What is the context?
Daniel asks Arioch to stop the executions and bring him before the king. When asked whether he can tell the dream and its meaning, he first names the limits of human expertise.
There is, however, a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown the king what will happen, and has given Daniel the explanation so that the king may understand.
The Aramaic word רָז, raz (rahz), means a secret; see Brown–Driver–Briggs. Here the mystery is something hidden that God makes known, rather than something that must remain impossible to understand.
Daniel explicitly denies that the revelation comes because he is wiser than everyone else. His role is to pass on what God has given, not to make himself the source of it.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Gaebelein emphasize Daniel directing honor to God instead of using the occasion to magnify himself. Wesley also sees him preparing the king to recognize the true God.
The explanation will be a witness to the One who reveals, rather than a performance of Daniel’s own power.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Ephesians 3:1–12 describes another mystery made known by revelation: through the gospel, Gentiles share the inheritance, the body and the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul presents his ministry as a gift of grace serving that revealed purpose.
The mysteries have different contents. Daniel explains a royal dream; Paul announces Gentiles’ shared belonging in Christ. The connection is God making His purpose known through servants, so that others can understand and share what He is doing. Paul carries that purpose to confident access to God through Christ.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.