Topical Bible: Flattery: Darius's Courtiers

◄ Flattery: Darius's Courtiers ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, flattery is often depicted as a deceitful and manipulative tool used by individuals to achieve their own ends. One of the most illustrative examples of this can be found in the account of Darius's courtiers in the Book of Daniel. This episode highlights the dangers and consequences of flattery, particularly when it is employed to undermine the righteous.

Context and Background

The account of Darius's courtiers is set during the reign of Darius the Mede, who ruled over the kingdom of Babylon after the fall of Belshazzar. Daniel, a devout servant of God, had distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps due to his exceptional qualities, and the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:3). This decision, however, incited jealousy among the other officials.

The Flattery of Darius's Courtiers

In their envy, the administrators and satraps sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs but were unable to do so because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4). Realizing that they could not accuse Daniel of any wrongdoing, they resorted to flattery and deceit to achieve their goal.

The courtiers approached King Darius with a proposal, cloaked in flattery, to establish a royal decree. They suggested that the king issue an edict that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the den of lions. They appealed to the king's vanity, saying, "May King Darius live forever!" (Daniel 6:6). This flattery was designed to manipulate the king into agreeing to their scheme without considering its implications for Daniel.

The Consequences of Flattery

The king, swayed by their flattering words and perhaps blinded by the prospect of consolidating his authority, agreed to the decree and signed it into law, making it irrevocable according to the laws of the Medes and Persians (Daniel 6:8-9). The courtiers' flattery had successfully ensnared the king, leading to a situation where Daniel's faithfulness to God would be tested.

Despite the decree, Daniel continued to pray to God, as was his custom. The courtiers, having anticipated this, reported Daniel's actions to the king, reminding him of the decree and its consequences. The king, distressed by the situation, realized he had been manipulated but was bound by the law he had enacted (Daniel 6:14-15).

Ultimately, Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, but God delivered him, shutting the mouths of the lions. The king, recognizing the injustice and the deceit of the courtiers, ordered that they, along with their families, be thrown into the den, where they met their demise (Daniel 6:24).

Lessons from the Account

The account of Darius's courtiers serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of flattery. It demonstrates how flattery can be used to manipulate and deceive, leading to unjust outcomes. The account also underscores the importance of discernment and integrity, both in leadership and in personal conduct. Daniel's unwavering faith and righteousness stand in stark contrast to the deceitful flattery of the courtiers, highlighting the ultimate triumph of truth and justice over manipulation and falsehood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook