Captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard
Arioch
Named in 4 verses of Daniel, first in Daniel 2:14.
אֲרְיוֹךְArioch
The name means “long; great; tall.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Arioch Written by AI
Arioch is mentioned in the book of Daniel as the captain of King Nebuchadnezzar's guard during the time of the Babylonian exile. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream and demanded that his wise men not only interpret the dream but also tell him what he had dreamed. When they were unable to do so, the king ordered Arioch to execute all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel, a young Jewish exile, requested time from Arioch to interpret the king's dream. Arioch brought Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel was able to reveal both the content of the dream and its interpretation, which concerned the rise and fall of future kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Arioch's role in this narrative highlights the danger faced by Daniel and his friends, as well as the power and authority of the Babylonian king. Arioch's willingness to grant Daniel's request and bring him before Nebuchadnezzar also demonstrates the respect and trust that Daniel had earned in the Babylonian court, even as a young exile.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Arioch, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Lion-like, venerable. (1.) A king of Ellasar who was confederate with Chedorlamer (Gen. 14:1,9). The tablets recently discovered by Mr. Pinches (see CHALDEA) show the true reading is Eri-Aku of Larsa. This Elamite name meant “servant of the moon-god.” It was afterwards changed into Rimsin, “Have mercy, O moon-god.” (2.) Dan. 2:14.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Daniel 2:14
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, went out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel responded with discretion and tact.
- Daniel 2:15
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.
- Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.”
- Daniel 2:25
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.