Daniel 6:10

KJV

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when Daniel {H1841} knew {H3046} that the writing {H3792} was signed {H7560}, he went {H5954} into his house {H1005}; and his windows {H3551} being open {H6606} in his chamber {H5952} toward {H5049} Jerusalem {H3390}, he kneeled {H1289} upon {H5922} his knees {H1291} three {H8532} times {H2166} a day {H3118}, and prayed {H6739}, and gave thanks {H3029} before {H6925} his God {H426}, as {H6903}{H3606} he did {H1934}{H5648} aforetime {H4481}{H1836}{H6928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On learning that the document had been signed, Dani'el went home. The windows of his upstairs room were open in the direction of Yerushalayim; and there he kneeled down three times a day and prayed, giving thanks before his God, just as he had been doing before.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem); and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:10 stands as a powerful testament to unyielding faith and consistent devotion in the face of severe persecution. Despite knowing that a royal decree had been signed, forbidding prayer to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days under penalty of death, Daniel steadfastly continued his established practice. He returned to his home, opened his windows towards Jerusalem, and three times a day, he knelt, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, demonstrating an unwavering commitment that prioritized divine command over human law and personal safety.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 6:10 is the climactic moment in the narrative of Daniel's faithfulness under King Darius. Preceding this verse, Daniel has been elevated to a position of great authority, second only to the king, due to his exceptional spirit and administrative integrity (cf. [Daniel 6:3](/daniel/6-3 "Daniel's Excellence")). This prominence incites jealousy among other satraps and administrators, who, unable to find any fault in his professional conduct, conspire to exploit his religious devotion. They manipulate King Darius into signing an irrevocable decree that prohibits prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days, with the severe penalty of being cast into the lion's den (cf. [Daniel 6:7-9](/daniel/6-7 "The King's Decree")). Daniel's actions in verse 10 are a direct, deliberate response to this life-threatening prohibition, setting the stage for his miraculous deliverance and the subsequent glorification of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Medo-Persian Empire, which had recently conquered Babylon. Darius the Mede, often identified with Gobryas or Cyrus's general, ruled as a satrap or co-regent. Medo-Persian law was famously unchangeable once enacted (cf. [Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "The Immutability of Medo-Persian Law")). This immutability made Daniel's defiance particularly perilous. The act of praying with windows open toward Jerusalem was a deeply ingrained Jewish custom, rooted in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple (cf. [1 Kings 8:48](/1_kings/8-48 "Solomon's Prayer at Temple Dedication")). This practice symbolized a continued longing for God's presence, the Temple, and the eventual restoration of Israel, even while in exile. Daniel's public display of devotion was not an act of provocative rebellion, but a continuation of his established, visible spiritual discipline, highlighting the profound conflict between the absolute authority claimed by the king and the absolute sovereignty of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **unwavering faithfulness and integrity** in the face of extreme pressure, demonstrating Daniel's commitment to God above all earthly authority. It highlights the principle of **obedience to God over human commands** when they conflict, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (cf. [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men")). The phrase "as he did aforetime" underscores the theme of **consistent spiritual discipline** and the power of established habits of prayer and thanksgiving in sustaining faith during crisis. Furthermore, Daniel's actions implicitly affirm **God's sovereignty** over human rulers and decrees, setting the stage for divine intervention and the ultimate vindication of His faithful servant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Aramaic, _yᵉdaʻ'_):** This Aramaic word, corresponding to the Hebrew `yada`, signifies not merely intellectual awareness but a deep, experiential knowledge. Daniel didn't just hear about the decree; he "knew" it in a way that implied full comprehension of its implications and the severe personal risk involved. This deep knowledge underscores the deliberate and courageous nature of his subsequent actions, highlighting that his faithfulness was a conscious choice rather than an ignorant act.
* **kneeled (Aramaic, _bᵉrak'_):** This term denotes the physical act of bowing down on one's knees, a posture of humility, submission, and reverence before God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kneeling was a common posture for prayer and worship, signifying a profound acknowledgment of the deity's authority and one's own dependence. Daniel's consistent practice of kneeling emphasizes the deep respect and adoration he held for his God, even when it put his life in jeopardy.
* **aforetime (Aramaic, _qadmâh'_):** This word, meaning "former time" or "ago," is crucial for understanding Daniel's character. It emphasizes the established, habitual nature of his prayer life. His devotion was not a spontaneous act of defiance prompted by the decree, but a deeply ingrained spiritual discipline cultivated over many years. This consistency speaks to the authenticity of his faith and the strength derived from a long-standing relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed":** This clause establishes Daniel's full awareness of the decree's existence and its binding, irrevocable nature. His subsequent actions are not out of ignorance but a conscious, informed decision to prioritize his allegiance to God.
* **"he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem":** Daniel retreats to his private space, yet his actions are not hidden. The open windows facing Jerusalem signify a public, unashamed continuation of his established religious practice. This orientation towards Jerusalem was a traditional Jewish prayer posture, symbolizing a connection to the Temple and the presence of God, even in exile.
* **"he kneeled upon his knees three times a day":** This specifies the frequency and posture of Daniel's prayer. The "three times a day" practice reflects a disciplined routine, likely at morning, noon, and evening, common in Jewish piety. Kneeling signifies humility, reverence, and submission to God.
* **"and prayed, and gave thanks before his God":** Daniel's prayer was comprehensive, encompassing both petition ("prayed") and gratitude ("gave thanks"). Even in a time of extreme peril, his devotion was characterized by thanksgiving, indicating a profound trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of circumstances. His prayer was directed "before his God," emphasizing a direct, personal communion.
* **"as he did aforetime":** This final phrase is profoundly significant. It underscores the consistency and deeply ingrained nature of Daniel's spiritual discipline. His actions were not a defiant outburst but a continuation of a lifelong pattern of faithfulness, demonstrating that his strength in crisis was built upon years of daily devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in Daniel's open windows facing Jerusalem, representing not only a traditional Jewish prayer direction but also an unyielding spiritual orientation towards God's dwelling place and promises, even in exile. This public posture, despite the private setting of his chamber, also carries symbolic weight, signifying an unashamed declaration of faith. The phrase "as he did aforetime" highlights **Consistency** and **Habit**, emphasizing that Daniel's spiritual strength was not a sudden burst of courage but the fruit of long-term, disciplined devotion. This also creates a powerful **Contrast** between Daniel's steadfast piety and the fickle, manipulative decrees of human rulers, ultimately setting the stage for divine intervention that vindicates God's unchanging nature against human mutability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:10 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of divine sovereignty over human authority and the imperative of prioritizing allegiance to God above all else. Daniel's deliberate act of worship, despite the life-threatening decree, underscores that true faith is not situational but foundational, rooted in an unshakeable trust in God's ultimate control. His consistent prayer life, even in the face of imminent danger, serves as a profound example of how spiritual disciplines cultivate resilience and courage, enabling believers to stand firm when human laws conflict with divine commands. This narrative reinforces the truth that God honors those who honor Him, often intervening miraculously to protect His faithful servants or to use their steadfastness to display His glory.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Prayer and Thanksgiving in All Circumstances")
* [Hebrews 11:33-34](/hebrews/11-33 "Faith Subduing Kingdoms and Shutting Lions' Mouths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:10 offers an enduring model of courageous faith and unwavering devotion for believers across all generations. In a world that often pressures conformity and compromise, Daniel's example challenges us to examine the true priorities of our hearts. His consistent practice of prayer and thanksgiving, even when it meant risking his life, reminds us that spiritual strength is often forged in the quiet, daily disciplines of communion with God, not merely in moments of crisis. This verse calls us to cultivate a faith so deeply rooted in God that no external threat or human decree can sever our connection to Him. It encourages us to live with integrity, openly acknowledging our allegiance to Christ, and trusting that God is faithful to sustain us, whatever the cost. Our willingness to stand firm in our convictions, even when unpopular or perilous, becomes a powerful testimony to the world of God's unchanging nature and His supreme authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "decrees" or cultural pressures in my life tempt me to compromise my devotion to God?**
* **How does Daniel's consistent prayer life challenge my own spiritual disciplines, especially in times of ease or difficulty?**
* **In what areas of my life might I need to demonstrate more courage in prioritizing God's commands over human expectations or fears?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, even when facing challenging or uncertain circumstances, as Daniel did?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel pray with his windows open toward Jerusalem?**

Answer: Daniel's act of praying with his windows open toward Jerusalem was a deeply significant and traditional Jewish practice, rooted in the prayer of King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple (cf. [1 Kings 8:48-49](/1_kings/8-48 "Solomon's Prayer for Those in Exile")). Even in exile, Jews would direct their prayers toward Jerusalem, symbolizing their longing for God's presence, the Temple, and the eventual restoration of Israel. For Daniel, it was a public declaration of his unwavering allegiance to the God of Israel and a symbol of hope for his people, demonstrating that his spiritual home was not Babylon or Persia, but Jerusalem, where God's presence dwelt.

**Was Daniel's act of praying openly a defiant act of rebellion against the king?**

Answer: While Daniel's actions were certainly in direct contradiction to the king's decree, they were not primarily an act of defiant rebellion in the sense of seeking to overthrow the king or incite a riot. Instead, Daniel's behavior is presented as a continuation of his established, lifelong spiritual discipline ("as he did aforetime"). His actions were a quiet, resolute act of obedience to God, prioritizing divine law over human law. It was an act of faithfulness and integrity, demonstrating that his ultimate allegiance belonged to God, not to any earthly ruler. His commitment was to maintain his consistent communion with God, even if it meant facing the consequences of the king's decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:10, with its portrayal of unwavering obedience and steadfast prayer in the face of death, profoundly foreshadows the perfect life and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Daniel's consistent devotion, even unto the lion's den, points to Christ's own perfect obedience to the Father, even to the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Just as Daniel prayed three times a day, Jesus Himself demonstrated a life of fervent prayer, often withdrawing to commune with His Father, especially in moments of intense trial, such as in Gethsemane (cf. [Luke 22:41-44](/luke/22-41 "Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Daniel's public, unashamed display of devotion, despite the threat, echoes Christ's unyielding commitment to proclaiming God's truth, even when it led to His rejection and crucifixion. Ultimately, Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lions (cf. [Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel's Deliverance")) prefigures Christ's triumph over death and the grave, demonstrating God's power to vindicate His faithful servant. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of steadfast faith, where His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide not only an example of unwavering devotion but also the very means by which we can stand firm in our own faith, trusting in the One who has overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")) and intercedes for us eternally (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalms 95:6

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 34:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.