The Plot Against Daniel is a significant event recorded in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 6. This narrative highlights the faithfulness of Daniel, a devout servant of God, amidst a conspiracy orchestrated by his political adversaries. The account is set during the reign of Darius the Mede, who appointed Daniel as one of the three administrators over the kingdom, due to his exceptional qualities and integrity.

Context and Background

Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, had risen to a position of prominence due to his wisdom and the favor of God upon him. Under King Darius, Daniel distinguished himself so much that the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:3: "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom"). This incited jealousy and resentment among the other administrators and satraps, who sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs.

The Conspiracy

Unable to find any corruption or negligence in Daniel, his adversaries devised a plot targeting his religious practices. They approached King Darius with a proposal to establish a royal decree that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7: "All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den"). Flattered by the suggestion, Darius signed the decree, unaware of its implications for Daniel.

Daniel's Faithfulness

Despite the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued his practice of praying three times a day, giving thanks to God as he had always done (Daniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before"). His enemies, knowing his unwavering commitment, caught him in the act of prayer and reported it to the king.

The King's Dilemma and Daniel's Deliverance

King Darius, distressed by the situation, sought to rescue Daniel but was bound by the irrevocable nature of Medo-Persian law. Reluctantly, he ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:16: "So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!'").

That night, the king fasted and could not sleep. At dawn, he hurried to the lions' den and called out to Daniel. To his relief, Daniel responded, affirming that God had sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, sparing his life because he was found blameless before God and the king (Daniel 6:22: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king").

Aftermath

King Darius was overjoyed and ordered Daniel to be lifted from the den, unharmed. In a dramatic turn of events, the king commanded that Daniel's accusers, along with their families, be thrown into the lions' den, where they met their demise. Subsequently, Darius issued a decree throughout his kingdom, extolling the God of Daniel as the living God whose kingdom will never be destroyed (Daniel 6:26: "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end").

Significance

The Plot Against Daniel serves as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the protection He affords to those who remain faithful to Him. It underscores the theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness. Daniel's unwavering faith and God's miraculous deliverance continue to inspire believers to trust in God's providence, regardless of earthly trials and conspiracies.