John Calvin Commentary Daniel 2:19

"Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." — Daniel 2:19 (ASV)

From this it can be gathered that Daniel did not waver, nor did he pray with his companions because of any doubt in his mind. For we should remember that sentence from James, namely, those who hesitate, tremble, and pray to God with doubt, are unworthy of being heard. James says, Let not such a one think he will obtain anything from the Lord, if he is driven about variously like the waves of the sea (James 1:6).

As God, therefore, showed Himself favorable to the prayers of Daniel, we conclude that he prayed with true faith and was clearly persuaded that his life was in God’s hands. Therefore, he also felt that God was not pointlessly troubling the mind of King Nebuchadnezzar, but was preparing some significant and remarkable judgment for him.

Because Daniel was filled with this firm conviction, he showed sure confidence and prayed to God as if he had already obtained his request. On the other hand, we perceive that God never closes His ears when called upon rightly and sincerely, as it is also said in the Psalms (Psalms 145:18), He is near to all who pray to him in truth. For there cannot be truth when faith is lacking. But as Daniel brought faith and sincerity to his prayers, he was heard, and the secret concerning the dream was made known to him in a vision by night. I cannot now proceed any further.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, since we are in danger every day and every moment, not merely from the cruelty of a single tyrant, but from the devil, who excites the whole world against us, arming the princes of this world, and impelling them to destroy us—Grant, I pray You, that we may feel and demonstrate by experience that our life is in Your hand, and that under Your faithful guardianship You will not allow one hair of our heads to fall. Defend us also in such a way that the wicked themselves may acknowledge that we do not boast this day in vain in Your name, nor call upon You without success. And when we have experienced Your paternal care throughout our entire lives, may we arrive at that blessed immortality which You have promised us, and which is laid up for us in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Amen.