Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Thus the administrators and satrapsThe term "administrators" refers to high-ranking officials in the Persian Empire, likely equivalent to modern-day governors or senior bureaucrats. The "satraps" were provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, responsible for the administration and security of their regions. Historically, the Persian Empire was known for its complex administrative system, which allowed it to manage vast territories. The Hebrew term for "satrap" is "אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּא" (achashdarpenaya), reflecting the influence of Persian governance on the Jewish people during the exile. This context highlights the political tension and jealousy that Daniel faced as a foreigner in a high position. sought to find a charge against Daniel
The phrase "sought to find a charge" indicates a deliberate and malicious intent to undermine Daniel. The Hebrew root "בָּקַשׁ" (baqash) means to seek or search diligently. This reflects the depth of the conspiracy against Daniel, as his adversaries were actively looking for any fault to accuse him. In a spiritual sense, this mirrors the trials faced by believers who stand firm in their faith amidst worldly opposition. concerning the kingdom
This phrase suggests that the officials were trying to find fault with Daniel's conduct in his official duties. The focus on "the kingdom" underscores the political nature of their plot. Daniel's role in the kingdom was significant, and his integrity in this position was crucial. Historically, the Persian Empire valued loyalty and efficiency, and Daniel's exemplary service would have been well-known, making the task of finding fault even more challenging for his adversaries. But they could find no charge or corruption
The word "charge" in Hebrew is "עִלָּה" (illah), meaning a pretext or accusation. "Corruption" is translated from the Hebrew "שְׁחִיתוּ" (shechituth), implying moral or ethical decay. The absence of both indicates Daniel's impeccable character and integrity. This serves as an inspirational model for believers, emphasizing the importance of living a life above reproach, even when under scrutiny. because he was trustworthy
The term "trustworthy" is derived from the Hebrew "נֶאֱמָן" (ne'eman), meaning faithful or reliable. Daniel's faithfulness was not only to the earthly king but ultimately to God. His unwavering commitment to his duties and his faith made him a man of integrity. This highlights the biblical principle that true faithfulness is rooted in one's relationship with God, which in turn influences all aspects of life. and no negligence or corruption was found in him
"Negligence" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁלוּ" (shalu), meaning oversight or carelessness. The repetition of "corruption" emphasizes the thoroughness of the investigation against Daniel and the purity of his conduct. The phrase "was found in him" suggests an exhaustive search, yet Daniel remained blameless. This serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of a life dedicated to God, encouraging believers to strive for excellence and integrity in all they do. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA Jewish exile in Babylon who rose to a high position in the government due to his exceptional qualities and faithfulness to God. 2. Administrators and SatrapsHigh-ranking officials in the Persian Empire who were envious of Daniel's favor with the king and sought to undermine him. 3. The KingdomRefers to the Persian Empire under King Darius, where Daniel served as one of the top administrators. 4. Charge Against DanielThe officials attempted to find fault in Daniel's conduct in his governmental duties but were unsuccessful. 5. Trustworthiness and IntegrityDaniel's character is highlighted as being without fault, negligence, or corruption. Teaching Points Integrity in All CircumstancesDaniel's life exemplifies the importance of maintaining integrity, even when under scrutiny or facing opposition. Believers are called to be trustworthy in all areas of life. Faithfulness in WorkDaniel's diligence and excellence in his work serve as a model for Christians to perform their duties with the utmost care and dedication, reflecting God's glory in their professional lives. Handling OppositionDaniel's experience teaches us how to handle opposition with grace and steadfastness, relying on God's strength and wisdom rather than compromising our values. Living Above ReproachAs followers of Christ, we are encouraged to live lives that are above reproach, so that even when others seek to find fault, they will find none. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's example of integrity challenge you in your current work or life situation? 2. In what ways can you ensure that your conduct is above reproach, similar to Daniel's, in your community or workplace? 3. How can the principles found in 1 Peter 2:12 and Philippians 2:15 be applied to your daily interactions with non-believers? 4. What steps can you take to remain faithful and diligent in your responsibilities, even when facing opposition or envy from others? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced false accusations or opposition. How can Daniel's response guide you in handling similar situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Peter 2:12This verse encourages believers to live such good lives among non-believers that, even if they accuse you of wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds and glorify God. Philippians 2:15Paul urges believers to be blameless and pure, shining like stars in a crooked and depraved generation, similar to Daniel's example. Proverbs 11:3The integrity of the upright guides them, which aligns with Daniel's unwavering integrity in his duties. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics TRUE, Accusation, Affairs, Captains, Cause, Charges, Chief, Commissioners, Complaint, Conduct, Connection, Corrupt, Corruption, Daniel, Error, Evidence, Faithful, Fault, Forasmuch, Forward, Government, Ground, Grounds, Inasmuch, Kingdom, Negligence, Negligent, None, Occasion, Presidents, Pretext, Princes, Putting, Regard, Respect, Rulers, Satraps, Seeking, Sought, Touching, Tried, Trustworthy, Trying, Unable, Wrong, WrongdoingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:4 5523 servants, good
5821 criticism, among believers
8253 faithfulness, examples
8275 honesty
8354 trustworthiness 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 Daniel 6:3-5 8332 reputation Daniel 6:3-9 8800 prejudice Daniel 6:3-14 7515 anti-semitism Daniel 6:4-5 5047 opportunities, in life
5201 accusation Daniel 6:4-7 5589 trap 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 6:4 NIVDaniel 6:4 NLTDaniel 6:4 ESVDaniel 6:4 NASBDaniel 6:4 KJV
Daniel 6:4 Commentaries
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