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This Week’s Reading: Daniel 6, Acts 5:29, Psalm 55:17, Hebrews 11:33

As Daniel 6 opens, a shift of power has placed Persia in command, but Daniel, now in his 80s, continues to serve faithfully in this new kingdom. His integrity and faithfulness from past trials will soon be tested again, this time under the watchful eye of a new king and the jealousy of new co-workers.

– Read Daniel 6:1-18–

What happened?

As power shifted from Babylon to Persia, Daniel, now over 80 years old, continued serving under this new empire that King Darius led. Persia had become the world’s largest empire. To manage its vast territories, Darius appointed satraps—regional officials known as “protectors of the kingdom.” He placed three administrators over those satraps, with Daniel among them (6:1-3).

Daniel’s integrity and excellence set him apart, earning the king’s favor. This success stirred jealousy among his peers, who sought to discredit him. Finding no fault in his character, they saw his faith in God as their only means to trap him. Daniel’s devotion to God was public and unwavering, making him stand out in the polytheistic Persian Empire (6:4-5).

The envious officials conspired to set Daniel up. They proposed a loyalty test: a decree forbidding prayer to any god or person but the king for 30 days. Darius, likely flattered, signed it, unaware of their true motive. Once signed, the decree couldn’t be altered—not even by the king himself (6:6-9).

When Daniel learned of the decree, he remained steadfast. As was his rhythm three times a day, Daniel went home, got on his knees, and prayed to his God. Daniel knew that the decree was out, but personal risk would not prohibit him from praying to his God (6:10). Sometimes, the believer must break the law of the land in order to obey the law of the LORD. Hence, Peter and the other apostles told Jewish authorities, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The conspirators caught Daniel praying and reported him. They emphasized that he was an “exile from Judah,” highlighting his foreign origins to distance him from Persia. Realizing he had been tricked, Darius grew distressed and sought every possible way to save Daniel, but the officials pressed for the decree’s enforcement (6:11-15).

Reluctantly, Darius ordered Daniel into the lions’ den. As Daniel was sealed inside, the king expressed hope, saying, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you.” Darius returned to his palace, fasting and unable to sleep, anxiously waiting for dawn (6:16-18).

At dawn, Darius rushed to the lions’ den and called out to Daniel, hoping for a miracle. He asked if Daniel’s God had saved him. To the king’s relief, Daniel replied, saying God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. Because of his faith, Daniel remained unharmed (6:19-22).

Darius, overjoyed, ordered Daniel’s release and cast the conspirators, along with their families, into the den. Unlike Daniel, they were devoured instantly. Darius then issued a decree, commanding all people to honor the God of Daniel, “the living God” who “rescues and saves” and whose kingdom stands forever (6:23-27). 

Once again, Daniel’s faith changed a king’s heart, and he continued to prosper under Darius and beyond (6:28).

What to remember? 

• King Darius appointed officials for Persia, and Daniel stood out (6:1-3).  
• Jealous officials convinced Darius to ban prayer to anyone but the king for 30 days (6:4-9).  
• Daniel prayed openly to God, ignoring the decree (6:10).  
• The officials caught him praying and reported it to the king (6:11-13).  
• Darius tried to save Daniel but couldn’t change the decree (6:14-15).  
• Reluctantly, Darius sent Daniel to the lions’ den, hoping God would save him (6:16-17).  
• Darius fasted and couldn’t sleep that night (6:18).  
• At dawn, Darius rushed to the lions’ den and found Daniel unharmed. God had shut the lions’ mouths (6:19-22).  
• Darius was happy and ordered Daniel’s release. He threw the conspirators to the lions, and they were devoured (6:23-24).  
• Darius told everyone to honor Daniel’s God, who saves and rules forever (6:25-27).  
• Daniel thrived under Darius and Cyrus (6:28).  

Meditations

• “An excellent spirit was in him” (6:3)

Daniel exemplified what it meant to work with excellence. His faith in God did not hinder his work; it fueled it. While others may have exploited their positions for personal gain, Daniel remained committed to serving faithfully. 

A true relationship with God enhances our integrity and work ethic. We should strive to cultivate this same excellent spirit in our daily tasks. Would your coworkers say you have an excellent spirit? What is hindering you from such?

• “He got down on his knees three times a day” (6:10)

Daniel’s commitment to prayer was unwavering. He didn’t just pray once a day; he marked his daily schedule with several moments dedicated to God. In persecution, he continued to pray with thanksgiving. Daniel delighted in the daily office of prayer. Do you?

What would it look like for you to have this kind of prayer life? Are there moments throughout your daily schedule where you could pause to pray? Maybe you want to set some daily reminders on your phone to bring you back to this posture.

• “He is the living God… he delivers and rescues” (6:26)

King Darius, who was unable to save Daniel, recognized the power of Daniel’s God, who could save him. The chapter ends with Darius turning to the One who truly saves: “He is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues.” While he could not rescue Daniel from the lions, God could.

This chapter foreshadows Jesus. Like Daniel, Jesus faced false accusations and arrest while praying in the garden. Like Daniel, Jesus remained steadfast in the face of persecution. Like Daniel thrown and sealed in the lions’ den, Jesus was thrown to his death and sealed in a tomb. Yet, Jesus is the Son of the Living God who raised him from the dead. Why did Jesus come, live, die, and rise? For you. To deliver and rescue you. That’s your God… the living God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Daniel’s example of excellence.  

Help me to embody an excellent spirit and integrity in my daily tasks.  

Teach me to remain faithful and steadfast in my commitment to You.  

Guide me to prioritize prayer throughout my day.  

Thank You for being the living God who delivers.  

I praise You for Jesus, our ultimate rescue and salvation.  

Amen.