Daniel 6:21
Then Daniel replied, "O king, may you live forever!
Then Daniel replied
The phrase "Then Daniel replied" indicates a response to a preceding action or statement. In the context of Daniel 6, this is Daniel's response to King Darius after being found unharmed in the lions' den. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which means to answer or respond. This word often implies a thoughtful or considered response, suggesting Daniel's calm and composed demeanor even after a night in the lions' den. Historically, this reflects Daniel's unwavering faith and trust in God, which is a central theme throughout the Book of Daniel. His ability to respond with such poise underlines the divine protection and peace he experienced.

O king
The address "O king" is a respectful salutation, acknowledging the authority and position of King Darius. In the ancient Near Eastern context, addressing a king with respect was customary and expected. Daniel's use of this phrase demonstrates his respect for earthly authority, even when that authority had been manipulated against him. This respect for authority aligns with the biblical principle of honoring those in leadership, as seen in passages like Romans 13:1-7. Daniel's respectful address also serves as a testament to his character and integrity, which remained intact despite the unjust circumstances.

may you live forever!
The phrase "may you live forever!" is a traditional expression of loyalty and goodwill towards a king. In the ancient world, such expressions were common in royal courts and were meant to convey wishes for the king's prosperity and long reign. The Hebrew phrase used here is יְחִי לְעָלְמִין (yechi le'olamin), which literally translates to "live forever." While Daniel likely did not intend this as a literal wish, it reflects his continued loyalty and respect for King Darius, despite the king's role in his ordeal. This phrase also highlights Daniel's understanding of God's sovereignty over human rulers, as he ultimately places his trust in God's eternal kingdom rather than earthly powers. Daniel's ability to bless the king in this manner, after such a trial, is a powerful testament to his faith and the transformative power of God's presence in his life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his unwavering faith and integrity. He served in high governmental positions under several kings.

2. King Darius
The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who admired Daniel but was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den.

3. Lions' Den
A pit used for executing those who violated the king's decrees. Daniel was cast into it for praying to God despite the king's edict.

4. Babylon
The city where these events took place, a center of power and culture in the ancient world.

5. The Decree
An edict that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days, which Daniel defied by continuing his practice of praying to God.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Adversity
Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, challenges us to remain faithful in our own trials.

Respectful Communication
Despite being wronged, Daniel addresses the king with respect, teaching us the importance of maintaining a respectful demeanor even towards those who may oppose us.

God's Sovereignty
The account highlights God's control over circumstances and His ability to protect and deliver His faithful servants.

Prayer as a Priority
Daniel's dedication to prayer, even when it was outlawed, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life.

Witness through Integrity
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness serve as a powerful witness to those around him, including King Darius.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's response to King Darius demonstrate his character and faith? Reflect on how you can apply this in your interactions with authority figures.

2. In what ways does Daniel's experience in the lions' den parallel other biblical accounts of God's deliverance? How can these accounts encourage you in your own life?

3. Consider the role of prayer in Daniel's life. How can you prioritize prayer in your daily routine, even when faced with challenges?

4. How does Daniel's respectful address to the king inform your understanding of how to communicate with those who may oppose your beliefs?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity for your faith. How can Daniel's example inspire you to remain steadfast and trust in God's sovereignty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel's Faithfulness
Daniel's response to King Darius echoes his consistent faithfulness to God, similar to his earlier resolve not to defile himself with the king's food (Daniel 1).

God's Deliverance
The theme of divine deliverance is also seen in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

Respect for Authority
Daniel's respectful address to the king aligns with New Testament teachings on respecting governing authorities (Romans 13).
Strength of SoulH.T. Robjohns Daniel 6:1-24
The Tables TurnedJ.D. Davies Daniel 6:19-28
Daniel Taken Out of the DenWilliam Jay.Daniel 6:21-22
Daniel's Deliverance from the Den of LionsOutlines by a London MinisterDaniel 6:21-22
Daniel's Marvellous DeliverancesGeo. Stradling.Daniel 6:21-22
Daniel's Preservation from the LionsJ. Jaques.Daniel 6:21-22
People
Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Persians
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem
Topics
Ages, Daniel, Forever, O, Spoke, Spoken
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 6:21

     5863   flattery

Daniel 6:16-22

     1320   God, as Saviour
     5203   acquittal

Daniel 6:19-22

     6634   deliverance

Daniel 6:19-23

     1416   miracles, nature of

Daniel 6:19-28

     5931   resistance

Daniel 6:20-21

     5189   teeth

Daniel 6:21-22

     5132   biting

Daniel 6:21-23

     6738   rescue

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

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