Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed--in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." Now, O kingThis phrase sets the stage for the urgency and respect with which the officials approach King Darius. The use of "Now" indicates immediacy, suggesting that the matter is of pressing importance. The address "O king" reflects the hierarchical structure of the ancient Near Eastern courts, where the king was seen as the ultimate authority. Historically, kings were often viewed as semi-divine figures, and their decrees carried the weight of divine mandate. establish the decree
The word "establish" implies setting something firmly in place, making it unchangeable. In the context of ancient legal systems, a decree was a formal and authoritative order. The Hebrew root for "decree" often conveys the idea of a binding command. This reflects the seriousness with which such decrees were treated, as they were not merely suggestions but mandates that required obedience. and sign the document
Signing a document in ancient times was akin to sealing it with the king's authority. The act of signing was a formal endorsement, making the decree official and enforceable. Archaeological findings, such as ancient seals and tablets, illustrate how important the act of signing was in authenticating documents. This practice ensured that the decree was recognized as legitimate and binding. so that it cannot be changed
This phrase underscores the permanence intended by the decree. In the legal traditions of the Medes and Persians, once a law was enacted, it was irrevocable. This concept of unchangeable laws is echoed in other parts of Scripture, highlighting the contrast between human laws and the eternal, unchanging nature of God's Word. in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians
The "law of the Medes and Persians" was known for its rigidity and permanence. Historically, this legal system was renowned for its strict adherence to the rule that once a law was passed, it could not be altered. This reflects the cultural and political context of the time, where stability and order were maintained through unchangeable laws. which cannot be repealed
The phrase "cannot be repealed" emphasizes the finality and authority of the decree. In the context of Daniel 6, this unchangeable nature of the law sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, as it places Daniel in a seemingly impossible situation. This highlights the theme of divine sovereignty, as God's power ultimately transcends even the most unalterable human laws. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who is persuaded to sign a decree that ultimately leads to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. 2. DanielA faithful servant of God and high-ranking official in the kingdom, known for his unwavering devotion to God despite the king's decree. 3. The Satraps and AdministratorsOfficials who conspired against Daniel, motivated by jealousy and seeking to eliminate him by manipulating the king. 4. The Law of the Medes and PersiansA legal system known for its irrevocability, which plays a crucial role in the account as it binds the king to his decree. 5. The Lions' DenThe place of punishment where Daniel is thrown as a result of the decree, symbolizing the trials faced by those who remain faithful to God. Teaching Points The Unchangeable Nature of Human Laws vs. Divine SovereigntyHuman laws, like those of the Medes and Persians, may seem unchangeable, but God's sovereignty ultimately prevails. Trust in God's ultimate authority. Faithfulness in the Face of PersecutionDaniel's unwavering commitment to prayer despite the decree teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God even when facing persecution. The Power of Influence and ManipulationThe satraps' manipulation of King Darius serves as a warning about the power of influence and the need for discernment in leadership. God's Protection and DeliveranceDaniel's deliverance from the lions' den is a testament to God's protection over those who are faithful, encouraging believers to trust in His deliverance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the irrevocable nature of the law of the Medes and Persians compare to God's unchanging nature, and what comfort can we find in this comparison? 2. In what ways can Daniel's example of faithfulness inspire us to stand firm in our beliefs when faced with societal pressures? 3. How can we discern when to obey human authorities and when to prioritize obedience to God, as seen in Daniel's account and Acts 5:29? 4. What lessons can we learn from the satraps' manipulation of King Darius about the influence of others in our decision-making processes? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or deliverance in your life. How does Daniel's account encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures Esther 1:19This verse also references the irrevocable nature of the laws of the Medes and Persians, highlighting the unchangeable nature of royal decrees. Acts 5:29Peter and the apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels Daniel's decision to continue praying despite the king's decree. Romans 13:1-2Discusses the importance of submitting to governing authorities, yet Daniel's account illustrates the higher call to obey God when human laws conflict with divine commands. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Accordance, Alter, Altered, Altereth, Changed, Decree, Document, Doesn't, Establish, Force, Injunction, Interdict, Issue, Law, Laws, Medes, Media, O, Order, Pass, Persia, Persians, Repealed, Revoked, Sign, Signing, WritingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Daniel 6:3-9 8800 prejudice Daniel 6:3-14 7515 anti-semitism 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 6:8 NIVDaniel 6:8 NLTDaniel 6:8 ESVDaniel 6:8 NASBDaniel 6:8 KJV
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