Then they told the king, "Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day." Then they said to the kingThis phrase introduces the accusers of Daniel, who are speaking to King Darius. The context here is one of political intrigue and manipulation. The accusers are likely motivated by jealousy and a desire to eliminate Daniel, who has found favor with the king. Historically, this reflects the common practice in ancient courts where rivals would often seek to undermine each other to gain favor or power. The phrase sets the stage for the confrontation and highlights the tension between Daniel's faithfulness to God and the political machinations of his adversaries. Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah
This phrase identifies Daniel's heritage and status. The term "exiles from Judah" underscores Daniel's identity as a Jew living in a foreign land, a reminder of the Babylonian captivity. The historical context is significant, as it reflects the period after the fall of Jerusalem when many Jews were taken into exile. Despite his high position in the Persian administration, Daniel's identity as an exile is emphasized, highlighting his faithfulness to God amidst a pagan culture. This serves as an inspiration for maintaining one's faith and identity in challenging circumstances. pays no attention to you, O king
Here, the accusers are attempting to portray Daniel as disrespectful and disloyal to King Darius. The phrase "pays no attention" suggests a deliberate disregard, which is a serious accusation in a royal court. This reflects the tension between obeying earthly authority and remaining faithful to divine commandments. The historical context of the Persian Empire, where loyalty to the king was paramount, adds weight to this accusation. For believers, this phrase challenges them to consider the balance between respecting earthly authorities and prioritizing obedience to God. or to the decree you have signed
The decree in question was one that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. The phrase "decree you have signed" highlights the irrevocable nature of laws in the Medo-Persian Empire, as once a decree was signed, it could not be altered. This legal context underscores the gravity of Daniel's situation and the courage required to defy such a decree. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's convictions, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable legal or societal pressures. but he still prays three times a day
This phrase emphasizes Daniel's unwavering commitment to his faith. The act of praying "three times a day" is a testament to his disciplined spiritual life and dedication to God. Historically, this practice of regular prayer was a common Jewish custom, reflecting a deep commitment to maintaining a relationship with God. Daniel's consistency in prayer, despite the threat of punishment, serves as an inspirational example of faithfulness and perseverance. It encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual practices and remain steadfast in their devotion, regardless of external circumstances. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the kingdom of Darius. Known for his unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution. 2. The King (Darius)The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who was manipulated into signing a decree that endangered Daniel's life. 3. The Exiles from JudahRefers to the Jewish people who were taken captive to Babylon, among whom Daniel was a prominent figure. 4. The AccusersHigh officials and satraps who were envious of Daniel's position and sought to bring about his downfall by exploiting his faithfulness to God. 5. The InjunctionA decree signed by King Darius that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days, under penalty of being thrown into the lions' den. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, despite the threat of death, challenges us to remain faithful to God even when it is costly. The Power of Consistent PrayerDaniel's practice of praying three times a day highlights the importance of regular and disciplined prayer in maintaining a strong relationship with God. Integrity in LeadershipDaniel's integrity and excellence in his duties serve as a model for Christians in positions of authority or influence. God's Sovereignty Over Human DecreesThe account reminds us that God's plans and purposes prevail over human schemes and decrees. Standing Firm in IdentityDaniel's identity as one of the exiles from Judah underscores the importance of knowing and standing firm in our identity as God's people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's response to the king's decree challenge us in our own prayer lives and spiritual disciplines? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate integrity and faithfulness in our workplaces or communities, as Daniel did? 3. How can we prepare ourselves to stand firm in our faith when faced with societal pressures or persecution? 4. What does Daniel's account teach us about the importance of community and identity in maintaining our faith? 5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when human authorities or systems seem to oppose our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel's Faithfulness Connects to Daniel 1, where Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king's food, showing his consistent commitment to God's laws. Prayer in Adversity Relates to Philippians 4, where believers are encouraged to present their requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Persecution for Righteousness Ties to Matthew 5, where Jesus speaks of the blessing for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Attention, Captivity, Daniel, Decree, Doesn't, Exiles, Hast, Heed, Injunction, Interdict, Judah, Keeps, Makes, Maketh, Making, O, Order, Pays, Petition, Placed, Prayer, Prays, Prisoners, Regard, Regardeth, Removed, Respect, Saying, Seeking, Signed, Sons, Spoke, Writing, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:13 5829 defiance
7735 leaders, political
8438 giving, of time
8604 prayer, response to God
8618 prayerfulness
8800 prejudice Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Daniel 6:3-14 7515 anti-semitism Library A Tribute from Enemies
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 vi. 5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years the real governor of the whole empire; and, of course, in such a position had incurred much hatred and jealousy. He was a foreigner and a worshipper of another God, and therefore was all the more unpopular, as a Brahmin would be in England if he were …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFaith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
'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. 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. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Story of the Fiery Furnace
There was in the land of Judah a wicked king-named Jehoiakim, son of the good Josiah. While Jehoiakim was ruling over the land of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, a great conqueror of the nations, came from Babylon with his army of Chaldean soldiers. He took the city of Jerusalem, and made Jehoiakim promise to submit to him as his master. And when he went back to his own land he took with him all the gold and silver that he could find in the Temple; and he carried away as captives very many of the princes …
Logan Marshall—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 6:13 NIVDaniel 6:13 NLTDaniel 6:13 ESVDaniel 6:13 NASBDaniel 6:13 KJV
Daniel 6:13 Commentaries
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