Daniel Chapter 6

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Daniel 6:1 — It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; Upon accession of the crown of Babylon, Darius quickly established a ruling counsel to take control over various provinces. He elected 120 princes (satrap) or provincial governors, who were to administer justice, preserve public peace and look after the king’s revenue.

Daniel 6:2 — 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.

Three presidents were appointed to supervise the 120 princes. They were to know the state of public accounts and deal with complaints. They should make sure the affairs of the administration were properly conducted; and see to it that the king sustains no loss in his revenue, and that the power he delegated to the princes be not abused.

Daniel 6:3 — 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.

Daniel was made chief minister over the Presidents because of the excellent spirit that was in him. Daniel distinguished himself among the other officials as being honest and trustworthy, having the excellent Spirit of God in him. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matt 5:14. Daniel live a pure and holy life that produced a lasting impression on Darius. Whenever real Christianity reigns in the heart, it will be revealed in the character. All will take knowledge of such, that they have been with Jesus TM 443.

Daniel 6:4 — 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.

These men searched for some justifiable reason to discredit Daniel’s reputation as a fit ruler but found none. Daniel’s conspirators could find no suitable reason to disqualify him from his position. He was faithful to every trust, dealt fairly with everyone, and took care that neither the king nor his subjects should be wronged. In him was found no error or fault. Daniel 6:4.

He was not only not chargeable with any dishonesty, but not even with any mistakes or minor blunder. This should be an example to all who are in places of public trust, to approve themselves both efficient and conscientious, that they may be free, not only from fault, but from error, not only from crime, but from mistakes.

WHY DID THEY TRY TO ACCUSE DANIEL?

Satan influenced their mind because Daniel prayed unto his God three times a day. Satan is enraged at the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss. Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him.

Satan and fallen angels feared the influence of Daniel would weaken their control over the rulers of the kingdom, for Daniel was high in command.

“The accusing host of evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy, and they watched Daniel closely to find some occasion against him that they might report him to the king, but they failed. Then these agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his destruction. Evil angels laid out the plan for them, and these agents readily carried it into effect” 1T 295.

Daniel 6:5 — 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.

Daniel is an example of integrity, for he was so faithful that even his enemies were not able to point out one flaw in his performance of duty.

They declared, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

“Since they were unable to find justifiable reasons to discredit Daniel, these resentful rulers had to find a scheme to incriminate Daniel in order to cause his dismissal. They maliciously fabricated a charge by targeting Daniel’s greatest attribute, his relationship with God. They knew of his prayer life as he sought God’s guidance for his life, so they decided to entrap him by creating legislation that would conflict with the laws of God.

The secret of Daniel’s strength was found in his conscientious attention to what the world would call things of minor importance. He was found before God three times a day in prayer and thanksgiving, and he was equally steadfast in his attention to his duties to the king. It is this conscientious attention to what the world despises that makes a strong, symmetrical character. ST May 25, 1891.

Daniel 6:6 — Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

Daniel 6:7 — 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.

After addressing the king with the customary greeting, these men claimed that every official throughout the kingdom had agreed on the matter, but they had not consulted Daniel, ‘Darius’ most esteemed ruler. Once before the king, they explained their proposal for a new decree, which prohibited anyone from petitioning any god or person other than the king for thirty days, seemingly enough time to trap Daniel.

The conspirators then announced their proposed punishment for breaking their proposed law. Anyone found guilty of violating this law would be thrown into the lion’s den. They wished to execute this law and its punishment immediately.

Something to think about

Like the conspirators who sought to entrap Daniel, there are those in this world who are seeking to trap God’s people. There are strangers, co- workers, peers, or even family members who oppose and oppress those who claim the name of Christ. As Christians, no matter our age or level of spiritual maturity, the attacks of others will come to us. These moments of struggles demand our total dependency on God.

We do not have to fear persecution because, although none of us desire to be incriminated by others, what better charge could be laid to our account than to be identified as a follower of our Lord Christ? Don’t let your opponent intimidate you in any way, God has a way out of all difficult situation for His people, Philippians 1:28-29.

God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29). The only area of Daniel’s life that incriminated him was his intimate relationship with his heavenly Father. Can the same be said of YOU?” (Philippians 1:21).

Be zealous, for the Master’s glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And Enoch is needed in this our day.

Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint God who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Remember this. If you have made mistakes, turn your defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.

Daniel 6:8 — 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.

The presidents and satraps then asked the king to sign the recommendation into law, making it legally binding. The conspirators knew that the decree could not be overturned once the king signed it, but they also cunningly made the decree short-term (thirty days) since Medo-Persian laws were otherwise irreversible.

Daniel 6:9 — Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

Darius, upon the urging of his officials, and with a heightened sense of his importance, signed the decree into law without considering the ramifications of his action.

Daniel 6:10 — 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 afore time.

Despite the decree’s deadly ramifications, Daniel did not evade the issue or change his practice. With his face looking through his window toward Jerusalem, Daniel continued praying to Jehovah three times a day. He proved his commitment and faithfulness to God by praying openly and boldly according to Jewish custom. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. Psalms 138:2 (KJV).

Daniel 6:11 — Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

Some of the satraps arrived outside Daniel’s window and saw him praying just as expected. In this way, they collected their witnesses and evidence against Daniel.

Something to think about

Daniel did not wait until the crisis, the signing of the decree, to begin his prayer life. Even before the crisis, his prayers were perpetually lifted to the God that he so intimately knew, and despite the bleak circumstances, Daniel faithfully prayed expectantly. (Romans 12: 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…)

If he thought that God would not hear his prayers and answer them, this wise man would not have squandered his time. Daniel, however, knew that the omnipotent God would act in a mighty way. Therefore, the frequency of Daniel’s petitions did not demonstrate a lack of faith. On the contrary, Daniel’s earnest prayers displayed his obedience to the Lord and his faith that Almighty God answers the prayers of His people. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).

Perhaps, we yearn for a meaningful and dynamic prayer life but think that we do not know where to begin. Some situations completely baffle us, and we are unsure how to approach God, so we cease praying altogether. This is the wrong course of action. Even when heaven seems silent, we must faithfully converse with God. When we approach Him in sincerity, even when we cannot eloquently communicate our needs, His Holy Spirit intervenes and does this for us. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:27 — And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

God doesn’t only listen to our verbal request He hears our hearts desire as well. If for nothing else, we can go before His throne and simply express our loss for words- He understands.

Is prayer our immediate response or our last resort to the situations that we face? Have we faithfully spent time in prayer with the King of Kings daily? Do we fervently pray believing that God will work mightily according to His will? “Have faith that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

Daniel 6:12 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. The conspirators approached Darius, yet before they informed him of their findings, they repeated to him the decree because they knew that he highly favored Daniel. They again clarified the king’s obligation to execute the punishment. Darius not only confirmed the validity of the decree but also reaffirmed that “according to the law of the Medes and Persians” neither this law nor its punishment could be rescinded.

Daniel 6:13 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.

The conspirators finally disclosed Daniel’s identity as one who had transgressed the law, and not just once but three times a day. They also tried to future magnify the crime and alienated Daniel by referring to him as “one of the captives from Judah.” They further alleged that Daniel had disregarded the king and his decrees by breaking this law.

Daniel 6:14 — Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

After hearing from his officials, Darius realized the impact of his decision and his helplessness to reverse the enforcement of the penalty. He now realized that it was a plot against Daniel, but he could not annul the matter; however, he spent the rest of the day trying to work out a way to spare Daniel’s life.

Daniel 6:15 — 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.

In that moment of great struggle -The conspirators assembled before the king to remind him of the mandatory punishment for violators of the decree.

Daniel 6:16 — 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.

Daniel’s consistent prayer life and spiritual walk with the Lord greatly influenced the king to the extent that he firmly believed that Daniel’s God was able to deliver him. The powers of darkness worked hard against the servant of God, but he only magnified the God of heaven.

Daniel 6:17 — 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.

signet was an engraved seal that marked the identity and authority of the sealer. The seal authenticated official documents, so in effect the king’s official seal of approval marked this stone to discourage anyone from attempting to free Daniel.

Daniel 6:18 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.

After closing the den, Darius returned to his quarters where he experienced a very restless night. The king spent the night in isolation and did not partake of food or have his musicians play for him. Darius he did not sleep at all that night but contemplated on the who development.

Something to think about

King Darius allowed his governors and satraps to flatter him and manipulate him into hurriedly signing the decree. The king could have avoided much anguish if he had evaluated the situation before his action. He should have investigated, and he would have discovered that Daniel was not a part of the scheme.

A heart and mind that is yielded to the will of God will consider and make wise decisions rather than hasty ones. “The thoughts of righteous people are fair. The advice of wicked people is treacherous” (Proverbs 12:5). We may recognize the need to commit the “big” things to the Lord but think that we can handle the “small” things ourselves. But how do we know the impact that any decision has upon our lives? if we do not seek God in the seemingly trivial matters, we probably do not search for His wisdom in the important decisions either. Yielding to the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event in the Christian journey, it must be every step of the way.

We are so easily distracted by the temporal cares of life and the fast-paced world; forgetting that we must take every matter before the throne of God, thereby seeking His will and direction in every situation and listening for His voice before we act. We must not embark on a course until we know that we have heard God’s voice—not the voice of the world, our colleagues nor our own. Simply stated, we must surrender our will to God. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Hasty decisions have consequences, and the impact of any decision endures far beyond the present. If we wait for God’s direction before we act, we will spare ourselves the consequential guilt and unrest that accompanies Darius hasty decision. All around the world, people are making hasty decisions without stopping to think through what the final result will be.

Daniel 6:19 — Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

Daniel 6:20 — 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?

After a restless night the king was up very early; and went in haste to the den of lions. With deep anxiety, great expectation and remorse he cried, hoping that after all Daniel would be preserved alive.

Daniel 6:21 — Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. Daniel 6:22 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.

Daniel knew the king’s voice and answered him politely, with courtesy, and respect: O king! live for ever. He is not annoyed for the unkindness shown to him, but, he greets king with honour and respect. Daniel had no grudges against the king but was happy to let the him know of the God of heaven. He was excited to tell the king how God saved his life. “My God” has sent his angel to my rescue because I am innocent. The angel of the Lord kept Daniel company all night, and had shut the lions’ mouths, that they had instinct to hurt him.

Daniel 6:23 — 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.

The king was exceedingly glad to find Daniel alive, and gave orders immediately that he should be taken out of the den. When they examined him, no hurt was found on him, no scratches, bruises nor scars. Daniel was kept secured because he trusted in God. Those who put their trust in God and seek His protection in all things will never be made ashamed, but shall always find him to be a present help.

Daniel 6:24 — 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.

The evil scheme against Daniel hurt the conspirators more than Daniel. The pit they dug for him, they fell into it themselves like the story of Haman’s gallows (Ester 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified). Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone, dare to have a purpose firm and dare to make it known. Walk before God uprightly in righteousness as Daniel, and rest assured that He will always be with you even to the ends of the world.

Daniel 6:25 — Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. Daniel 6:26 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.

Daniel 6:27 — 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.

Daniel 6:28 — So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

The publish a proclamation around the world that all people should fear God and tremble before him. God is able to use even the heathen to send forth His praise- God can do without our held, but He chose to use people like Daniel and Darius through His Divine wisdom to make His mighty power known even by unjust circumstances.