Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 5:12

"forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation." — Daniel 5:12 (ASV)

Because an excellent spirit – This does not mean an excellent spirit in the sense the phrase is sometimes used today, denoting a good and pious spirit. Instead, it refers to a spirit or mind that excels—that is, one distinguished for wisdom and knowledge.

Interpreting dreams – The margin reads, “or, of an interpreter.” This skill was regarded as a great attainment and was thought to prove that one who could do it was inspired by the gods.

And explaining hard sentences – This refers to explaining the meaning of enigmatic or obscure sentences. Being able to do this was thought to indicate great attainments and was a much-coveted knowledge. Compare Proverbs 1:6: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

And resolving doubts – The margin reads, “or, a dissolver of knots,” as does the Chaldee. This language is still common in the East to denote one who has skill in explaining difficult subjects.

For example, in the copy of a patent given to Sir John Chardin in Persia, we find it is addressed “to the Lords of lords, who have the presence of a lion, the aspect of Deston; the princes who have the stature of Tahemtenten, who seem to be in the time of Ardevon, the regents who carry the majesty of Ferribours. The conquerors of kingdoms. Superintendents that unloose all manner of knots, and who are under the ascendant of Mercury,” etc. (Taylor’s “Fragments to Calmet’s Dict.,” No. 174). The language used here would be applicable to the explanation of any difficult and perplexing subject.

Whom the king named Belteshazzar – That is, the king gave him this name by his authority (see the note at John 1:7), and he called him by this name when addressing him (Daniel 4:9).