It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6 tells a captivating story of faith, integrity, and divine deliverance. It showcases Daniel's unwavering devotion to God amidst political intrigue and a king's misguided decree. This chapter provides timeless lessons on remaining steadfast in our beliefs, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. This chapter is a testament to God's power to protect those who trust in Him.
Context: The Rise of Darius and Daniel's Prominence
Following the dramatic fall of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, the reign of Babylon transitioned to "Darius the Mede" (Daniel 5:30-31). The identity of Darius the Mede has been debated by scholars, but the biblical text presents him as a ruler who reorganized the Babylonian territory. Darius established 120 satraps, overseen by three high-ranking administrators, one of whom was Daniel. Daniel's exceptional abilities and integrity quickly distinguished him, earning him the king's favor and a plan to elevate him over the entire realm (Daniel 6:1-3).
The Conspiracy Against Daniel
Daniel's rapid ascent aroused jealousy among his fellow officials. Driven by envy, they sought to find fault with him, but his impeccable conduct left them empty-handed (Daniel 6:4). Recognizing Daniel's unwavering commitment to his faith, they devised a cunning plan to exploit his devotion to God. "Consider yourself blessed if the only thing your enemies can say about you is that you’re too faithful to God."
The conspirators approached Darius with a proposal seemingly designed to honor him. They suggested a decree that for thirty days, all petitions should be directed solely to the king. This appealed to Darius' ego, and he unwittingly signed the edict, unaware that it was a trap specifically set for Daniel (Daniel 6:6-9). In Persian culture, the king was the embodiment of the law, and the law was never wrong. Therefore, certain official decrees could not be changed or overturned—otherwise, it would imply the law was contradicting itself.
Daniel's Unwavering Faith
Upon learning of the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued his regular practice of praying three times a day, with his windows open towards Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). Daniel didn’t make a big deal out of his opposition to the unfair edict or flaunt his prayers. He simply went home and prayed just as he had done before, with his windows opened toward Jerusalem. No earthly commands could prevent him from fulfilling his heavenly duties. His attitude was the same as that of the apostles many years later: “We must obey God rather than people” (Acts 5:29). Daniel was unflappable in his faith. He chose obedience to God over obedience to man, demonstrating unwavering faith and courage. His actions mirrored the later declaration of the apostles: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" (Acts 5:29).
The King's Dilemma and Daniel's Imprisonment
The conspirators, having successfully ensnared Daniel, wasted no time in reporting his transgression to the king (Daniel 6:11-13). Darius was deeply distressed, realizing he had been manipulated into condemning a man he respected and admired. He tried desperately to find a way to circumvent the law, but the irrevocable nature of the decree left him powerless.
With a heavy heart, Darius was forced to order Daniel's imprisonment in the lions' den (Daniel 6:16). However, even in this moment of despair, Darius expressed a glimmer of hope, saying to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (Daniel 6:16). Like Nebuchadnezzar, Darius even paid homage to the true God. A pagan king who had never worshiped the Lord before was suddenly giving him glory in hopes that he would deliver his servant. That night, the king was so upset that he could not sleep and had no interest in the pleasures of his throne.
Divine Deliverance and the King's Proclamation
The following morning, Darius rushed to the lions' den, anxiously calling out to Daniel (Daniel 6:19-20). To his astonishment, Daniel answered, unharmed and filled with unwavering faith. Daniel testified that God had sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths, protecting him from harm (Daniel 6:21-22). Daniel replied to him that God’s angel had shut the lions’ mouths because he was innocent. Then Daniel reminded the king, Before you . . . I have not done harm (6:22), essentially saying, “Your Majesty, the only thing I was ‘guilty’ of was being faithful to my God.”
Overjoyed and relieved, Darius ordered Daniel's release and decreed that Daniel's accusers should be thrown into the lions' den, where they met a swift and gruesome end (Daniel 6:23-24). This gruesome judgment was typical of the vengeance taken by kings in the ancient world.
Darius then issued a decree acknowledging the power and sovereignty of Daniel's God (Daniel 6:25-27). Darius’s decree honoring the true God is a theological gem that sounds like it could have been written by one of the psalmists. Once again, as Nebuchadnezzar had (3:29; 4:3, 34-35), this Gentile ruler gave glory to the living God who rescues and delivers and whose kingdom will never be destroyed (6:26-27). He proclaimed that Daniel's God was the living God, enduring forever, and that his kingdom would never be destroyed. While Darius did not explicitly forbid the worship of other gods, he commanded respect for the God of Daniel, demonstrating the profound impact of this miraculous event.
Daniel's Continued Prosperity
The chapter concludes with the affirmation that Daniel continued to prosper during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 6:28). Thus, Daniel continued to prosper under Gentile rulers—a reminder to the Jewish readers of his book to be faithful to God while Israel was under Gentile domination.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 6 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Faithfulness in Adversity: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, serves as an example of how to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the circumstances.
- Integrity and Character: Daniel's reputation for integrity and ethical conduct made it difficult for his enemies to find fault with him. This underscores the importance of living a life that is above reproach.
- God's Sovereignty and Protection: The chapter demonstrates God's power to protect those who trust in Him. Even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, God can provide deliverance.
- Witness to the World: Darius's decree acknowledging the power of Daniel's God illustrates how our faithfulness can be a powerful witness to the world around us.
Daniel 6 is a reminder that faithfulness to God is always rewarded, even if not in the ways we expect. It encourages us to remain true to our beliefs, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate those who honor Him.
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6 tells a captivating story of faith, integrity, and divine deliverance. It showcases Daniel's unwavering devotion to God amidst political intrigue and a king's misguided decree. This chapter provides timeless lessons on remaining steadfast in our beliefs, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. This chapter is a testament to God's power to protect those who trust in Him.
Context: The Rise of Darius and Daniel's Prominence
Following the dramatic fall of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, the reign of Babylon transitioned to "Darius the Mede" (Daniel 5:30-31). The identity of Darius the Mede has been debated by scholars, but the biblical text presents him as a ruler who reorganized the Babylonian territory. Darius established 120 satraps, overseen by three high-ranking administrators, one of whom was Daniel. Daniel's exceptional abilities and integrity quickly distinguished him, earning him the king's favor and a plan to elevate him over the entire realm (Daniel 6:1-3).
The Conspiracy Against Daniel
Daniel's rapid ascent aroused jealousy among his fellow officials. Driven by envy, they sought to find fault with him, but his impeccable conduct left them empty-handed (Daniel 6:4). Recognizing Daniel's unwavering commitment to his faith, they devised a cunning plan to exploit his devotion to God. "Consider yourself blessed if the only thing your enemies can say about you is that you’re too faithful to God."
The conspirators approached Darius with a proposal seemingly designed to honor him. They suggested a decree that for thirty days, all petitions should be directed solely to the king. This appealed to Darius' ego, and he unwittingly signed the edict, unaware that it was a trap specifically set for Daniel (Daniel 6:6-9). In Persian culture, the king was the embodiment of the law, and the law was never wrong. Therefore, certain official decrees could not be changed or overturned—otherwise, it would imply the law was contradicting itself.
Daniel's Unwavering Faith
Upon learning of the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued his regular practice of praying three times a day, with his windows open towards Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). Daniel didn’t make a big deal out of his opposition to the unfair edict or flaunt his prayers. He simply went home and prayed just as he had done before, with his windows opened toward Jerusalem. No earthly commands could prevent him from fulfilling his heavenly duties. His attitude was the same as that of the apostles many years later: “We must obey God rather than people” (Acts 5:29). Daniel was unflappable in his faith. He chose obedience to God over obedience to man, demonstrating unwavering faith and courage. His actions mirrored the later declaration of the apostles: "We must obey God rather than human beings!" (Acts 5:29).
The King's Dilemma and Daniel's Imprisonment
The conspirators, having successfully ensnared Daniel, wasted no time in reporting his transgression to the king (Daniel 6:11-13). Darius was deeply distressed, realizing he had been manipulated into condemning a man he respected and admired. He tried desperately to find a way to circumvent the law, but the irrevocable nature of the decree left him powerless.
With a heavy heart, Darius was forced to order Daniel's imprisonment in the lions' den (Daniel 6:16). However, even in this moment of despair, Darius expressed a glimmer of hope, saying to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (Daniel 6:16). Like Nebuchadnezzar, Darius even paid homage to the true God. A pagan king who had never worshiped the Lord before was suddenly giving him glory in hopes that he would deliver his servant. That night, the king was so upset that he could not sleep and had no interest in the pleasures of his throne.
Divine Deliverance and the King's Proclamation
The following morning, Darius rushed to the lions' den, anxiously calling out to Daniel (Daniel 6:19-20). To his astonishment, Daniel answered, unharmed and filled with unwavering faith. Daniel testified that God had sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths, protecting him from harm (Daniel 6:21-22). Daniel replied to him that God’s angel had shut the lions’ mouths because he was innocent. Then Daniel reminded the king, Before you . . . I have not done harm (6:22), essentially saying, “Your Majesty, the only thing I was ‘guilty’ of was being faithful to my God.”
Overjoyed and relieved, Darius ordered Daniel's release and decreed that Daniel's accusers should be thrown into the lions' den, where they met a swift and gruesome end (Daniel 6:23-24). This gruesome judgment was typical of the vengeance taken by kings in the ancient world.
Darius then issued a decree acknowledging the power and sovereignty of Daniel's God (Daniel 6:25-27). Darius’s decree honoring the true God is a theological gem that sounds like it could have been written by one of the psalmists. Once again, as Nebuchadnezzar had (3:29; 4:3, 34-35), this Gentile ruler gave glory to the living God who rescues and delivers and whose kingdom will never be destroyed (6:26-27). He proclaimed that Daniel's God was the living God, enduring forever, and that his kingdom would never be destroyed. While Darius did not explicitly forbid the worship of other gods, he commanded respect for the God of Daniel, demonstrating the profound impact of this miraculous event.
Daniel's Continued Prosperity
The chapter concludes with the affirmation that Daniel continued to prosper during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 6:28). Thus, Daniel continued to prosper under Gentile rulers—a reminder to the Jewish readers of his book to be faithful to God while Israel was under Gentile domination.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 6 offers several important lessons for believers today:
- Faithfulness in Adversity: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, serves as an example of how to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the circumstances.
- Integrity and Character: Daniel's reputation for integrity and ethical conduct made it difficult for his enemies to find fault with him. This underscores the importance of living a life that is above reproach.
- God's Sovereignty and Protection: The chapter demonstrates God's power to protect those who trust in Him. Even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, God can provide deliverance.
- Witness to the World: Darius's decree acknowledging the power of Daniel's God illustrates how our faithfulness can be a powerful witness to the world around us.
Daniel 6 is a reminder that faithfulness to God is always rewarded, even if not in the ways we expect. It encourages us to remain true to our beliefs, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate those who honor Him.