In Daniel 6, we see Daniel now under a new ruler, Darius the Mede. There are four district rulers mentioned under whom Daniel served. There were other rulers, but only these four are mentioned. Daniel may have dropped into the background under the other rulers.
Now that Darius had taken over the Babylonian Empire, he would seek someone whom he could trust and have confidence in to help in the administration of affairs of the newly acquired territory. The experience, eminence and integrity of Daniel were no doubt well known.
In all, there were 120 selected to assist the king, Daniel 6:1. Darius divided his realm into 120 satrapies or provinces, and set a satrap, a protector of the realm, in charge of each one, Esther 1:1 / Esther 8:9. Daniel was given a very high position of being over all the others, Daniel 6:2. In all probability, this was in reference only to the newly acquired land.
Daniel made such a favourable impression on Darius that the king considered elevating him more so that he would be over the entire kingdom, which would have included Media, Persia, Babylonia and all the other provinces which were in subjection to Darius, Daniel 6:3. The KJV says that Daniel possessed an extraordinary spirit, Daniel 6:3.
Butler, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Some view this as a spiritual gift, but others view this statement as meaning that in Daniel, the spirit was predominant, was uppermost, was enthroned. Excellent is something that excels, goes beyond, predominates. We might translate literally, ‘A spirit that excelled was in him’. The spiritual was the chief thing, not the flesh. This excellent spirit was a spirit of self-control, a spirit of genuine piety, a spirit of unshaken faith in God.’
The consideration of Daniel for such a high position occasioned no small amount of jealousy among the princes, Daniel 6:4. Thus, the princes now became Daniel’s enemies. Daniel was a foreigner and was one of the despised people held in captivity. They sought to find something wrong with him that they might report it to the king, thus preventing the contemplated appointment, Daniel 6:4.
Try as they did, they could find nothing wrong with his character or administrative ability, Daniel 6:4 / Romans 12:1-2 / Philippians 2:15 / 1 Peter 2:11-12. His one vulnerable point, they concluded, was his religion. His religious habits had been observed and were well known.
It was simply a matter of placing Daniel in the position of having to choose whether to obey the king or his God, Daniel 6:5. Knowing of his devoutness and faithfulness to God, they did not doubt which he would serve if presented with a test. This is actually a great compliment to Daniel.
The princes and other dignitaries present themselves with flattery before the king, Daniel 6:6, asking that a royal statue be made, Daniel 6:7, and that for thirty days no petition could be made to anyone save the king, Daniel 6:7. This would include all the gods worshipped by the people. If this decree were violated, the guilty party would be thrown in the den of lions, Daniel 6:7.
Olmstead, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The Babylonians burned criminals alive, Daniel 4, but the Persians, who worshipped fire, threw them to the lions.’
Such a proposal would appeal to a vain king. It is evident that the king did not suspect that he was being used so that Daniel might be trapped. The king is urged to write and sign the decree, Daniel 6:8-9.
Once signed, it could not under any circumstances be changed, Daniel 6:8 / Daniel 6:12 / Daniel 6:15 / Esther 1:19 / Esther 8:8. The trap was now set. They knew it was only a matter of hours until Daniel would violate the king’s decree.
Constable, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The accusers’ plan was similar to that of the Babylonian officials who had tried to topple Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel 3. They knew that Daniel was a God-fearing man who did not worship pagan idols. So they set a trap for him, believing that he would remain faithful to his faith. When Daniel had to choose between obeying his God or his government, his God came first, Daniel 6:10 / Acts 5:29.’
In all probability, a public proclamation of the decree was made, and Daniel learned of it, Daniel 6:10. As anticipated, he made no change in his habits. He went as his custom to his open window and, facing Jerusalem, he would kneel and pray three times a day, Daniel 6:10 / Philippians 4:6. This was probably morning, noon and evening, Psalm 55:17.
McGuiggan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Here is the man’s devotion, for he did not serve in ignorance. This was no act of bravado; it was his holy custom. Daniel spoke to God. Position, reputation, and all that goes with those were placed in the open window.’
This would be a good practice for all Christians today. This does not mean that Daniel took specific pains to open the windows so he could be seen, but that he took no precautions to close them. In a warm climate, such as Babylon had, the windows were probably open most of the time.
There were those waiting to see, and as soon as the deed was done, the information was taken to the king, Daniel 6:11-12. This charge is very forceful. One who is a foreigner, and a captive had completely disregarded the solemn decree of the king, Daniel 6:13. This had happened not just once but was taking place three times a day, Daniel 6:13.
The king was greatly distressed because he had been trapped, and he realised that he had been duped into a stupid thing. He had by giving the decree, brought death upon his most admired and trusted administrator.
It could not happen; surely something could be done to break the decree or deliver Daniel, Daniel 6:14. In what way he sought to deliver Daniel, we do not know, but he deliberated as long as time would allow.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following concerning Daniel 6:14.
‘This verse speaks volumes for the relationship that existed between Darius and Daniel. Darius is not angered by Daniel’s failure to comply with this law; he immediately seeks to save Daniel. The law that he signed is of no consequence to Darius at this point; his consuming desire is to save Daniel. Darius is now trapped like a wild animal, trying to free itself. He may have consulted his lawyers, argued with his opponents, poured over past legal decisions, all to no avail.’
This is a striking illustration of the difficulties which often arise in the administration of justice, where the law is absolute and yet where there is a strong reason why the penalty should not be inflicted. This was true of the Law of Moses in many respects.
The princes remind the king that the decree is unalterable. The law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed, not even by the king who gave it, Daniel 6:15 / 2 Corinthians 1:8-9.
Most reluctantly, the king had Daniel brought and cast into the den of lions, Daniel 6:16. The king now makes a remarkable statement. He said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you! Daniel 6:16. Since the high king of the Medo-Persian Empire could do nothing, yet the God of Daniel could and would deliver him.
In order to prevent Daniel’s situation from changing, a stone was placed over the den, it was sealed by the king with his own signet ring and with the rings of the nobles, Daniel 6:17.
The den may have been a cave or underground pit. It was made with a narrow opening so that it could be covered with a stone. Some think it may have been a stall with rocks piled high on each side, with a small opening for an entrance.
Such a manner of execution was common among those of that day. Carvings and statues from remains of that era indicate that this was a common method of execution.
How strongly he believed this, we do not know, for he spent a restless night where sleep ailed him. Neither did he eat or enjoy music before retiring, Daniel 6:18. He was deeply disturbed and concerned for Daniel.
Butler, in his commentary, says the following.
‘He no doubt remonstrated with himself over and over at being tricked by his own pride and by evil and envious men, all of whom put together were not worth this trustworthy administrator.’
Very early the next morning the anxious king hastily went to the lion’s den, Daniel 6:19. The cried out with an anxious and remorseful voice to Daniel to see if God had delivered him from the lion’s jaws, Daniel 6:20. Notice the king calls Daniel a servant of the living God, his God, whom he continually serves, Daniel 6:20 / Daniel 3:17.
Will there be an answer from the den? Suddenly, there is the voice of Daniel from the den, after the customary address to the king, Daniel 6:21, he declares that God sent His angel to shut the lion’s mouth in order to protect him. He declares that he is innocent in God’s eyes and has done no harm to the king, Daniel 6:22.
Daniel was no doubt aware of the king’s innocence in the matter and who the true source of his problem was. God, in a miraculous way, had kept him from harm, Hebrews 11:33 / Daniel 3:28. It is interesting the number of times angels are employed on behalf of men.
Daniel probably never doubted for one moment concerning his safety. He may have had a good night’s rest unperturbed by the lions. All that the law required had now been fulfilled; thus, Daniel was released, and the king did this with gladness in his heart, Daniel 6:23. After an examination, it was found he had not been harmed in any way. This is attributed to his belief in God, Daniel 6:23.
The king is now aware that he had been used by the princes, called for their execution along with their wives and children by the same method as they called for Daniel, Daniel 6:24 / Genesis 12:3 / Esther 7:9-10 / Galatians 6:7.
He had been made a fool in subjecting his highest officer to the perils of death. The guilty are torn to pieces by the lions, Daniel 6:24. Literally, they did not come to the bottom of the den before the lions had mastery over them and broke all their bones.
Dunagan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The reason for this severe punishment is that they had used the king as a pawn for their own selfish purposes against an innocent man. In addition, they are also attempting to use God’s laws against one of God’s people. It is clear that the lions were very active and very hungry, for they did not even wait to get their victims to the bottom of the den. The only reason why they did not touch Daniel must be what the text says, that God miraculously delivered Daniel. The children and wives of such men were cast in, besides, which was a common punishment in Persia. It does remind us that sins affect far more people than just the person who sinned. How many families today are being destroyed because of the foolishness of only one of the family members?’
The king now sends a letter to all the people in the kingdom, Daniel 6:25. It was to honour the God of Daniel. There is no evidence that he considered Jehovah the only God, but probably meant that He should be recognised as a God of great power and glory and worthy of universal reverence, Daniel 6:26-27.
Daniel is restored to his position as a ruler again, Daniel 6:28. We would assume he was placed over the entire kingdom as originally planned by the king. Notice that Cyrus is called ‘the Persian’, Daniel 6:28; the kingdom was one and the same, but Darius and Cyrus were from different ethnic backgrounds. He prospered as a ruler under Darius and also later on under Cyrus.
We do not know how long Daniel lived during the reign of Cyrus. No doubt he was instrumental in his influence in securing permission for the return of his people to their homeland in Palestine. Under God’s providence, he had no doubt been raised to his high position so that he would be able to work on behalf of the return from captivity.
Chapter six concludes the historical section of the book. This section shows God’s protection over His people in their difficult situations and demonstrates the wisdom of putting their trust in Him. The remainder of the book will become entirely prophetic.