Good morning,
Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)
Daniel 6
Daniel in the lion’s den
The Plot against Daniel (Verses 1-5)
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;2 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.3 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. 4 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.5 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.
King Darius appoints 120 satraps to rule throughout his kingdom, with three administrators overseeing them. Daniel distinguishes himself, and King Darius plans to set him over the entire kingdom. Jealous officials conspire to trap Daniel by exploiting his religious faith. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)
The Royal Decree (Verses 6-9)
6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, 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.8 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.9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
The satraps and administrators convince King Darius to issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human other than the king for thirty days will be thrown into the lions’ den. The King unknowingly signs this irrevocable law. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)
Daniel’s Unfaltering Faith (Verses 10-15)
10 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.11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.12 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.13 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.14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.15 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.
Despite the decree, Daniel continues praying to God openly. When the officials find him praying, they remind the king of the decree, forcing the king to reluctantly order Daniel’s punishment, hoping that Daniel’s God would save him. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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