Daniel 2
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Daniel 2:24
Let us not then be looking open-mouthed toward others. For it is true, the prayers of the saints have the greatest power, on condition, however, of our repentance and change. Since even Moses, who had rescued his own brother and six hundred thousand men from the wrath that was then coming on them from God, had no power to deliver his sister. … And Samuel was not able to save Saul from the wrath from above, yet he oftentimes preserved the Israelites.… And Daniel saved the barbarians from slaughter, but he did not deliver the Jews from their captivity.… So on the one hand, if we are careless, we shall not be able to obtain salvation, no, not even by the help of others; if, on the other hand, we are watchful, we shall be able to do this by ourselves, and by ourselves rather than by others. Yes, for God is more willing to give his grace to us than to others for us, that we, by our zeal to avoid his wrath, may both enjoy a deep trust in him and become better people. — HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 5:7
Daniel 2:30
For nothing is so advantageous, and so likely to pacify the hearers, as to say nothing about one's self of an honorable nature, but, on the contrary, to obviate all surmise of wishing to do so. And, in truth, much more did they increase their glory by despising glory, and showing that what had just taken place was no human act, but a Divine work; and that it was their part to join with the beholders in admiration, rather than to receive it from them. Do you see how clear of all ambition he is, and how he repels the honor paid to him? In the same manner also did the ancient fathers; for instance, Daniel said, "Not for any wisdom that is in me." And again Joseph, "Do not interpretations belong to God?" And David, "When the lion and the bear came, in the name of the Lord I rent them with my hands." And so likewise here the Apostles, "Why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" — Homily 9 on Acts
Daniel 2:46
The people who were in Babylon say this: being there, I will remember you. Therefore, let us also, as being in Babylon, [do the same]. For although we are not sitting among warlike foes, yet we are among "enemies." For some indeed were captives but did not feel their captivity, as Daniel, as the three children; who, even while they were in captivity became in that very country more glorious even than the king who had made them captive.… Do you see how great is virtue? When they were in actual captivity, he waited on them as masters. He therefore was the captive, rather than they.… Do you see that the really splendid things are those that relate to God, whereas human things are a shadow?… Let us fear God, beloved, let us fear [him]: even should we be in captivity, we are more glorious than all people. Let the fear of God be present with us, and nothing will bring us grief, even though they speak of poverty, or of disease, or of captivity, or of slavery or of any other grievous thing. In fact, even these very things will themselves work together for us the other way. These men were captives, and the king worshiped them. Paul was a tent maker, and they sacrificed to him as a god. — ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, HOMILY 26:6-7
Daniel 2:47
Prophecy is both free from reproach among the unbelievers and has very great credit and usefulness. For none will say in regard to prophesying, "they are mad," nor will anyone deride them that prophesy, but, on the contrary, they will be astonished at and admire them.… So also, Nebuchadnezzar worshiped God.… Observe the might of prophecy, how it changed that savage one and allowed him to be instructed and introduced him to faith. — HOMILIES ON 1 CORINTHIANS 36:3
Daniel 2:47
The king here does not say, "What must I do to be saved?" but the teaching is more obvious in his case than any language whatever. He immediately becomes a proclaimer; he does not need to be instructed like the jailor. The king proclaims God and confesses God's power.… And what then followed? Not one single jailor but many are taught by way of the king's writings, by way of the mere observance of the facts.… How great the force of praises that are sung in the midst of tribulation. — HOMILIES ON EPHESIANS 8