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©Shannon Gist

Chapter 6:1-9 (ESV)

Posted on January 12, 2025  - By Chris LaBelle  

Chapter 6:1-9 (ESV) - It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

Question to consider: How did the satraps plan to destroy Daniel?

There is a lot to be said for talent and hard work, but all of that is meaningless without the hand of the LORD protecting us and strategically allowing us to be in situations where we can be shown favor. One of my favorite verses on this topic is Peter’s proverb in 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Daniel could trust in the LORD to care for him even though the kingdom of Babylon had fallen to the Medes and Persians. The LORD saw to it that Darius would show favor to Daniel and allow him to continue to lead the people.

There are some who believe Darius was a title instead of a name— one who holds the scepter. It’s possible he was a ruler akin to a Roman governor like Pilate. I struggle with this view only because at the end of today’s passage, the satraps convince him to enact a decree to receive worship from the people. I find it hard to believe that such a ruler would receive worship if he were not a king. People were often known by multiple names (for example Daniel was known as Belteshazzar), and one likely person who could have been called Darius was the son of Cyrus—  Cambyses. Cambyses would eventually take over the entire Medo-Persian empire, and as the son of the king, it makes sense that he would agree to be worshiped by those in the part of the empire under his care.

Darius appointed 120 satraps with three high officials over them to manage Babylon. From among the three high officials, Daniel was recognized by Darius as faithful and honest and so was considered someone he could trust to manage the kingdom.

Even though this happened 2,500 years ago, politics never seem to change. The 120 satraps tried to find dirt on Daniel when they couldn’t make him compromise his office, but he was incorruptible and someone they couldn’t use to manipulate Darius. They hated him for his integrity and thus plotted to destroy him by exploiting his love of God. The Law of Moses sees the family as the cornerstone of society. Just as the father is the head of the household so a king was seen as the father of society. Thus, God’s word to honor our father and mother applies to those whom God has appointed to rule over us. Peter also covered this idea in his first epistle, “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)

The satraps knew that if they could convince the king to receive worship reserved for God alone, Daniel would be forced to violate his decree. They had him make the decree according to the “law of the Medes and Persians” because it became irrevocable. A king could sign it into law but not compromise on it or abolish it. Given his fondness for Daniel, they knew he would want to do both when Daniel refused to follow this new law.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, help us to be good citizens who are faithful to You as well as dedicated to building and sustaining the society in which we live. May we in the name of Christ Jesus love You and our neighbor. Amen.