Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. ThereforeThis word serves as a conjunction, linking the events that have transpired with the action that follows. In the context of Daniel 6, it indicates a culmination of the scheming by the satraps and administrators who sought to trap Daniel. The use of "therefore" underscores the inevitability of the decree being signed due to the manipulation and deceit that preceded it. It highlights the cause-and-effect relationship in the narrative, reminding us of the spiritual battles and the consequences of human actions. King Darius
King Darius, likely Darius the Mede, is a central figure in this chapter. Historically, there is some debate about his exact identity, but he is often associated with the Medo-Persian empire that succeeded Babylon. His role in this narrative is crucial as it demonstrates the vulnerability of even the most powerful rulers to manipulation and flattery. From a conservative Christian perspective, Darius represents the earthly authority that, while significant, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan. signed
The act of signing the decree is significant as it symbolizes the irrevocable nature of Medo-Persian law. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's decree was binding and unchangeable, reflecting the king's authority and the legal system's rigidity. This act of signing, therefore, sets the stage for the unfolding drama, where divine intervention will ultimately reveal God's supremacy over human laws and decrees. the written decree
The decree itself is central to the narrative. It was a written law that prohibited prayer to anyone except King Darius for thirty days. This decree was crafted specifically to target Daniel, a faithful servant of God. The emphasis on it being "written" highlights the permanence and seriousness of the law. In a broader scriptural context, this decree contrasts with God's eternal and unchanging Word, which offers life and freedom rather than restriction and death. The decree serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the importance of steadfast faith in the face of persecution. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. Known for his unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of persecution. 2. Darius the MedeThe king who ruled over the Medo-Persian Empire. He was manipulated by his officials into signing a decree that would endanger Daniel. 3. The Satraps and AdministratorsThese were the officials who conspired against Daniel, motivated by jealousy and a desire to eliminate him from his position of influence. 4. The DecreeA law established by King Darius, influenced by his officials, which prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days. 5. The Lion's DenThe place of punishment for those who violated the king's decree, symbolizing the trials and persecution faced by the faithful. Teaching Points The Importance of Consistent PrayerDaniel's practice of praying three times a day, even in the face of danger, underscores the necessity of maintaining a consistent prayer life. Standing Firm in FaithDaniel's refusal to compromise his faith, even when faced with death, serves as a powerful example of steadfastness for believers today. The Influence of Godly CharacterDaniel's integrity and faithfulness earned him respect and influence, demonstrating how a godly character can impact those around us. The Reality of Spiritual OppositionThe conspiracy against Daniel highlights the reality of spiritual opposition that believers may face when living out their faith. Trust in God's SovereigntyDaniel's account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when circumstances seem dire. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's response to the decree challenge us to evaluate our own commitment to prayer and faithfulness in difficult circumstances? 2. In what ways can we identify with Daniel's experience of facing opposition for our faith in today's world? 3. How does the account of Daniel in the lion's den encourage us to trust in God's deliverance and protection? 4. What lessons can we learn from Daniel's character and integrity that can be applied to our personal and professional lives? 5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith communities to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel's Faithfulness Daniel's commitment to prayer despite the decree connects to the New Testament teachings on prayer and perseverance, such as in the Gospels where Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer and faithfulness. Persecution of the Righteous The account parallels other biblical accounts of persecution, such as the trials faced by the apostles in Acts, highlighting the theme of standing firm in faith despite opposition. God's Deliverance The deliverance of Daniel from the lion's den is reminiscent of other instances of divine rescue, such as the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Darius, Decree, Document, Injunction, Interdict, Order, Reason, Signed, Wherefore, 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 6:9 NIVDaniel 6:9 NLTDaniel 6:9 ESVDaniel 6:9 NASBDaniel 6:9 KJV
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