and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. and over themThis phrase indicates a hierarchical structure within the governance of the kingdom. The "them" refers to the satraps mentioned in the previous verse. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such a structure was common, with layers of authority to ensure efficient administration. The Hebrew root for "over" (עַל, 'al) often implies authority or supervision, suggesting that these administrators had significant power and responsibility. three administrators
The term "administrators" (Hebrew: סָרִיסִים, sarisim) can also be translated as "officials" or "governors." The number three is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine perfection. These administrators were likely chosen for their wisdom and ability to manage the affairs of the kingdom effectively. Historically, this reflects the Persian Empire's administrative practices, where trusted officials were appointed to oversee various regions. including Daniel
Daniel's inclusion among the administrators highlights his exceptional qualities and the favor he found with the king. Despite being a foreigner and a captive, Daniel's integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness set him apart. This phrase underscores the biblical theme of God elevating His faithful servants, regardless of their circumstances. Daniel's role here is a testament to his unwavering commitment to God and his ability to navigate the complexities of a pagan court. were set
The phrase "were set" (Hebrew: נִתְנָה, nithnah) implies a deliberate and purposeful appointment. This was not a random selection but a strategic placement by the king. The use of this term suggests divine providence, as God orchestrates events to position His people where they can have the most impact. It reflects the biblical principle that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations and individuals. to whom these satraps were accountable
Accountability is a key theme here. The satraps, who were regional governors, reported to the administrators, ensuring a system of checks and balances. This structure was designed to prevent corruption and inefficiency. The Hebrew concept of accountability (דִין, din) often carries a sense of judgment or evaluation, emphasizing the importance of integrity and responsibility in leadership. so that the king would not suffer loss
The primary purpose of this administrative structure was to protect the king's interests. The phrase "suffer loss" (Hebrew: נְזִיקָה, nezikah) can refer to financial loss, political instability, or damage to the king's reputation. This reflects the practical concerns of governance in the ancient world, where the prosperity of the kingdom was directly linked to the effectiveness of its leaders. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the consequences of mismanagement. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God. He was appointed as one of the three administrators over the kingdom. 2. AdministratorsThree high-ranking officials, including Daniel, appointed to oversee the satraps and ensure the king's interests were protected. 3. SatrapsRegional governors in the Persian Empire responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes. They were accountable to the administrators. 4. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire at this time, who appointed Daniel and the other administrators to prevent loss in his kingdom. 5. BabylonThe location of the events, a significant city in the ancient world and the center of the Babylonian and later the Medo-Persian Empire. Teaching Points Faithfulness in ExileDaniel's appointment as an administrator demonstrates the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in challenging circumstances. Believers are called to maintain integrity and excellence in their work, regardless of their environment. God's SovereigntyThe appointment of Daniel shows God's control over political affairs. Christians can trust that God is at work in the leadership and governance of nations. Accountability and StewardshipThe structure of accountability among the satraps and administrators highlights the biblical principle of stewardship. Believers are to be responsible and trustworthy in their roles, ensuring that they do not cause loss to those they serve. Influence through IntegrityDaniel's life exemplifies how integrity and godly character can lead to positions of influence. Christians are encouraged to let their light shine before others, impacting their communities positively. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's role as an administrator reflect his faithfulness to God, and what can we learn from his example about serving in secular environments? 2. In what ways does the structure of accountability in Daniel 6:2 mirror biblical principles of stewardship and responsibility? 3. How can we apply the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Daniel's appointment, to our understanding of current political and social structures? 4. What parallels can we draw between Daniel's rise to power and Joseph's account in Genesis, and how do these accounts encourage us in our personal and professional lives? 5. How can we cultivate integrity and excellence in our daily lives to become influential for God's kingdom, as Daniel did in Babylon? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 22:29This verse speaks to the diligence and skill that leads to serving before kings, much like Daniel's rise to a position of influence. 1 Peter 2:12Encourages believers to live exemplary lives among non-believers, similar to Daniel's conduct in a foreign land. Genesis 41:39-41Joseph's rise to power in Egypt parallels Daniel's appointment, showing God's providence in elevating His faithful servants. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Account, Accountable, Accounts, Captains, Chief, Commissioners, Damage, Daniel, Higher, Loss, Presidents, Princes, Render, Responsible, Rulers, Satraps, Suffer, UndergoDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:1-3 5556 stewardship Daniel 6:1-4 5327 governors Daniel 6:1-5 8796 persecution, forms of Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Daniel 6:2-7 4065 orderliness 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 6:2 NIVDaniel 6:2 NLTDaniel 6:2 ESVDaniel 6:2 NASBDaniel 6:2 KJV
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