Daniel 2:13

"Because of this, the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed."

Key Reflection

In Daniel 2:13, King Nebuchadnezzar reacts with extreme anger after being informed about a meeting between Daniel and his three companions. The verse highlights the severity of the situation by noting that the king was not only angry but "very furious," indicating a level of rage so intense that it led to an immediate and severe punishment— ordering the execution of all the wise men in Babylon. This action underscores the absolute power and temperamental nature of Nebuchadnezzar, who saw his command as non-negotiable and swift retribution for any perceived disloyalty or defiance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain -The original here will bear a somewhat different translation, meaning, “the decree went forth, “and” the wise men were slain;” that is, the execution of the sentence was actually commenced. So the Vulgate:Et egressa sententia, sapientes interficiebantur. So also the Greek version:καὶ οἱ σοφοί ἀπεκτέννοντοkaihoisophoiapektennonto- “and the wise men were slain.” This seems to me to be the more probable interpretation, and better to suit the connection.

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