Daniel 6
Email This Post
|
Print This Post
Daniel made governor (1-3)
Darius the Mede is now in control of the region of Babylon . Three governors were set up to be in charge over 120 satraps within the kingdom. To each of these governors were the satraps accountable. We see that Daniel was one of the governors. Daniel excelled so much more than the others that the king even considered setting him in charge over the whole realm. Once again we see the providence of God, taking care of Daniel even during a time of political upheaval, with the establishment of a new power.
Plot against Daniel (4-5)
As one would imagine, the other governors and satraps did not like this at all. So they went about trying to find some charge concerning Daniel. However, there was no accusation that could be made against Daniel. The only thing they knew that they could do would be to pit the law of God against the law of the king. There was no other way that they would be able to come up with any charge against Daniel.
Decree made (6-9)
Therefore, these governors and satraps came before King Darius. They tell the king that they have all been talking and “we want you to establish a royal decree that no one can petition any god except for you.�? Anyone who does not obey this command will be thrown into the lion’s den. Further, it is decreed according to the law of Medes and Persians. This meant that the law could not be altered. I always thought this was strange. It would seem that if the king were all-powerful he could revoke a law or change a law. But that does not seem to be the case in this empire. This would be an advantage to the people of God when they return and are building in Jerusalem . Cyrus decrees by law that the people go rebuild their temple, which could not be altered by other kings.
Daniel’s and Darius’ responses (10-15)
When Daniel knew that the decree was signed, he goes home and prays to God. There is no hesitation on the part of Daniel. Daniel is going to continue praying to God no matter what law is given. Of course, this is what the governors and satraps are waiting for. So they go back to King Darius and tells him that Daniel has violated his law. I would like for you to notice the reaction of Darius in comparison to the reaction of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4. Nebuchadnezzar went into a fit of rage, heats up the furnace seven times hotter, and throws Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into it. Darius, however, is upset with himself. He realizes that he has made a foolish mistake. Further, Darius tries to get Daniel out of this mess. However, the governors and satraps remind Darius that this is a law that cannot be altered.
The outcome (16-28)
Daniel is brought before the king. Notice what Darius says to Daniel in verse 16, “your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Darius is well aware of Daniel’s faith and service to God and says that his God will deliver him. Daniel is then put into the lion’s den and a stone is put over it and sealed so that the stone cannot be moved or tampered with. Notice again what the king is doing. He is fasting on behalf of Daniel. The king is showing a great amount of faith and concern for Daniel. In verse 19 Darius rises and runs to the lion’s den. Again, we see an amount of faith, believing that Daniel could have survived this incident. Darius calls out to Daniel, asking if Daniel has been delivered by his God. Daniel responds that an angel was sent to him to shut the mouths of the lions because he is innocent and has done nothing wrong. Daniel is pulled out of the lion’s den and Darius gives the command to cast in all those who had made an accusation, including their children and wives. Immediately the lions overpower the people and break their bones into pieces before they ever come to the bottom of the den. Finally, Darius makes a decree praising the true and living God. No one else can make a decree against God. And so Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and Cyrus.
