Summary of Daniel 6:1-18
Daniel was gaining position within King Darius’ empire, making the satraps jealous. They determined to find charges against him. They tricked the king into issuing a decree that anyone worshipping anyone else but him should be thrown into the lions’ den. So, Daniel was caught worshipping God, and the King had to throw him into the lions’ den.
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18
Such a powerful example of mankind’s nature at its worst and how to respond in a Godly way.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 4: Daniel 6:1-18
History records do not record Darius’ name. However, experts believe this was another name for a different ruler.
Daniel was not sinless, but he operated with integrity to the point that the satraps could find nothing he had ever done wrong.
The satraps used Darius’ pride to trick him. The edict could not be changed because the people believed the king spoke to the gods, and the gods were never wrong.
Darius knew it was his fault he was tricked, and he felt guilty over it since he couldn’t sleep. He probably liked Daniel and honestly did not want him harmed.
END NOTES SUMMARIZED
Daniel 6:1-18 sets the stage for a dramatic test of faith by showcasing how political jealousy can weaponize the law to target religious integrity.
The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:
- The Conspiracy of Jealousy: Daniel’s exceptional competence and trustworthiness as an administrator provoke the envy of his rivals. Unable to find any fault in his professional life, they conspire to use his unwavering religious devotion as a weapon against him.
- The Idolatrous Law: The decree forbidding prayer to any god or man except King Darius for 30 days is a trap. It forces a direct conflict between civic obedience and divine worship, demanding an allegiance to the state that is due only to God.
- Daniel’s Uncompromising Faithfulness: Knowing the decree is law, Daniel does not change his lifelong habit. He continues to pray openly toward Jerusalem, demonstrating that his devotion to God is a consistent, non-negotiable part of his life, not a reaction to the crisis. His act is one of faithful consistency, not political defiance.
- The Powerless King: The story highlights the irony of King Darius, the most powerful man in the empire, being trapped by his own irrevocable law. He is greatly distressed and tries to save Daniel but is rendered helpless by his own prideful decree.
In essence, this passage establishes a clear conflict between the integrity of a faithful man and the jealousy of a corrupt system. It pits the unchangeable law of the Medes and Persians against Daniel’s unwavering commitment to the higher law of his God, setting the stage for a divine intervention.
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12. b. Romans 3:18 says it all
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” In Psalms it says “No one is righteous”—no one is innocent”
But God still loves us, he has not given up hope on us. He gives us time and chance after chance to come to Him. Why would anyone take the chance of dying without God? That is something that I cannot understand and it is why I talk and write about God any chance I get.
13. Daniel stood alone. Although he knew about the law against praying to anyone except the king, he continued to pray three times a day as he always had.
Daniel made no attempt to hide his daily prayer routine, even though he knew he would be disobeying the new law.
Daniel continued to pray because he knew only God could provide the guidance and strength that he needed during this difficult time.