The Plot against Daniel
1 Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. 3 Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
4 Thus 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. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
6 So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7 All 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. 8 Therefore, 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sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”
9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
10 Now 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. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. 12 So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?”
The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”
13 Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”
14 As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him.
15 Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.”
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions.
The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed.
18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him.
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. 20 When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
24 At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Darius Honors God
25 Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. 26 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel:
For He is the living God,
and He endures forever;
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and His dominion will never end.
27 He delivers and rescues;
He performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth,
for He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrusa the Persian.
Verses 1–3 – A New Administration and Daniel’s Promotion
Darius reorganizes his new realm with 120 satraps and three chief administrators. Because “an extraordinary spirit was in him,” Daniel rises above the rest, and the king plans to place him over the whole kingdom.
Verses 4–5 – Jealous Conspiracy
Unable to find corruption or negligence in Daniel, ambitious officials target his faith. They conclude, “We will never find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
Verses 6–9 – The Irrevocable Edict
Flattering the king, the conspirators secure a 30–day law forbidding petition to any god or man but Darius. “According to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked,” the penalty is the lions’ den. Darius signs.
Verses 10–13 – Daniel’s Steadfast Prayer
Daniel goes home, opens his upstairs windows toward Jerusalem, and prays “three times a day, just as he had done before.” The plotters catch him in the act and hurry to accuse him.
Verses 14–18 – Reluctant Judgment
Realizing he has been trapped, the king struggles all day to save Daniel but must uphold the law. Daniel is lowered into the lions’ den; a stone is set, and the royal seal is applied. A sleepless Darius fasts through the night.
Verses 19–23 – Divine Rescue
At dawn the king cries out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God… been able to rescue you?” Daniel answers, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” He is lifted out uninjured, “because he had trusted in his God.”
Verse 24 – Justice on the Accusers
The conspirators, their wives, and children are cast into the den; the lions overpower them before they reach the floor.
Verses 25–27 – A Royal Decree of Praise
Darius proclaims throughout the empire that everyone must “tremble in fear before the God of Daniel,” declaring, “He delivers and rescues; He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.”
Verse 28 – Ongoing Prosperity
Daniel prospers during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Historical Setting
• Daniel 6 occurs after Babylon’s fall (539 BC). “Darius the Mede” (5:31) is most likely Gubaru (Gobryas), Cyrus’s governor over Babylon, though some scholars equate him with Cyrus himself. Cuneiform texts (Nabonidus Chronicle) confirm a rapid administrative hand-over that matches the reorganization in verse 1.
• The title “Satrap” (Akkadian: ḫašshāpâ) appears in Persian documents. Archaeology shows these officials collected taxes and provided local security—exactly the duties implied in the text.
Persian Law and Irrevocability
The phrase “law of the Medes and Persians” (v. 8) reflects a legal ideal that the king, though powerful, is bound by earlier proclamations. Herodotus (History 1.119) records a similar instance under Persian King Darius I. This explains the king’s helplessness and heightens the miracle.
The Lions’ Den—Archaeological and Cultural Notes
• Lion pits have been excavated at Babylon and Susa, featuring sloped entrances and upper openings for spectators.
• Kings used lions for public executions and displays of power, echoing Assyrian reliefs that show hand-to-paw combat. Isaiah mentions such royal menageries (Isaiah 5:29).
• Verse 17’s “stone was brought and placed over the mouth” is consistent with Near-Eastern practice; tombs, cisterns, and pits were sealed similarly to prevent escape.
Daniel’s Prayer Habit
• Facing Jerusalem (v. 10) follows Solomon’s dedication of the temple: “If they pray toward this place… then hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 6:34-39).
• Three daily prayers later became codified in Jewish tradition (Psalm 55:17). Daniel models consistent devotion that transcends changing governments.
Angelic Intervention
“My God sent His angel” (v. 22). Comparable rescues:
– Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (Daniel 3:28).
– Peter released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:7-11).
– Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.”
Cross-Scripture Connections
• Psalm 91:13 – “You will tread on the lion and cobra.” Daniel literally experiences this promise.
• Hebrews 11:33 lists heroes “who through faith… shut the mouths of lions,” a direct nod to Daniel.
• 1 Peter 5:8 warns that the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion.” Daniel’s rescue prefigures spiritual victory over evil.
Literary Observations
• The chapter forms a clear reversal pattern: accusation → condemnation → confinement → deliverance → vindication, mirrored for accusers in reverse.
• The sealing of the stone (v. 17) recalls the sealing of Christ’s tomb (Matthew 27:66), setting the stage for a greater deliverance narrative.
Christ-Centered Foreshadow
• Innocent yet condemned.
• A stone seals the place of execution.
• Dawn discovery of life where death was expected.
• Resulting worldwide proclamation (vv. 25-27). Daniel’s experience is an early picture of Jesus’ death and resurrection leading to global witness.
Character Lessons
1. Integrity stands out: Daniel’s long-term faithfulness is recognizable even to pagans.
2. Predictable devotion: enemies could set their watches by his prayer schedule.
3. Quiet courage: Daniel does not protest the law or hide his practice; he simply continues.
4. Trust over panic: Daniel’s calm contrasts with the king’s distress (v. 18).
God’s Supremacy over Kingdoms
Daniel’s preservation under Babylon, Media, and Persia showcases God’s control of history. As in Daniel 2’s statue vision and Daniel 7’s beasts, empires rise and fall, but “His kingdom will never be destroyed” (2:44).
Archaeological Echoes of Divine Titles
Darius calls God “the living God” (v. 26). Cylinder inscriptions from Cyrus celebrate Marduk as “the great lord,” yet Daniel’s God outshines all, emphasizing monotheistic supremacy amid pluralism.
Application for Today
• Workplace integrity may draw jealousy, yet God honors faithfulness.
• Legal or social pressure to privatize faith is not new; Daniel shows how to remain respectful yet unyielding.
• Deliverance may be dramatic or subtle, but God’s presence is constant (“My God sent His angel”).
• Public acknowledgment of God from unexpected leaders can follow courageous witness.
Final Note on Dating and Authorship
Internal Aramaic and Persian loanwords fit a 6th-century BC context, supporting the historicity of the account and the reliability of the narrative.
Key Memory Verse
Daniel 6:23 – “The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”
1. Faithfulness in All Circumstances
Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even when faced with the threat of the lion's den, is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness. "Now 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" (Daniel 6:10). His consistency in prayer and devotion, regardless of the consequences, teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God is in control.
2. Integrity Shines Brightly
Daniel's integrity was so evident that even his enemies could find no fault in him. "Then the administrators and satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy and no negligence or corruption was found in him" (Daniel 6:4). This lesson encourages us to live lives of integrity, knowing that our actions reflect our faith and can be a powerful testimony to others.
3. The Power of Prayer
Daniel's commitment to prayer was central to his life and his relationship with God. His habit of praying three times a day, even in the face of danger, underscores the power and importance of prayer. "When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house... and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God" (Daniel 6:10). Prayer is our lifeline to God, providing strength, guidance, and peace in every situation.
4. God’s Protection is Unfailing
When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God's protection was evident. "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not harmed me, because I was found innocent before Him" (Daniel 6:22). This miraculous deliverance reminds us that God is our protector, capable of delivering us from any peril when we place our trust in Him.
5. Standing Firm in Faith Inspires Others
Daniel's faith not only saved him but also inspired King Darius to recognize the power of Daniel's God. "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever" (Daniel 6:26). Our steadfast faith can influence those around us, leading them to acknowledge and honor God.
6. God Honors Those Who Honor Him
Daniel's story illustrates that God honors those who honor Him. Despite the plots against him, Daniel was elevated to a position of influence and respect. "So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian" (Daniel 6:28). When we prioritize God in our lives, He blesses us in ways that exceed our expectations.
7. Trials Can Lead to Greater Testimonies
The trial of the lion's den became a testimony of God's power and faithfulness. Daniel's deliverance was a testament to God's sovereignty and ability to save. "He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth" (Daniel 6:27). Our trials can become powerful testimonies that glorify God and encourage others.
8. God’s Sovereignty Overrules Human Schemes
The plot against Daniel was thwarted by God's sovereignty. Despite the scheming of Daniel's adversaries, God's plan prevailed. "Then the king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted out, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God" (Daniel 6:23). This reassures us that no human scheme can thwart God's purposes.
9. Faithfulness Leads to Favor
Daniel's faithfulness to God resulted in favor with both God and man. "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom" (Daniel 6:3). When we are faithful in our walk with God, we often find favor in unexpected places.
10. God’s Glory is the Ultimate Goal
The ultimate outcome of Daniel's experience was the glorification of God. King Darius's decree acknowledged God's greatness and power. "For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end" (Daniel 6:26). Our lives, like Daniel's, should aim to bring glory to God, reflecting His love and power to the world.
Ask for God's protection and deliverance in difficult situations.
Seek to live a life of integrity that reflects God's character.
Pray for opportunities to influence others positively through your faith.
As we reflect on Daniel 6, may we be inspired to live with the same courage and faithfulness that Daniel demonstrated, trusting in God's sovereignty and protection in every circumstance.
1. How does Daniel's integrity and dedication make him a target in this chapter? Can you relate this to any personal experiences?
2. Discuss the role that envy and jealousy play in the actions of the satraps and administrators. How might you deal with such negative emotions?
3. How does the passage reflect the theme of faith under trial? What lessons can we apply in our lives when facing difficulties?
4. How does Daniel's response to the decree reflect his commitment to God?
5. What does King Darius's response to Daniel's situation tell you about his character and his feelings toward Daniel?
6. How does God's intervention in the lion's den affirm His protective love for His faithful servants?
7. How might you apply Daniel's unyielding faith and prayerfulness in your daily life?
8. Discuss the transformation in King Darius's perception of God from the start to the end of the chapter.
9. What does Daniel 6 teach about the consequences of deception and manipulation?
10. How can you use Daniel's example to respond when your faith is challenged?
11. Discuss the significance of prayer in Daniel's life and its relevance in today's world.
12. How does Daniel's faith influence those around him, particularly King Darius?
13. What does this chapter teach about God's justice?
14. How can this story inspire Christians to remain faithful amidst societal pressures?
15. What lessons does Daniel 6 offer for dealing with unfair situations?
16. How does King Darius’s decree resonate with the idea of God's sovereignty?
17. What can you learn from the way Daniel handled his trials and how can you apply it in your life?
18. How does the story reinforce the idea of God's omnipresence and omnipotence?
19. How does this chapter illustrate the concept of divine deliverance?
20. Discuss the role of trust and hope in the story of Daniel in the lion's den.