Daniel 2:14

“Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom, etc.] In a discreet manner, using soft words and gentle language, humbly and modestly inquiring what should be the meaning of all this. The Vulgate Latin version is, “he inquired of the law and decree”f81; what was the reason of the king’s orders, which this officer had in commission to execute; with which others agree: or, “he made to return the counsel and decree”f82, as some choose to render it; he stopped the execution of it for the present, by his inquiries and prudent behaviour but neither seem to agree with what follows; the first sense is best: to Arioch the captain of the king’s guards: there was a king of this name, (<011401>Genesis…”

“captain of the king's guard--commanding the executioners (Margin; and Gen 37:36, Margin).”

“Then Daniel answered - Margin, “returned.” The original literally is, “returned counsel and wisdom,” meaning, that he returned an answer which was replete with wisdom. It would seem probable that Arioch had communicated to Daniel the decree of the king, and had stated to him that he was involved in that decree, and must prepare to die. Counsel and wisdom - That is, “wise counsel.” He evinced great prudence and discretion in what he said. He made such a suggestion to Arioch as, if acted on, would stay the execution of the sentence against all the wise men, and would secure the object which the king had in view. What was the exact nature of this answer is not mentioned. It is probable,…”

“answered: Chal, returned with: Sa2 20:16-22; Ecc 9:13-18 captain of the king's guard: or, chief marshall, Chal, chief of the executioners, or slaughter-men. Gen 37:36; Jer 39:9, Jer 52:12, Jer 52:14 \*marg. Daniel 2:15”

“Daniel's willingness to declare his dream to the king; his prayer for a revelation of the secret, and the answer to his prayer; his explanation before the king. Dan 2:14 Through Daniel's judicious interview of Arioch, the further execution of the royal edict was interrupted. וּטעם עטא התיב, he answered, replied, counsel and understanding, i.e., the words of counsel and understanding; cf. Pro 26:16. The name Arioch appears in Gen 14:1 as the name of the king of Ellasar, along with the kings of Elam and Shinar. It is derived not from the Sanscr. ârjaka, venerabilis, but is probably formed from ארי, a lion, as נסרך from nisr = נשׁר. רב־טבּחיּא is the chief of the bodyguard, which was regarded…”