Daniel 6:1-10

Daniel Prays as He Always Has

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1Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom,

2and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

3Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

4Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.

5Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever!

7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.

8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

9Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Darius appoints 120 satraps to govern the kingdom under three administrators, including Daniel. Daniel distinguishes himself so clearly that the king plans to put him over the whole kingdom. The other officials search for a charge against him, but they find no corruption or negligence. He is trustworthy.

They decide to use his obedience to God against him. Claiming that all the officials agree, they urge Darius to sign a decree: for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or person except the king must be thrown into the lions’ den. They insist that the decree cannot be repealed. Darius signs it.

Daniel learns that the document has been signed and goes home. In his upstairs room, where the windows open toward Jerusalem, he kneels three times a day, prays, and gives thanks to God, just as he did before. The danger is new; his prayer is an established part of his life.

Questions

1 Why is Daniel being considered for greater authority?

AnswerThe king sees an excellent spirit in him, and the officials cannot find corruption or negligence. Daniel's competence and integrity are visible inside the administration.

2 What do Daniel's enemies decide to use against him?

AnswerThey identify his consistent obedience to the law of his God. They cannot make a legitimate accusation, so they design a law that turns his faithfulness into a crime.

3 What does the decree forbid?

AnswerFor thirty days, people may petition no god or person except the king. The decree tries to make royal authority the sole channel for dependence and request.

4 What does Daniel do after learning about it?

AnswerHe goes home to his upstairs room, where the windows open toward Jerusalem. He kneels, prays, and gives thanks three times a day, as he had done before.

What This Means for Us

Daniel’s opponents know they can count on him to pray. His faithfulness is familiar enough for them to build their plan around it.

Make room for prayer in the ordinary rhythm of your household. A brief prayer before school, thanks at a meal, or a quiet moment at bedtime can help children learn to bring their lives to God. When pressure comes, they will have somewhere familiar to turn. Daniel’s example also reminds us that even a signed law cannot rightfully take God’s place.

Prayer

God of Daniel, make our lives honest enough that accusations cannot find corruption. Give us steady practices of prayer, courage under pressure, and wisdom when authorities try to claim what belongs to You. Amen.

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