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In Daniel's absence, a decree has been published that forms the ultimate test for any person of faith. When faced with certain death for continued observance, do you fudge a bit with the rules? Do you soften your commitment? Do you apply tests of reasoning to justify your actions on the grounds that they weren't technically required, or that God will forgive you? How would you respond? Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree was signed, he went into his house where his windows opened in his room toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he kneeled and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom. Daniel hears about this decree after it is established. His response is to change nothing in his spiritual habits. It would have been very easy for him to attempt to "hide" his continuing worship of God. After all, it was a mere 30-day decree. How many of us, in a setting where we might be conspicous, take the easy way out and change our usual habits! Daniel is the example of how we should behave at all times. Windows in those days were not made of glass. They were solid, so closing them would have hidden Daniel from sight. Yet, knowing he was being watched, he kept them open. Daniel 6:11-12 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and making requests of his God. So they came and spoke before the king concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree, that every man that prays to any God or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed. The men knew how Daniel would respond. Do those who know you have a clear idea how you would respond in a situation like this? They first ask the king to confirm his authority. It's interesting when you see his answer, because it suggests that they accused him of changing the decree, something he would not be allowed to do. Rather than just answering "yes" he affirms that it cannot be changed. The empire had this decree, probably to assure allegiance by these two diverse racial and cultural groups. Daniel 6:13-15 Then they answered the king, "That Daniel, one of those exiles of Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, nor to the decree that you signed, but prays to his God three times a day." When he heard these words, the king was deeply displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to rescue him. He made every effort until sundown to save him. Then these men assembled before the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that no decree nor statute which the king sets up may be changed." Note the anti-semetism in their accusation. The Jews had not yet been released from captivity, but they had been in the kingdom nearly 70 years so it is highly noticeable that they use this kind of wording. The king's response is fascinating. He is distressed at himself (this is more accurately translated in the King James Version). It suddenly dawns on him that he's been had. Contrast his physical actions to that of Nebuchadnezzar, who couldn't control his emotions and flew into a rage. This guy gets into motion and tries political and legal approaches to change the punishment. Darius makes every effort until sundown to save him. He didn't just throw up his hands and say, "Oh well." Besides showing his character, this also shows that he had a strong relationship with Daniel. The guys who put the king up to this hear about his attempts to save Daniel and remind him that keeping Daniel away from the required punishment would be illegal. In John 19 we see another innocent man charged with a capital crime and another governor attempting (though not as hard) to ensure that justice prevails rather than allowing the innocent man to fall to the clutches of a nasty mob. Daniel 6:16-18 Then the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. Now the king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting and without musical entertainment being brought before him. He was unable to sleep. In the polytheistic culture of the Persians, there were no examples of real action by the gods. But in Daniel's Jewish culture, there were many examples of miraculous intervention. Darius shows enormous faith in Daniel's God when he says that God may be able to save his life. Although he goes back home, he struggles all night with the possibility that Daniel's God could save his life. Many scholars believe this chapter foreshadows another ruler in the future who will require people to worship him or face capital punishment. But that world leader will truly seek the worship while Darius obviously does not seek it for himself but is willing to acknowledge a higher power. |
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