Daniel 6:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Daniel 6:10 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Daniel, set during the reign of King Darius the Mede, following the fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian forces. Daniel, a man of exceptional character and administrative skill, had risen to a high position in Darius's kingdom. His jealous rivals, unable to find fault in his work, conspired to create a law targeting his religious devotion. This law, known as the king's decree, forbade prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days, under penalty of being cast into the den of lions. Daniel's response to this life-threatening prohibition demonstrates his unwavering faith and commitment to God.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faithfulness: Despite knowing the severe consequences, Daniel did not compromise his spiritual discipline. His actions illustrate a profound trust in God's sovereignty and a refusal to allow human decrees to override divine commands.
  • Obedience to God Over Man: This verse powerfully demonstrates the principle of obeying God rather than men when their commands conflict. Daniel's priority was his relationship with the Almighty, even at great personal risk.
  • Consistent Prayer Life: The phrase "as he did aforetime" highlights Daniel's long-standing habit of prayer. His spiritual discipline was not a reaction to crisis but a deeply ingrained pattern of daily devotion, offering a model for consistent communion with God.
  • Courage and Integrity: Daniel's actions were not defiant but resolute. He quietly continued his practice, demonstrating immense courage rooted in his integrity and devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as he did aforetime" (KJV) is crucial. It emphasizes the consistency and established nature of Daniel's prayer life. This wasn't an act of rebellion born of the moment, but a continuation of his faithful practice. It speaks to the power of habit and discipline in spiritual life, suggesting that his spiritual strength was built over years of regular devotion.

Practical Application

Daniel 6:10 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God: In a world that often demands compromise, Daniel reminds us to place our devotion to God above all earthly pressures, even when it involves personal sacrifice.
  • The Power of Habit: Developing consistent spiritual disciplines, such as daily prayer and thanksgiving, builds resilience and strength that can sustain us during times of trial. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving.
  • Standing Firm in Faith: Daniel's example encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting that God is faithful to those who honor Him, as evidenced by his miraculous deliverance from the lions.
  • Prayer toward Jerusalem: Daniel's act of praying with his windows open toward Jerusalem reflects the ancient Jewish custom, rooted in Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, symbolizing a longing for God's presence and restoration. For Christians, this can symbolize directing our prayers toward God's heavenly throne.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 55:17 (18 votes)

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

  • Acts 5:29 (16 votes)

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (11 votes)

    Pray without ceasing.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (11 votes)

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

  • Psalms 95:6 (9 votes)

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

  • Philippians 4:6 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ [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.