Daniel 6

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; and over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first; that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. (Daniel 6:1-2 KJV)

No executive can handle affairs themselves — the King appoints others to oversee portions of the kingdom, just like The President appoints people to delegate to. Darius appoints 120 cabinet members, with 1 person over each 40 reporting directly to him. Unfortunately, if those turn out to be unsavory people the administration has problems.

It’s an issue of stewardship — these guys weren’t faithful to the king or their position; only Daniel displayed loyalty to the king. In a trusted position, it’s easy to pilfer from the treasury, but since Daniel won’t go along with the theft, they become jealous of Daniel and need to remove him.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (Daniel 6:3 KJV)

Daniel rises above the others, so the king desires to put him in charge over everyone. This seriously impairs their ability to skim off the top, so there’s only one thing to do — Daniel has got to go. Political games haven’t changed much, have they?

Daniel rose to the top in the new administration; just as in Nebuchadnezzar’s cabinet, he’s now at the top of the Persian administration. But as Daniel takes over the remaining guys don’t like it; they weren’t the most honest, and verse 2 hints they were ripping off the king. If Daniel stays, it’s likely their crimes against the king would become known, so they must devise a scheme to eliminate Daniel, but Daniel’s integrity poses a problem.

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. (Daniel 6:4 KJV)

One problem with their plan — Daniel had no skeletons in the closet to exploit; a true definition of integrity and honesty. Normally in politics if you investigate someone you discover a “youthful indiscretion” you can exploit to your advantage. But Daniel didn’t have any dirt to dig up, so a new plan has to be hatched.

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 6:5 KJV)

After all the digging, Daniel didn’t have any dirt — amazing for a man approaching eighty years old. No “youthful indiscretions” in his past, and we already know from chapter one Daniel’s devotion and commitment to God — Daniel’s integrity thwarted their plan as even the enemies of Daniel must admit his integrity; just as Judas admitted Jesus was innocent, the enemies admit Daniel lacks dirt. It’s one thing to have friends testify to your integrity, it’s another after constant searching for any weakness to exploit your enemies admit to honesty (Daniel was well-vetted).

Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. (Daniel 6:6–7 KJV)

All the presidents of the kingdom? They’re lying of course, as Daniel certainly would not agree to such a law. These are not honorable men; they’re only interested in continuing their looting. They need to find a way to distract the king from their true motives, and they hatch a perfect plan — appeal to his pride!

Pride is perhaps the first sin and what brought satan down. It’s the problem with Sodom and Gomorrah (Ezekiel 16:49), and it’s still a problem today. Satan knows how easy man falls for pride and arrogance, and no one is immune — it’s a perfect plan to get the King to do their bidding.

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. (Daniel 6:8–9 KJV)

Hasty decisions are usually bad. If you’re ever pressured in a decision, it’s likely you’re facing unintended consequences. That’s not always true, but don’t give in to situations pushing you in a certain direction right now; if the decision is correct it likely can wait a short time while you analyze it to be sure it’s the correct move.

For example, early in the book of Acts as the disciples discuss Judas’ departure, they must decide who will replace him. They narrow the choices down to two, and then ask God to pick one of those two (by casting lots). But did God direct them to do it? Nope. They were in a hurry to do something, and instead of waiting on the Lord they rush into a decision — hasty decisions are usually bad.

The Persian kingdom was inferior to Nebuchadnezzar’s, who had ultimate authority over life and laws. Nebuchadnezzar made laws, and retracted laws. The Persian king could not reverse a law once signed, which is why this scam worked; had these guys attempted such a scam on Nebuchadnezzar it would have failed.

Recall Esther chapter 8 where a similar situation plays out. The king could not reverse the decree stating all the Jews were to be killed, but he could provide for their defense, and even say they could have the property of anyone who attacked them (Esther 8:10–11). Thus, while technically the decree to exterminate the Jews was still in force, it was practically nullified by the King’s legal moves.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; (Daniel 6:10a KJV)

It’s important to note what Daniel didn’t do. He didn’t organize a protest or mail-writing campaign. He simply went home. Too many times we get sidetracked on political issues; you should be involved in political matters (not just presidential races) — check out where the candidates stand and pick the one most closely aligning with biblical views and morals. But to a certain extent, protests and such don’t accomplish much; even if Daniel protested, nothing would have come of it as the law could not be changed.

Christians should be involved, but don’t become over consumed by it. Daniel knew the situation and nothing could be done, so he goes home as normal. It’s simply mind over matter — Daniel doesn’t mind, so their ridiculous law doesn’t matter.

… and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did previously. (Daniel 6:10b KJV)

Daniel neither opened or closed his windows — he neither calls attention to himself or hides, he just keeps his normal routine. Daniel had balance — he could have handled it differently, but didn’t. He could have continued to pray in secret, and who would have blamed him? It’s only 30 days.

But he’s a leader, and more is required of a leader. Daniel was held to a higher standard, and he accepted his ignoring of the law could land him in big trouble. Christians are called to obey governmental authority unless it contradicts God’s law — and a law prohibiting prayer definitely falls in that category. But be it known, if you choose to disobey laws you’ll likely face unpleasant consequences.

Why would Daniel have his windows toward Jerusalem? The city lies in rubble, and Daniel spent over sixty years away from the city. Why maintain this? The answer comes from 1 Kings.

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not), and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; yet if they shall take it to their hearts in the land where they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, we have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; and so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name; then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause. (1 Kings 8:46–49 KJV)

Daniel does exactly that in chapter nine as he prays for the city and his people. But notice Daniel takes the Bible literally; it’s not an allegory or allusion. In the beginning of chapter nine as Daniel reads Jeremiah, he knows the captivity is just about up. He didn’t wonder what Jeremiah meant by 70 years — it means a period of time (70 years). So Daniel knew the time was about up, and prays for the people just as 1 Kings says.

It’s important to take your Bible at face value. Many asked what does it mean when the Bible says Israel will be back in the land? After being scattered for 2,000 years, how could they be regathered back in the land? So “scholars” began to question God’s word, and gave different interpretations to those passages — some leading to replacement theology (where the church replaced Israel in God’s plan, and that’s all you need to know about it as not only is it untrue, it’s heresy).

They wondered about the meaning of Israel until 1948, when (just as God said), Israel returned to the land God gave them. When the Bible says it, just accept it for what it says. As a side note, the promises made to Israel were unconditional and irrevocable — see Genesis 12 and 15.

Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. (Daniel 6:11 KJV)

The guys waited for Daniel as they knew he would not yield. That itself shows the strength of Daniel’s commitment — even his enemies testify of Daniel’s character as they know he would never compromise.

Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king’s decree; hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any god or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, the thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (Daniel 6:12 KJV)

The first thing they ask, did you sign the law King? If the King hasn’t signed it, they don’t want to continue since they’re working a scam, and don’t want to tip their hand it’s really an attack against Daniel.

Then answered they and said before the king, that Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (Daniel 6:13 KJV)

So now they spring the trap. As a leftover from the previous administration, they see Daniel as inferior.. Not only that, but he has integrity and interferes with their ripping off the king, so he’s got to go.

Then the king, when he heard these words, was very much displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. (Daniel 6:14 KJV)

The king can’t change law, but he tries to find a workaround. It’s likely he had lawyers working on it, but they were unable to find a resolution. Yet the King didn’t pass the buck, he’s upset with himself for being scammed; he easily could have blamed the responsible parties, but the King knows he’s ultimately responsible.

But that’s a lost art (taking responsibility). Harry Truman had his famous sign “The Buck stops here” — but that attitude passed long ago. Now, the one thing a politician doesn’t want to do is take a stand on anything, or accept responsibility. It’s pass the hot potato, and avoid responsibility at all costs.

Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. (Daniel 6:15 KJV)

They remind the King there’s no way out; the law can’t be changed. Quite brave of them since the king could easily remove them as well. The reason the law couldn’t be changed was they believed their king to be a form of deity, and god doesn’t make mistakes, so if the king signs a law it must be good. But the scam works on the king by appealing to his pride.

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said unto Daniel, thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. (Daniel 6:16 KJV)

A pagan King states God wants to deliver Daniel, but is he able? For pagans of that time, they believed god wanted to intervene, the question was, did they have the power? Not all gods were equal; their gods weren’t all powerful and the question always was can their god perform?

Yet Christians know our God is all-powerful; we say God is able, but will He? We know God has the power, but forget His love toward us and his plan is better than ours. We want it our way, all the time; a problem stemming from a lack of trust in God.

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. (Daniel 6:17 KJV)

Two seals were set upon the den — the king’s authority wasn’t absolute.

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him; and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (Daniel 6:18–19 KJV)

The King didn’t know the outcome either. Was Daniel’s God able? Did He have the ability to save him? After all, the King liked Daniel; he was upset at himself for allowing this travesty of justice to occur.

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel; and the king spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (Daniel 6:20 KJV)

God didn’t spare Daniel from trials, but preserved Daniel through them. Nothing in the Bible promises an easy life; in fact quite the opposite as Jesus guaranteed problems in life. But return to chapter three and notice God will deliver, but maybe not how you want. God is not a genie you can wish upon — He’s smarter and His plan is best, even if you don’t see it right away.

Sometimes you have to learn a lesson and there’s no other way. “No pain, no gain” is the athlete’s motto (which doesn’t exactly match the idea here, but you get the idea); sometimes the pain causes growth which we desperately need. That doesn’t make it fun or easy, but quite necessary.

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (Daniel 6:21 KJV)

Daniel provides an interesting response to the King. His first words were not GET ME OUT OF HERE, perhaps for two reasons. First, Daniel had peace that passes understanding. It’s easy to ask why events occur, but it didn’t bother Daniel. He trusted in God and knew whatever He planned was best. Thus, He wasn’t in a rush if God had other plans. Many times we run around trying to do something, but sometimes don’t just do something, stand there.

But Daniel’s peace came not from understanding. If you’re looking for peace from understanding many times it will elude you. Many ask how could a loving God allow 9/11? Or the millions of abortions in the world? Or natural disasters? If a loving God existed, He would stop all the bad things from happening. Doesn’t God care? Of course. But to the question of why God allows these things, I’ve come to one answer:

I don’t have the slightest idea.

And I’ve learned over the years, nobody else does either. That’s the point, if you’re looking for reasons, many times you won’t find them. Many events in the world appear random, or evil for no reason. Why allow it? I don’t know. But looking over the first few chapters of Job it’s obvious much goes on behind the scenes we’re not involved in, and frequently unaware of.

The error with the book of Job comes from thinking it’s about the question of why the innocent suffer. If that’s the case, the question is never answered. No, the book of Job is about getting the divine viewpoint. The first few chapters provide the background story, and then 30 chapters or so of Job’s friends bloviating about this and that, but providing no answers.

And then, God gives Job the divine viewpoint.

Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer; yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man; I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Hast thou an arm like God? Or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? (Job 40:1–9 KJV)

And that’s the divine viewpoint; if you understand you get the peace which passes understanding. But back to Daniel. He also had company and likely enjoyed the conversation.

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (Daniel 6:22 KJV)

Daniel points out to the King the unjust accusation. Daniel displays tact, but never compromises the truth. Even before the King who had the power of life and death if he didn’t like what he heard, Daniel gently reminds the King he’s innocent of these bogus charges.

Recall Paul in Ephesians chapter six as he speaks of the breastplate of righteousness. Lots of misunderstanding exists about this, as many say this is God’s righteousness as your righteousness is as filthy rags to God (true), but that’s not what Paul has in mind. You see, God’s righteousness is imputed to us the moment we believe, yet as Paul speaks to Christians and mentions this armor you need to pick up, that can’t be what he has in mind.

What Paul has in mind is the practical day to day living of living a righteous life (as best we can). How many pastors have been removed for affairs? How many unsaved have you heard mention the hypocrisy of people in the church who cheat on their wives and taxes? These people don’t have a suitable breastplate because they’ve decided not to pick it up.

Daniel was righteous, at least humanly speaking. It doesn’t mean he’s sinless, just the bad guys couldn’t dig up any dirt no matter how hard they tried. Imagine a person living for decades in the political arena and not having any dirt! Daniel provides a textbook example of what Paul would speak of centuries later.

The breastplate covered the vital organs of the chest, and a blow through it was usually fatal. How many Christians neglect Paul’s advice and have their ministry destroyed? Look at Daniel and nothing to accuse him of. Yet how often do we see leaders fall by not living a life of integrity? That’s the breastplate Paul speaks of, as he hints at earlier in Ephesians.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Ephesians 4:1 KJV)

In general, consider the complete lack of ethics and responsibility in today’s society — not only do we tolerate sin, we actually promote it. Isaiah speaks of those that promote sin by drawing it with a cart (Isaiah 5:18) — those people are proud of their sin and want everyone to know it. That’s the society we live in. But sin is sin, and you are responsible for it.

People devoted to their spouse, honest on their tax returns and work 60 minutes for every hour paid are the butt of comedians jokes; most people consider loyalty and integrity an outdated concept applying only to old-timers. We’ve lost track of what Paul talks about in Ephesians — even in the church as the divorce rate for Christians mirrors those outside the church, pastors removed for cheating on their wife, and so on.

Today is no different from the Book of Judges as it ends “everyone did what was right in their own eyes”. And that’s the motto for today as situational ethics and value relativism rule the day, being taught in our schools. But it’s not true — right and wrong do exist, and absolute truth does also. It may be a popular theme today, but nobody believes value relativism. Just tell them you’re going to steal their car, because your ethics say it’s OK and you’ll quickly find out they do believe in moral absolutes.

A recent court decision in November 2007 shows the contortion required to make situational ethics work.

Texas laws allow the killing of a fetus to be prosecuted as murder, regardless of the stage of development, but the laws do not apply to abortions, the state’s highest criminal court has ruled. … The Texas court said abortion precedent was based on the premise that a woman wants the procedure. NY Times

First situational ethics, and now situational murder. If the woman wants her baby dead and intends to kill it, it’s not murder. But if she’s in an accident which causes the death of the unborn child, the other person can be prosecuted. This is the strange situation you find yourself in when you simultaneously claim a baby isn’t a person, yet want to protect it — sometimes.

But who’s with Daniel? The same guy from chapter three — Jesus. And that’s what gives calm. With the Lord Himself with Daniel, no fear could exist; a tough lesson to learn, as the disciples face a similar situation but react quite differently.

In Mark 4:35–40 the disciples are in a boat, and when a storm arises they panic and ask don’t you care we’re dying? Why are you sleeping? They finally wake up Jesus and rebuke Him for what they perceive as a lack of caring. And Jesus just says two words, and their trial is over; they were never in any danger, but they sure didn’t act like it.

How many times do we feel like they did during trials? Lord, I’m dying here, don’t you care? Do something. Have you forgotten about me? Yet we have the same advantage the disciples and Daniel did, but forget it just like the twelve did in that boat. None of this means events will work out the way you want, just when God says you’re going to the other side of the lake, you can be sure you’re going to the other side — of course, the condition in which you’ll arrive isn’t guaranteed, and that’s where we make our mistake.

Because He didn’t promise an easy journey.

Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. (Daniel 6:23 KJV)

Like chapter three, God delivers Daniel completely.

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they came at the bottom of the den. (Daniel 6:24 KJV)

In case you thought the lions were tame or not hungry and that’s how Daniel survived, these guys didn’t last long. You may say that’s not fair, why do the families get punished? Sin affects people around you. There’s no such thing as “victimless” crimes like drugs and prostitution; your actions impact others around you; Romans 14:7 states no man lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. Don’t think you’re an island (with apologies to Simon and Garfunkel).

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. (Daniel 6:25–27 KJV)

Similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation, but neither King realized you can’t make people follow God or do the right thing by mere proclamation without something to motivate them. In that way they were misdirected, even if they had the right idea. The job is information, what people do with it is up to them. Don’t try and play the Holy Spirit.

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (Daniel 6:28 KJV)

Daniel rose to power in two governments over sixty years. Imagine that feat today if a Presidential cabinet member stayed in service as the Presidency changed political parties. It just won’t happen. But Daniel’s integrity allowed him to be a trusted adviser in successive administrations, as everyone saw his integrity and honesty.