Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 2:18

"that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should nor perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." — Daniel 2:18 (ASV)

That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret - That they would implore God that He would show His mercy to them by revealing this secret, so that their lives might be spared. In the margin, as in the Chaldee, this is “from before the God of heaven.”

All depended now on God. It was clear that human skill was exhausted, and that no reliance could be placed on any ability that humans possessed. The art of the Chaldeans had failed. Consequently, Daniel, both from this failure and from the promptings of his own feelings, must now have perceived that the only hope was in God, and that His favor in this situation was to be obtained only by prayer.

Since his three friends were equally interested in the outcome, and since it was an early principle of religion—found in all dispensations ()—that united prayer has special power with God, it was natural and proper to call on his friends to join with him in asking this favor from Him who alone could grant it.

It was the natural and final resort of piety, providing an example of what all can do, and should do, in times of perplexity and danger.

That Daniel and his fellows should not perish - The margin offers an alternative reading: “or, they should not destroy Daniel.” This reading in the margin is most in accordance with the Chaldee, though the meaning is substantially the same. The word “fellows” is the same one previously rendered “companions.”

With the rest of the wise men of Babylon - It seems to have been certain that the decree would be executed on the Chaldeans, soothsayers, and others. Indeed, there was no reason why the decree should not be executed. They had confessed their inability to comply with the king’s command, and whatever Daniel could do now could not be interpreted in their favor as providing any reason why the decree should not be executed on them.

It was presumed, therefore, that the law, severe as it seemed, would be enforced against them, and we may suppose that this was probably done. The only hope for Daniel and his companions to escape the common fate was in the belief that the God whom they served would now intervene on their behalf.