John Calvin 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)

The queen here assigns the reason why Daniel had obtained the honor of being esteemed as the prince and master of all the wise men: because she said, An excellent spirit was found in him, as he interpreted dreams, revealed secrets, and solved difficulties. The three gifts in which Daniel excelled are here enumerated, and this proves that he surpassed the other magi, since none of them could be compared to him.

The magi boasted in their ability to interpret dreams, to solve all difficulties, and explain enigmas; but this boast of theirs was twice shown to be vanity and folly. The queen therefore deservedly claims these three qualities for Daniel, while showing his superiority to all others.

Hence she reasons with authority when she says, A name was imposed upon him by the king. We have already spoken of this name, Belteshazzar; but the queen now refers to this name to inform the king in what great esteem and honor he was held by his grandfather.

The name of his father is here expressed, since Belshazzar might despise all strangers; yet reason would dictate the propriety of deferring to the judgment of his grandfather.

Everyone knew his grandfather to be a most remarkable character, whom God humbled for a time, as we saw, and as Daniel will now allude to it.

Let us proceed.