Daniel 6:1-14

Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. (see Esther 1:1) The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king's interests. (see Ezra 4:17-22, Esther 7:3-4, Daniel 2:48-49, 5:16, 29) Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. (see Genesis 41:40, Daniel 5:12)

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handing government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible and completely trustworthy. (see Genesis 43:18, Luke 23:13-15, Philippians 2:14-15) So they concluded, "Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion." (see Acts 24:12-16)

 

So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, "Long live King Darius!" (see Nehemiah 2:2-3) We are all in agreement--we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors--that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions. (see Psalm 59:1-3, 62:3-4, 64:2-6, Daniel 6:16, Matthew 12:14) And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked." (see Esther 1:19, 3:12, Isaiah 10:1, Daniel 6:12-13) So King Darius signed the law. (see Psalm 118:9, 146:3)

 

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. (1 Kings 8:48-49, Psalm 34:1, 95:6-7, Daniel 9:4-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) Then the officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help. (Psalm 37:32-33) So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. "Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human--except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions?"  

 

"Yes," the king replied, "that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked." (see Daniel 3:8-12, Acts 16:19-21)

 

Then they told the king, "That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day." (see Esther 3:8, Daniel 3:12, Acts 5:29)

 

Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. (see Mark 6:26)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

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