All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governorsThis phrase highlights the extensive and hierarchical nature of the Persian administration. The term "satraps" refers to provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, a system established by Darius the Great. The inclusion of various officials indicates a unified front among the leadership, suggesting a well-orchestrated plan. Historically, this reflects the bureaucratic complexity of the empire, which was known for its administrative efficiency. The unity among these officials also underscores the gravity of the conspiracy against Daniel, as it involved the highest levels of government. have agreed
The phrase "have agreed" implies a consensus or collusion among the officials. In the Hebrew text, the word used can suggest a secretive or deceitful agreement, indicating that the officials were conspiring with ulterior motives. This agreement was not just a casual decision but a calculated plot to entrap Daniel, who was known for his unwavering faithfulness to God. Theologically, this reflects the spiritual warfare that believers often face, where opposition can arise from those in positions of power. that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree
The terms "ordinance" and "decree" refer to legal enactments that were binding and irrevocable under the law of the Medes and Persians. This reflects the historical context where royal decrees were considered unchangeable, emphasizing the seriousness of the plot against Daniel. Theologically, this highlights the contrast between human laws and God's sovereign will, as God's plans ultimately prevail despite human schemes. that for thirty days
The specification of "thirty days" indicates a temporary but significant period designed to trap Daniel. The choice of a limited timeframe suggests that the conspirators were confident that Daniel's faithfulness would lead to his downfall within this period. This reflects the historical context of testing loyalty to the king, a common practice in ancient empires to ensure allegiance. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the trials believers may face, which are often temporary but require steadfast faith. anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king
This phrase reveals the exclusivity and idolatry inherent in the decree. By elevating the king to a divine status, the officials were appealing to his pride and desire for absolute loyalty. Historically, rulers in ancient times were often deified, and this decree reflects such practices. Theologically, this challenges the first commandment, as it places a human authority above God. It serves as a warning against idolatry and the temptation to compromise one's faith for political or social gain. will be thrown into the den of lions
The "den of lions" was a method of execution that symbolized ultimate judgment and punishment. Archaeologically, lion pits have been discovered in ancient Near Eastern sites, confirming the historical practice of using lions for executions. This phrase underscores the severity of the decree and the peril Daniel faced. Spiritually, it represents the trials and persecutions believers may endure for their faith. However, it also foreshadows God's deliverance, as seen later in the chapter, reminding believers of God's power to save and protect those who remain faithful to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the kingdom of Darius. Known for his unwavering devotion to God. 2. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who is manipulated into signing the decree against prayer to any god or man except himself. 3. Royal Administrators, Prefects, Satraps, Advisers, and GovernorsHigh-ranking officials who conspired against Daniel due to jealousy of his favor with the king. 4. The Den of LionsA place of execution for those who disobey the king's decree, symbolizing the severe consequences of defying royal authority. 5. The DecreeA law established to trap Daniel, prohibiting prayer to any deity or person other than King Darius for thirty days. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, even under threat of death, teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God despite external pressures. The Power of PrayerDaniel's consistent prayer life demonstrates the necessity of maintaining a strong relationship with God, regardless of circumstances. God's SovereigntyThe account illustrates that God's authority surpasses human laws and decrees, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate control. Integrity and InfluenceDaniel's integrity in the face of opposition serves as a model for Christians to maintain their witness and influence in secular environments. Spiritual WarfareThe conspiracy against Daniel reflects the spiritual battles believers face, reminding us to be vigilant and prayerful. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's response to the decree challenge us to evaluate our own commitment to prayer and worship? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to God when faced with societal pressures that contradict our beliefs? 3. How does the account of Daniel in the lions' den encourage us to trust in God's protection and deliverance? 4. What can we learn from Daniel's integrity and influence in a secular government about living out our faith in the workplace? 5. How do the actions of the conspirators against Daniel reflect the spiritual battles we face today, and how can we prepare ourselves to stand firm? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3This verse emphasizes the commandment to have no other gods before the Lord, highlighting Daniel's commitment to God's law over human decrees. Acts 5:29The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels Daniel's decision to continue praying despite the king's decree. 1 Peter 5:8The warning about the devil prowling like a roaring lion connects to the literal lions in Daniel's account, symbolizing spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Administrators, Advisers, Agreed, Anyone, Authority, Besides, Captains, Cast, Chief, Chiefs, Commissioners, Common, Consulted, Counsel, Counsellors, Counselors, Decision, Decree, Den, Deputies, During, Edict, Enforce, Establish, Except, Firm, Force, Governors, Hole, Injunction, Interdict, Issue, Kingdom, King's, Law, Lions, Makes, Ministers, O, Officials, Order, Ordinance, Petition, Prays, Prefects, Presidents, Princes, Request, Royal, Rulers, Satraps, Save, Seeketh, Statute, Strengthen, Strong, Thirty, Thrown, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:7 4666 lion
5463 proclamations
5568 suffering, causes
5783 agreement
8450 martyrdom Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Daniel 6:2-7 4065 orderliness Daniel 6:3-9 8800 prejudice Daniel 6:3-14 7515 anti-semitism Daniel 6:4-7 5589 trap Daniel 6:6-7 5327 governors Daniel 6:6-10 5931 resistance Daniel 6:7-10 5257 civil authorities
5811 compromise 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 6:7 NIVDaniel 6:7 NLTDaniel 6:7 ESVDaniel 6:7 NASBDaniel 6:7 KJV
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