At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nebuchadnezzar refers to Daniel by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, and then immediately links it to his own god, "Bel." This reveals a king still trying to fit Daniel and his God into his own polytheistic worldview, even as he acknowledges Daniel's unique connection to "the spirit of the holy gods." He's not quite grasping that Daniel's God is the only God, but he does recognize a profound difference in Daniel's ability to access divine wisdom.
At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Nebuchadnezzar is recounting a deeply disturbing dream that has left him terrified and seeking answers from his court. After his usual wise men, magicians, and astrologers fail to interpret it, he finally calls for Daniel, whom he acknowledges possesses a unique wisdom attributed to divine influence. Nebuchadnezzar then prepares to tell Daniel the dream, hoping for an explanation that will bring him peace.
Why did Nebuchadnezzar wait so long to call Daniel? Discover the profound timing behind this king's ultimate consultation with God's prophet.
Nebuchadnezzar's approach to Daniel wasn't his first choice. The text highlights that Daniel came 'at last,' after all the king's usual advisors and wise men had failed. This wasn't accidental.
A Proven Pattern
Nebuchadnezzar had encountered Daniel before, especially when his own wise men couldn't interpret his dreams (Daniel 2). Yet, this time, he called all his wise men first. This emphasizes that Daniel's unique ability wasn't just about knowledge, but a direct impartation from God.
God's Glory Revealed
The delay served a divine purpose: to magnize God's power. When Daniel finally appeared, it was clear that the interpretation wasn't from human wisdom but from the 'spirit of the holy gods.' This allowed God to receive the glory, not the king or his court.
Nebuchadnezzar calls Daniel 'Belteshazzar, after the name of my god.' What does this reveal about the king's understanding of divinity?
Nebuchadnezzar's words reveal a fascinating, albeit confused, spiritual landscape. He acknowledges Daniel by the name given to him by the Babylonian court – Belteshazzar, a name incorporating the Babylonian god 'Bel.'
Acknowledging the Supreme... Sort Of
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While he uses the name of his own god, the king simultaneously recognizes something extraordinary about Daniel: 'in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.' This phrase, mirroring Genesis 41:38 regarding Joseph, suggests Daniel possesses a divine quality, a spirit of wisdom and insight far beyond ordinary men.
Polytheism Meets Revelation
Nebuchadnezzar’s language is a blend of his polytheistic upbringing and his encounters with the power of the God of Israel. He refers to 'holy gods' in the plural, a typical pagan expression. Yet, he specifically singles out Daniel as having a spirit that allows him to discern divine secrets, pointing towards the unique God Daniel serves, even if Nebuchadnezzar's understanding is still mixed.
Understand the original words
rûaḥ · Aramaic (Biblical) Noun
The dynamic power or presence of God (or gods) that enables an individual to perform supernatural feats, such as prophecy, wisdom, or interpretation of mysteries, beyond human capability.
Nebuchadnezzar's naming of Daniel 'Belteshazzar' after his own god, Bel, highlights the cultural blending and the king's polytheistic worldview, even as he acknowledges Daniel's unique connection to divine wisdom.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Ascension
Nebuchadnezzar II becomes king of Babylon, initiating a period of significant expansion and building projects.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's forces attack Jerusalem, taking captives and treasures, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon.
c. 605 BC
Daniel and Companions Trained
Daniel and his friends begin their education and service in the Babylonian court, demonstrating exceptional wisdom and character.
c. 600 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Dream
Nebuchadnezzar has a profound dream of a great statue, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy of future world empires, establishing Daniel's reputation.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another group of Judeans, including King Jehoiachin, are exiled to Babylon, increasing the Jewish population and their presence in the city.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is destroyed, and the remaining population is taken into Babylonian exile, marking a profound crisis for the Jewish people.
c. 568-567 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Great Dream of the Tree
Nebuchadnezzar experiences a vivid dream involving a colossal tree being cut down, which deeply troubles him and prompts him to seek an interpretation.
Nebuchadnezzar's recognition of the 'spirit of the holy gods' in Daniel echoes Pharaoh's acknowledgment of the 'spirit of God' in Joseph, highlighting a divine enablement for interpretation.
Daniel 2:10-11This passage shows a similar situation where the king's wise men are unable to interpret a dream, leading to Daniel being called, emphasizing Daniel's unique access to divine wisdom.
Exodus 31:3The idea of being 'filled with the Spirit of God' to perform skilled work or impart wisdom is found here, linking Daniel's ability to the same divine source that empowered artisans in the Old Testament.
Daniel 5:11-12In a later account, Daniel is again described as having 'the spirit of the holy gods' within him, reinforcing his consistent role as a divinely appointed interpreter of mysteries, even to a new king.
1 Samuel 16:14This verse describes the 'evil spirit from the Lord' troubling Saul, contrasting with the 'spirit of the holy gods' in Daniel, showing how spirits can influence individuals, but highlighting the positive, divine power in Daniel.
barnesDaniel 4:8: "But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,"
But at the last - After the others had shown that they could not interpret the dream. Why Daniel was not called with the others does not appear; nor is it said in what manner he was at last summoned into the presence of the king. It is probable that his skill on a former occasion Daniel 2 was re…
calvinDaniel 4:8-9: "But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,"
O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.
Beltsazar princeps, vel, magister, magorum, quia ego novi quod spiritus de…
Nebuchadnezzar refers to Daniel by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, and then immediately links it to his own god, "Bel." This reveals a king still trying to fit Daniel and his God into his own polytheistic worldview, even as he acknowledges Daniel's unique connection to "the spirit of the holy gods." He's not quite grasping that Daniel's God is the only God, but he does recognize a profound difference in Daniel's ability to access divine wisdom.
King Nebuchadnezzar is recounting a deeply disturbing dream that has left him terrified and seeking answers from his court. After his usual wise men, magicians, and astrologers fail to interpret it, he finally calls for Daniel, whom he acknowledges possesses a unique wisdom attributed to divine influence. Nebuchadnezzar then prepares to tell Daniel the dream, hoping for an explanation that will bring him peace.
King Nebuchadnezzar is recounting a deeply disturbing dream that has left him terrified and seeking answers from his court. After his usual wise men, magicians, and astrologers fail to interpret it, he finally calls for Daniel, whom he acknowledges possesses a unique wisdom attributed to divine influence. Nebuchadnezzar then prepares to tell Daniel the dream, hoping for an explanation that will bring him peace.
"At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods—and I told him the dream, saying," — Nebuchadnezzar refers to Daniel by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, and then immediately links it to his own god, "Bel." This reveals a king still trying to fit Daniel and his God into his own poly…
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Last reviewed October 2026