unable to provide the interpretation. This recognition highlights the special connection Daniel had with the divine, as the text mentions that the spirit of the holy gods is in him. This phrase underlines the belief in the living presence of the divine within certain individuals, empowering them with insight and wisdom beyond the ordinary. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea of God's spirit working through chosen individuals to reveal hidden truths and provide guidance. It suggests that Daniel's gift of interpretation was not merely a result of his intelligence or learning but was a direct result of the divine presence within him.