The Thinker Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem… 1. In the eagerness of rationalism to discredit the Book of Daniel, exception has been taken to the practice of praying at the three points of the day. Such a devotional plan is said to have filtered from India "into the neighbouring countries of the West," and that not until Maccabean times. But the objector had forgotten Psalm 4:17, or has to move it also to a later date. To ascribe this praying thrice to a Parsee origin is to forget that Parsee worship is a worship not merely at the turning-points of the day, but a worship of those portions of time. 2. This chapter contains a vivid picture of human nature, corrupt nature. The fact than Daniel was placed "above the presidents and princes" excited their envy. But what a witness we have in Daniel's integrity, that his enemies could find nothing to lay hold of except "concerning the law of his God." Then the shadow creeps again across the scene; and the intoxication of power, and the fascination of flattery and vain glory, is a sickening spectacle of human folly and deceit. See how Daniel behaved under the circumstances. I. HIS CALMNESS. 1. There was enough to call up resentment. He was marked out as a victim by a secret cabal. 2. He did not angrily complain or demand any explanation. He retired to his chamber and prayed to God. 3. Calmness is the result of confidence in God. 4. Prayer was nothing new; it was the prophet's habit. The affairs of state, and the vast concerns which demanded his attention, did not thrust aside the claims of God. He found time for prayer, and turned to the fountain of light for guidance in the discharge of his daily duties. II. HIS DEVOTION. 1. Its regularity. "All nations and all faiths of cultivated men have chosen the twilight hour, morning and evening, for their devotion." Though the midday prayer was not so general, yet pious souls at noontide refreshed themselves with an act of divine communion. 2. The posture. Kneeling. The higher spirituality which affects to disregard the posture of the body in acts of worship, finds no countenance in the Scriptures. 3. The direction. "Toward Jerusalem." Perhaps in obedience to the law (Deuteronomy 12:11), or to the Sotomonic injunction (1 Kings 8:44). Thus reminded of God's promises. III. HIS COURAGE. 1. The open windows are evidence that Daniel did not wish to hide his actions. 2. His faithfulness to God is more meritorious when his history is taken into account. Lessons. (1) The warning against the subtle sin of envy must not be over-looked. (2) The calmness of the prophet, and his immediate turning to God at this dire crisis, have the link of connection which has cause to effect. Calmness in difficulties is the product of confidence in and communion with God. (3) Daniel's devotion is exemplary in its regularity, reverence and direction. The windows open "towards Jerusalem" should remind us of the heavenward gaze of the soul in time of prayer. (4) Those who plead circumstances as an excuse for their moral and spiritual failure should contemplate the courage and faith- fulness of Daniel amid an environment full of difficulty and danger. (The Thinker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. |
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