Background and Context:
The account of Daniel's promotion and the subsequent jealousy of the satraps is found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 6. This narrative takes place during the reign of Darius the Mede, following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. Daniel, a Jewish exile, had already distinguished himself under the Babylonian kings and continued to do so under the new regime.

Daniel's Promotion:
Daniel 6:1-3 describes how Darius organized his kingdom by appointing 120 satraps to rule throughout the realm, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. "Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom" (Daniel 6:3). Daniel's exceptional qualities, including his wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness, earned him favor in the eyes of Darius, who considered elevating him to a position of even greater authority.

Jealousy of the Satraps:
The prospect of Daniel's promotion incited jealousy and resentment among the other administrators and satraps. They sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they were unable to do so. "They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent" (Daniel 6:4). Recognizing that they could not accuse Daniel of any wrongdoing in his official duties, they conspired to target his faithfulness to God.

The Plot Against Daniel:
The satraps and administrators devised a scheme to trap Daniel by exploiting his religious devotion. They approached King Darius and persuaded him to issue a decree that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lions' den. The king, unaware of their malicious intent, agreed and signed the decree, making it irrevocable according to the law of the Medes and Persians (Daniel 6:6-9).

Daniel's Faithfulness:
Despite the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God. "When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's unwavering faith and consistent prayer life exemplified his dedication to God above all earthly authority.

The Consequences:
The conspirators quickly reported Daniel's actions to the king, reminding him of the decree's terms. Although Darius was greatly distressed and sought to rescue Daniel, he was bound by the law he had enacted. Reluctantly, the king ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:14-16).

Divine Deliverance:
God's protection of Daniel in the lions' den is a testament to His power and faithfulness. The next morning, Darius hurried to the den and called out to Daniel. To his relief, Daniel responded, affirming that God had sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, sparing him because he was found blameless before God and the king (Daniel 6:19-22).

Aftermath:
In response to this miraculous deliverance, Darius issued a decree honoring the God of Daniel, declaring Him to be the living God whose kingdom will never be destroyed. The king also ordered the conspirators and their families to be thrown into the lions' den, where they met the fate they had intended for Daniel (Daniel 6:24-27).

Significance:
The narrative of Daniel's promotion and the jealousy of the satraps highlights themes of integrity, faithfulness, and divine justice. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God serves as an enduring example of faith in the face of persecution, while the account underscores the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers and kingdoms.