In Daniel 6:1-2 CSB we read, “Darius decided to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, stationed throughout the realm, and over them three administrators, including Daniel. These satraps would be accountable to them so the king would not be defrauded.”
Darius was the third king of the Achaemenid Empire. He was Persian and reigned from 522 BC until he died in 486 BC.
From a human point of view, it is surprising that Daniel was appointed as one of the three administrators because he was at least 88 years old. The thing we must remember is that God was overseeing Daniel’s life. Darius knew that Daniel was one to be trusted. Promotion comes from God. In Daniel 6:3 CSB we read, “Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit, so the king planned to set him over the whole realm.”
Daniel did not seek high positions. He just proved himself faithful and reliable and others recognized these qualities. We read in Daniel 6:4 CSB, “The administrators and satraps, therefore, kept trying to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom. But they could find no charge or corruption, for he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.”
Daniel 6:5 CSB says, “Then these men said, ‘We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.’” So, we see that Daniel, a man of sterling character and devotion to his God, became a target. In our day we are finding ourselves targets and branded as terrorists.
His enemies conjured up a plot to deceive the king and discredit Daniel. Darius was a man with a big ego. Daniel was a man of prayer. The plot is found in Daniel 6:6-9. The decree said that anyone who prayed to a god other than to Darius for thirty days would be thrown into a lion’s den. The king, without suspecting the motive behind it, signed the decree. Like all of us, Daniel’s days were numbered.
From the moment Daniel learned of the decree he never wavered in his devotion to God. He could have closed the windows so no one would see him praying to his God. In Daniel 6:10 CSB we read, “When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and thanked his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel was unwavering in his commitment to God. He knew the consequences, but still, he prayed and relied on the Lord. At the same time his enemies were watching, and when they saw him praying to his God, they rushed to tell the king of Daniel defying the decree. Daniel 6:11 says, “Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.”
In Daniel 6:12-15 we read how the king realized he had been tricked and tried to figure out a way to save Daniel, but he was reminded that the law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed. Daniel was to be thrown into the lions’ den – and he was. It would have been so easy for Daniel to close the windows and pray privately, but he wasn’t wired that way.
King Darius was so troubled and concerned for Daniel that he spent the night fasting. He couldn’t sleep and was to have no distractions. Early the next morning, he hurried to the lions’ den and cried out, “Daniel, servant of the living God … has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:19-20 CSB)
He was overjoyed hearing Daniel say, “May the king live forever. My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not harmed.” Isn’t God good?! Isn’t He awesome?! Folks, He too is our God who watches over and intervenes for us.
One further thing – the king issued another decree. The men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the lions’ den along with their wives and children. (Daniel 6:24)
What lessons do we learn from this account of Daniel’s life?
- We must always serve our employers with the same integrity and devotion that Daniel displayed. He was devoted to the Lord.
- We must never hesitate to live out our faith in God before unbelievers. We are not to display arrogance but a spirit of humility and wisdom.
- As Christians we must regularly spend time with our God, in His word, and in prayer.
Let me close this study with what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.”
Praise His Name! Pastor Leonard
