As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. As soon as the king heard thisThis phrase indicates the immediacy of King Darius's reaction upon learning about the decree's implications for Daniel. The Hebrew root for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and internalizing the gravity of the situation. Historically, this reflects the king's awareness of the irreversible nature of Medo-Persian laws, which even he could not alter. The king's immediate distress underscores his respect and affection for Daniel, highlighting the personal conflict between his royal duty and personal loyalty. he was deeply distressed
The phrase "deeply distressed" conveys an intense emotional turmoil. The Aramaic word used here, "be'ish" (בְּאֵשׁ), suggests a burning or consuming anxiety. This reflects the king's internal struggle and the weight of responsibility he feels. In the historical context of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, a king's emotional display was significant, as it showed vulnerability and humanity, traits not often associated with rulers of that era. he set his mind on delivering Daniel
This phrase indicates a determined resolve. The Aramaic root "shavah" (שָׁוָה) for "set" implies a deliberate and focused intention. The king's resolve to deliver Daniel demonstrates his recognition of Daniel's innocence and his desire to uphold justice, even against the constraints of his own decree. This reflects a biblical theme of righteousness and the moral duty of leaders to protect the innocent. and made every effort until sundown
The phrase "made every effort" suggests a relentless pursuit. The Aramaic word "haval" (הֲוָל) implies exertion and striving. The mention of "until sundown" is significant, as it marks the end of the day and the deadline for executing the decree. This urgency highlights the king's desperation and the limited time he had to find a legal loophole to save Daniel. It underscores the tension between human limitations and divine intervention, a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel. to rescue him
The word "rescue" (נָצַל, natsal) in Hebrew conveys the idea of snatching away or delivering from danger. This reflects the king's ultimate goal and his recognition of Daniel's value not only as a trusted advisor but as a man of God. Theologically, this points to the divine theme of deliverance and salvation, foreshadowing God's intervention in the lion's den. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to those who remain steadfast in their faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who was tricked into signing a decree that endangered Daniel. His distress upon realizing the consequences of his decree shows his respect and affection for Daniel. 2. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the kingdom. His unwavering commitment to God led to his persecution under the new decree. 3. The DecreeA law established by King Darius, manipulated by Daniel's adversaries, which prohibited prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days. This decree was irrevocable according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. 4. The AdversariesOther officials and satraps who were envious of Daniel's position and sought to eliminate him by exploiting his faithfulness to God. 5. The Lion's DenThe place of execution for those who violated the king's decree. It symbolizes the trials and persecution faced by the faithful. Teaching Points The Power of InfluenceThe account highlights how leaders can be influenced by those around them. It is crucial to surround oneself with godly counsel to avoid making decisions that contradict God's will. Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering faith serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, even when faced with severe consequences. God's Sovereignty and DeliveranceDespite human laws and schemes, God's sovereignty prevails. Believers can trust in God's ultimate deliverance and justice. The Importance of PrayerDaniel's commitment to prayer, even in the face of danger, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life as a source of strength and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does King Darius' reaction to the decree reflect his relationship with Daniel, and what can we learn about the importance of integrity in our relationships? 2. In what ways does Daniel's response to the decree challenge us to evaluate our own commitment to God in the face of societal pressures? 3. How can the account of Daniel in the lion's den encourage us when we face trials or persecution for our faith today? 4. What parallels can you draw between Daniel's experience and the experiences of other biblical figures who faced persecution for their faith? 5. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Daniel's deliverance, influence your understanding of God's role in the challenges you face? Connections to Other Scriptures Esther 8Similar to King Darius, King Ahasuerus was manipulated into a decree that endangered the Jews, but he later sought to rectify the situation. Acts 5The apostles, like Daniel, faced persecution for their faithfulness to God, demonstrating the recurring theme of divine deliverance for those who remain steadfast. Psalm 34:19This verse speaks to the many afflictions of the righteous and God's deliverance, paralleling Daniel's experience. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Arranging, Daniel, Deeply, Deliver, Delivering, Determined, Displeased, Distressed, Ears, Effort, Evil, Exerting, Fixed, Free, Greatly, Heart, Keeping, Kept, King's, Labored, Laboured, Matter, Mind, Power, Rescue, Safe, Save, Setting, Sore, Statement, Sundown, Sunset, Thereby, TillDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:14 6227 regret 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 6:14 NIVDaniel 6:14 NLTDaniel 6:14 ESVDaniel 6:14 NASBDaniel 6:14 KJV
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