What does Daniel 2:15 mean?

The Bible only records the essential details of this incident. However, what it includes suggests important details. The king has ordered the slaughter of his advisors (Daniel 2:12), because his magicians could not complete his challenge regarding a troubling dream (Daniel 2:1–11). Yet his order extended to all the wise men, even those uninvolved. In the prior verse, the king's guard has come to kill Daniel and his friends, only for Daniel to respond calmly. Here, he asks why the king's command is so pressing, and the guard pauses long enough to explain what has happened.

This shows that Daniel already had a tremendous reputation. Arioch (Daniel 2:13–14) had received orders to kill every wise man, including Daniel and his three friends. That command came from an all-powerful, vicious ruler in Nebuchadnezzar. Yet Arioch listened to Daniel's question and then answered him. Whether he was hesitant to kill Daniel or not, he respected him enough to tell him why this was happening. Daniel's faith shines in this conversation. He dared to ask why Nebuchadnezzar was in such a hurry to execute so many people. Obviously, Daniel believed God would protect him from whatever reaction Arioch would give in response, even if he were indirectly criticizing the king's overreaction. The exchange also shows Daniel's wisdom. He knew how to avoid what seemed to be the imminent execution of his friends and himself. Finally, the exchange shows how calm Daniel was in the face of Arioch's mission to kill him and his friends. He did not panic but remained calm.

The likely-now-dead occultists had lied about spiritual insight (Daniel 2:8–9) before admitting their limitations (Daniel 2:10–11). Daniel, however, was given legitimate skill in dreams and visions by the One True God (Daniel 1:17). He will confidently claim the ability to answer the king's challenge (Daniel 2:16) and credit the Lord with the knowledge (Daniel 2:27–35).