Daniel 5:17 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Let thy gifts be to thyself. — Daniel refused the king’s offer of reward at first, but afterwards accepted it. In this way he showed his determination to speak the truth without any respect to fee, gift, or reward. (Comp. the conduct of Elisha, 2 Kings 5:16; 2 Kings 8:9.)

Daniel 5:17

17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewardsi to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.