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Daniel 6 The Fall of the Babylonian Empire

1 Daniel in the Den of Lions
It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom,

2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.

3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

6 So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever!

7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

8 Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”
The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.”

14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

15 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.

18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den.

20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “O king, live forever!

22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.”

23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land:
“May you prosper greatly!

26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.

27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”

28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

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Analysis of Daniel Chapter 6

Daniel 6 is one of the most famous chapters in the Book of Daniel, known primarily for the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. The chapter speaks volumes about faith, loyalty, integrity, and divine intervention. It presents a powerful narrative that can be dissected into several key themes and lessons. In this analysis, we will explore the chapter in detail, dissecting its parts to offer a thorough and insightful interpretation.

Context and Setting

The chapter begins by setting the stage during the reign of Darius the Mede, who had recently conquered Babylon. Darius, in an attempt to stabilize and organize his vast empire, appointed 120 satraps to govern different regions. Over these satraps, he placed three administrators, one of whom was Daniel.

This hierarchical setting is crucial as it highlights the organizational structure of the time and sets the stage for the conflict that unfolds. Daniel, because of his exceptional qualities, distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps, earning the favor of Darius, who considered placing him in charge of the entire kingdom.

Plot Against Daniel (Verses 4-9)

Daniel’s rise to prominence stirred jealousy among the other administrators and satraps, who sought to find grounds for charges against him. However, they could find no corruption in him as he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. This speaks volumes about Daniel’s character and integrity, which becomes a cornerstone of the narrative.

Unable to find any fault, the conspirators concocted a plan targeting Daniel’s religious practices. Knowing that Daniel prayed consistently to his God, they convinced King Darius to issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human other than Darius during the next thirty days would be thrown into the lions’ den. The decree, written in the laws of the Medes and Persians, was irrevocable.

Significance of the Decree

The decree serves as a critical plot device that tests Daniel’s faith and loyalty to God. It highlights the clash between civic duty and religious devotion. The irrevocability of the law underscores the severity of the situation, as not even the king can alter it once signed.

Daniel’s Response (Verses 10-13)

Upon learning of the decree, Daniel did not waver in his faith. He continued his practice of praying three times a day with his windows open towards Jerusalem, as was his custom. This act of defiance was not a political statement but a profound act of faith.

Daniel’s unwavering commitment to his prayer routine despite the danger it posed illustrates his steadfastness and trust in God. It reflects the importance of prayer and devotion, even in the face of life-threatening adversities.

The conspirators, lying in wait, immediately reported Daniel’s actions to the king, reinforcing the irrevocability of the decree and urging that the punishment be carried out.

Darius’ Dilemma (Verses 14-18)

King Darius, upon realizing the trap set for Daniel, was greatly distressed. He valued Daniel and sought every possible means to rescue him, but the law of the Medes and Persians left him powerless. This part of the narrative underscores the king’s respect and admiration for Daniel’s character, and it also highlights the limitations of human authority as compared to divine authority.

Eventually, Darius was compelled to order Daniel’s execution. As Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, the king expressed a profound hope, saying, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” This statement reveals that even Darius, a pagan king, recognized the power and faithfulness of Daniel’s God.

Divine Intervention (Verses 19-23)

The climax of the chapter occurs the next morning when Darius, unable to sleep all night, hurried to the lions’ den. He called out to Daniel with a voice full of anguish, hoping against hope that Daniel’s God had saved him. To his great relief, Daniel responded, testifying that God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, thus preserving him because he was found innocent in God’s sight and had committed no wrong against the king.

This miraculous deliverance illustrates several key points:

  • God’s Sovereignty: The intervention of an angel to save Daniel underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation, even over the primal instincts of lions.
  • Faith Rewarded: Daniel’s steadfast faith and refusal to compromise his devotion to God were rewarded with divine protection.
  • Testimony of Faith: Daniel’s deliverance served as a powerful testimony to both Darius and the entire kingdom of God’s power and faithfulness.

Repercussions and Royal Decree (Verses 24-28)

Following Daniel’s miraculous survival, Darius ordered the arrest of the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. They, along with their families, were thrown into the lions’ den, where they met a grisly end. This outcome underscores the biblical principle that those who plan evil often fall into their own traps.

In response to the divine intervention and declaration of God’s power, Darius issued a new decree to all peoples, nations, and languages within his realm. The decree stated that everyone must fear and reverence the God of Daniel, for He is the living God who endures forever, His kingdom will not be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. This declaration is significant for several reasons:

  • Vindication of Faith: It publicly vindicated Daniel’s faith in his God, elevating the God of Israel in the eyes of a pagan empire.
  • Divine Credibility: It lent credibility to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites, contrasting it with the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding nations.
  • Influence of Testimony: Daniel’s personal testimony and miraculous deliverance had far-reaching implications, influencing the religious perspective of an entire empire.

The chapter concludes with the statement that Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian. This final note affirms God’s ongoing favor and sustenance for His faithful servant.

Key Themes and Lessons

Daniel Chapter 6 imparts several profound lessons that are relevant to readers across generations:

Integrity and Faithfulness

Daniel’s unwavering integrity and faithfulness, even in the face of death, serve as a timeless example for believers. His life encourages readers to maintain their trust in God and uphold their values even when pressured by external forces.

The Power of Prayer

The chapter emphasizes the importance of a consistent prayer life. Daniel’s habit of praying three times a day was both a source of strength and a testimony to his devotion. Prayer is portrayed as a vital connection to divine power and guidance.

Divine Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty is a central theme, demonstrating that God’s power transcends human authority and laws. The miraculous preservation of Daniel in the lions’ den is a testament to God’s prevailing control over all situations.

Impact of Testimony

Daniel’s faith and God’s response had a profound impact on the surrounding culture and leadership. It shows how individual acts of faith can influence broader societal beliefs and structures.

Justice and Retribution

The fate of the conspirators and their families illustrates the principle of divine justice and retribution. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of malice and deceit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daniel Chapter 6 is not just a historical account but a rich tapestry of spiritual lessons and divine truths. It challenges readers to consider their own faithfulness, the integrity of their actions, and the power of prayer in their lives. Daniel’s story is a testament to the enduring power of faith and God’s ability to intervene in the most dire of circumstances. It reminds believers that no matter the external pressures, remaining steadfast in faith can lead to divine deliverance and a powerful testimony that glorifies God.