Daniel 6
Read Daniel 6
Helpful Background Information:
Daniel’s story continues here, as he rises to the top of the political hierarchy in the Persian government. So much so that “the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom” (v.3). Before long, the jealousy of Daniel’s peers and subordinates began to boil over. Bitter jealousy compelled these men to search for some ground for accusation against Daniel (v.4a). Still, no evidence of corruption was found in him. Time and time again, Daniel was found faithful (v.4b). Nonetheless, they made it their mission to undermine Daniel’s position of authority.
Daniel’s adversaries knew that his God was the priority that he ordered his whole life around. As a result, they came up with a plan to pit his loyalty to God against his loyalty to the Persian government. Seeing that Daniel prayed and gave thanks to his God three times a day, they convinced Darius to issue a decree against anyone who prayed to a different deity or man besides him for thirty days (v.7). Violation of the king’s decree would land the perpetrator in the deadly lion’s den (v.7b). With full knowledge of the consequences, readers are told that Daniel continued kneeling three times a day to pray, just as he had been doing before the decree was issued (v.10).
The conflict that arises ultimately becomes one between two empires: that of the Persians and that of Daniel’s God. As the two kingdoms collide, the question of sovereignty has to be resolved. Miraculous deliverance from the den of lions vindicates Daniel’s innocence and validates God’s kingly rule (vv.26-28). As is the case with the entire book of Daniel: Despite present appearances, God is still in control.
Reflection Questions:
This story can and should comfort God’s people who find themselves in situations that seem to be beyond their control. When in your life have you found yourself in an unfair situation? One where you were powerless to change things? How did that make you feel? What was your initial response?
Daniel’s response to the decree was unflinching obedience. He simply continued to practice his daily devotional routine of prayer. How do you think your current devotional habits and routines are forming and shaping you?
In the end, Daniel was rescued and vindicated by God. Between the time of his arrest and his deliverance, Daniel had to wait for God to act on his behalf. Based on Daniel’s example, how can you live obediently in prolonged seasons of waiting?