◄ Daniel 6:28 ►
So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Study Bible
So Daniel prospered
The phrase "So Daniel prospered" indicates a continuation and culmination of Daniel's faithfulness and God's favor upon him. The Hebrew root for "prospered" is "צלח" (tsalach), which means to advance, succeed, or thrive. This prosperity is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and moral success. Daniel's prosperity is a testament to his unwavering faith and integrity, even in the face of adversity. His life exemplifies the biblical principle that those who honor God will be honored by Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Daniel's prosperity serves as an encouragement to believers that steadfast faith and obedience to God can lead to divine favor and success.

during the reign of Darius
"Darius" refers to Darius the Mede, who is mentioned in the Book of Daniel as the ruler who took over Babylon after the fall of Belshazzar. Historically, there is some debate about the identity of Darius the Mede, but he is often associated with Gubaru, a governor under Cyrus, or possibly another title for Cyrus himself. The reign of Darius marks a period of transition and change, yet Daniel remains a constant figure of influence and stability. This highlights the sovereignty of God in placing His servants in positions of influence, regardless of political changes. Daniel's ability to prosper under Darius underscores the theme of God's providence and protection over His people.

and the reign of Cyrus the Persian
"Cyrus the Persian" is a significant historical figure known for his decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Cyrus is seen as a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1), where he is called God's "anointed" to accomplish His purposes. The mention of Cyrus in Daniel 6:28 connects Daniel's account to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for Israel. Daniel's prosperity during Cyrus's reign signifies the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. It also reflects the biblical theme that God can use even foreign rulers to achieve His divine purposes. Daniel's influence during this time would have been instrumental in preparing the way for the return of the exiles, demonstrating how God positions His people strategically to fulfill His will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his unwavering faith and integrity. He served in high positions under several kings due to his exceptional wisdom and God's favor.

2. Darius
Likely Darius the Mede, who took over the kingdom after the fall of Babylon. He is known for establishing a new administrative structure and for his role in the account of Daniel in the lions' den.

3. Cyrus the Persian
The founder of the Persian Empire, known for his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. His reign marked a significant shift in the history of the Jewish people.

4. Babylon
The city and empire where Daniel was taken as an exile. It was a center of power and culture in the ancient world.

5. Persian Empire
The empire that succeeded Babylon, known for its vast reach and relatively benevolent rule under leaders like Cyrus.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
Daniel's prosperity under different rulers illustrates God's control over political powers and His faithfulness to His people.

Integrity and Faithfulness in Adversity
Daniel's consistent character and faithfulness to God, even in a foreign land, serve as a model for believers facing challenges today.

God's Use of Secular Leaders
The reigns of Darius and Cyrus show how God can use secular authorities to accomplish His divine purposes, encouraging believers to trust in God's overarching plan.

Prosperity Beyond Material Wealth
Daniel's prosperity is not just material but also spiritual and relational, reminding believers that true prosperity is found in a life aligned with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's life in Babylon and under Persian rule demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders?

2. In what ways can Daniel's integrity and faithfulness inspire us in our own workplaces or communities today?

3. How does the prophecy concerning Cyrus in Isaiah relate to the events described in Daniel 6:28, and what does this teach us about God's control over history?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek to prosper spiritually, as Daniel did, in environments that may not align with our faith?

5. How can we discern God's purposes in the actions of secular leaders today, and how should this influence our prayers and actions as believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 1
Introduces Daniel and his companions, highlighting their commitment to God and the favor they found in the Babylonian court.

Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1
Prophecies concerning Cyrus, emphasizing God's sovereignty in using him to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

Ezra 1
Describes Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling God's promise and demonstrating His control over history.
Sermons
DanielN. Emmons, D.D.Daniel 6:28
Daniel's Steadfast PietyH. Hill, D.D.Daniel 6:28
How Daniel ProsperedJohn McNeill.Daniel 6:28
The Tables TurnedJ.D. Davies Daniel 6:19-28
People
Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Persians
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem
Topics
Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, During, Enjoyed, Kingdom, Persian, Prospered, Reign, Success
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 6:28

     5366   king
     7217   exile, in Babylon

Daniel 6:19-28

     5931   resistance

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 Scripture

Faith 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 6:28 NIV
Daniel 6:28 NLT
Daniel 6:28 ESV
Daniel 6:28 NASB
Daniel 6:28 KJV

Daniel 6:28 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Daniel 6:27
Top of Page
Top of Page