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Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Verse Takeaways

1

Motivated by God, Not Gold

Commentators agree that Daniel's refusal of the king's rewards was a powerful statement of his integrity. He wanted to make it clear that his service was for God's glory, not for personal gain or earthly honors. This act demonstrates that Christian service should be driven by a higher calling, free from the influence of worldly incentives.

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Book Overview

Daniel

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Daniel 5:17

18th Century

Theologian

Let thy gifts be to thyself - That is, “I do not desire them; I do not act from a hope of reward.” Daniel undoubtedly means to inti…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Daniel 5:17

19th Century

Bishop

Let thy gifts be to thyself. Daniel refused the king’s offer of reward at first, but afterwards accepted it. In this way…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Daniel 5:17

16th Century

Theologian

First of all, Daniel here rejects the offered gifts. We do not read of his doing so before; he rather seemed to delight in the honors conferred by …

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John Gill

John Gill

On Daniel 5:17

17th Century

Pastor

Then Daniel answered and said before the king
With great freedom, boldness, and intrepidity: let your gi…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Daniel 5:10–17

17th Century

Minister

Daniel was forgotten at court; he lived privately and was then ninety years of age. Many consult servants of God on curious questions, or to explai…