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Commentary on Daniel 6 verses 11–17
Here is 1. Proof made of Daniel's praying to his God, notwithstanding the late edict to the contrary (Dan 6:11): These men assembled; the came tumultuously together, so the word is, the same that was used Dan 6:6, borrowed from Psa 2:1, Why do the heathen rage? They came together to visit Daniel, perhaps under pretence of business, at that time which they knew to be his usual hour of devotion; and, if they had not found him so engaged, they would have upbraided him with his faint-heartedness and distrust of his God, but (which they rather wished to do) they found him on his knees praying and making supplication before his God. For his love they are his adversaries; but, like his father David, he gives himself unto prayer, Psa 109:4. 2. Complaint made of it to the king. When they had found occasion against Daniel concerning the law of his God they lost no time, but applied to the king (Dan 6:12), and having appealed to his whether there was not such a law made, and gained from him a recognition of it, and that it was so ratified that it might not be altered, they proceeded to accuse Daniel, Dan 6:13. They so describe him, in the information they give, as to exasperate the king and incense him the more against him: "He is of the children of the captivity of Judah; he is of Judah, that despicable people, and now a captive in a despicable state, that can call nothing his own but what he has by the king's favour, and yet he regards not thee, O king! nor the decree that thou hast signed." Note, It is no new thing for that which is done faithfully, in the conscience towards God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately and in contempt of the civil powers, that is, for the best saints to be reproached as the worst men. Daniel regarded God, and therefore prayed, and we have reason to think prayed for the king and his government, yet this is construed as not regarding the king. That excellent spirit which Daniel was endued with, and that established reputation which he had gained, could not protect him from these poisonous darts. They do not say, He makes his petition to his God, lest Darius should take notice of that to his praise, but only, He makes his petition, which is the thing the law forbids. 3. The great concern the king was in hereupon. He now perceived that, whatever they pretended, it was not to honour him, but in spite to Daniel, that they had proposed that law, and now he is sorely displeased with himself for gratifying them in it, Dan 6:14. Note, When men indulge a proud vain-glorious humour, and please themselves with that which feeds it, they know not what vexations they are preparing for themselves; their flatterers may prove their tormentors, and are but spreading a net for their feet. Now, the king sets his heart to deliver Daniel; both by argument and by authority he labours till the going down of the sun to deliver him, that is, to persuade his accusers not to insist upon his prosecution. Note, We often do that, through inconsideration, which afterwards we see cause a thousand times to wish undone again, which is a good reason why we should ponder the path of our feet, for then all our ways will be established. 4. The violence with which the prosecutors demanded judgment, Dan 6:15. We are not told what Daniel said; the king himself is his advocate, he needs not plead his own cause, but silently commits himself and it to him that judges righteously. But the prosecutors insist upon it that the law must have its course; it is a fundamental maxim in the constitution of the government of the Medes and Persians, which had now become the universal monarchy, that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed. The same we find Est 1:19; Est 8:8. The Chaldeans magnified the will of their king, by giving him a power to make and unmake laws at his pleasure, to slay and keep alive whom he would. The Persians magnified the wisdom of their king, by supposing that whatever law he solemnly ratified it was so well made that there could be no occasion to alter it, or dispense with it, as if any human foresight could, in framing a law, guard against all inconveniences. But, if this maxim be duly applied to Daniel's case (as I am apt to think it is not, but perverted), while it honours the king's legislative power it hampers his executive power, and incapacitates him to show that mercy which upholds the throne, and to pass acts of indemnity, which are the glories of a reign. Those who allow not the sovereign's power to dispense with a disabling statute, yet never question his power to pardon an offence against a penal statute. But Darius is denied this power. See what need we have to pray for princes that God would give them wisdom, for they are often embarrassed with great difficulties, even the wisest and best are. 5. The executing of the law upon Daniel. The king himself, with the utmost reluctance, and against his conscience, signs the warrant for his execution; and Daniel, that venerable grave man, who carried such a mixture of majesty and sweetness in his countenance, who had so often looked great upon the bench, and at the council-board, and greater upon his knees, who had power with God and man, and had prevailed, is brought, purely for worshipping his God, as if he had been one of the vilest of malefactors, and thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured by them, Dan 6:16. One cannot think of it without the utmost compassion to the gracious sufferer and the utmost indignation at the malicious prosecutors. To make sure work, the stone laid upon the mouth of the den is sealed, and the king (an over-easy man) is persuaded to seal it with his own signet (Dan 6:17), that unhappy signet with which he had confirmed the law that Daniel falls by. But his lords cannot trust him, unless they add their signets too. Thus, when Christ was buried, his adversaries sealed the stone that was rolled to the door of his sepulchre. 6. The encouragement which Darius gave to Daniel to trust in God: Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee, Dan 6:16. Here (1.) He justifies Daniel from guilt, owning all his crime to be serving his God continually, and continuing to do so even when it was made a crime. (2.) He leaves it to God to free him from punishment, since he could not prevail to do it: He will deliver thee. He is sure that his God can deliver him, for he believes him to be an almighty God, and he has reason to think he will do it, having heard of his delivering Daniel's companions in a like case from the fiery furnace, and concluding him to be always faithful to those who approve themselves faithful to him. Note, Those who serve God continually he will continually preserve, and will bear them out in his service.
Verse 12. "'Hast thou not ordained, O king, that any man who makes a request of any other person besides thee, whether god or man, shall be thrown into the lion-pit?' The king answered them, saying..." They do not mention Daniel's name, so that when the king has made a general answer as to the order he gave, he may then be bound by his own word, and not deal with Daniel in any other fashion than he has stated.
"'What you have said is true, according to the decree of the Medes and Persians, which it is not lawful to violate.'" We repeatedly take note of every passage which speaks of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, so that we may dispose of the knotty problem of why Daniel speaks of the kingdom in one place as being under Darius, and in another as being under Cyrus.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 6:12 captures the climactic moment when Daniel's jealous adversaries confront King Darius, reminding him of the recently enacted, irrevocable decree designed specifically to ensnare Daniel. This verse highlights the conspirators' cunning and the king's unwitting entrapment by his own edict, setting the stage for Daniel's imminent trial and miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, all against the backdrop of an unchangeable legal system and unwavering faith.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Daniel 6:12 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic tension and theological implications. Dramatic Irony is profoundly prominent, as King Darius, in his desire to be honored and to elevate Daniel, unwittingly signs a decree that becomes a snare for his most trusted official and a source of deep distress for himself. The very law intended to solidify his authority now constrains him. Foreshadowing is also present; the immutability of human law, seemingly insurmountable and binding even on the king, subtly foreshadows the greater, unchanging sovereignty of God, who will ultimately intervene to deliver Daniel. This scene also employs Conflict, pitting Daniel's unwavering faith and the king's affection against the malicious intent of his adversaries and the rigid, unyielding legal system. This multi-layered conflict sets the stage for the divine resolution that will demonstrate God's power over all human schemes and limitations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a profound theological truth: the contrast between the fixed, yet flawed, nature of human law and the unchanging, perfect character of God. The Medo-Persian law, though absolute in its human context, serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for creating systems that, even with seemingly good intentions, can lead to injustice and entrapment. In stark contrast, God's character and His divine decrees are truly immutable, not due to a rigid legal code, but because of His inherent perfection, faithfulness, and righteousness. While human laws can be manipulated for evil and bind even their creators, God's word and promises are eternally steadfast, providing ultimate security and justice beyond any earthly system. This tension sets the stage for God's intervention, demonstrating His sovereignty over all human machinations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:12 offers powerful insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the enduring realities of human nature, legal systems, and divine faithfulness. It challenges us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that even seemingly benign or flattering proposals can harbor malicious intent or lead to unforeseen, irreversible consequences. Like Darius, leaders and individuals alike must exercise extreme caution and wisdom before endorsing policies or making decisions, understanding that some commitments, once made, are difficult or impossible to retract. Furthermore, this passage serves as a potent reminder that faithfulness to God may, at times, bring us into direct conflict with prevailing cultural norms or even legal frameworks. Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, despite the decree, exemplifies the courage required to prioritize divine obedience over human mandates, trusting that God's authority transcends all earthly powers. Ultimately, the narrative encourages us to place our trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, knowing that even when human systems seem unyielding and opposition is fierce, He remains able to deliver and uphold those who stand firm in their convictions.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Medo-Persian law considered unchangeable, even by the king?
Answer: The immutability of Medo-Persian law was a defining characteristic of their legal system, intended to signify stability, permanence, and the absolute authority of the royal edicts. Once a decree was signed and sealed with the king's signet ring, it was considered to have passed beyond the king's personal will and into the realm of established, unalterable law. This practice likely served to prevent arbitrary changes by future monarchs and to project an image of divine or unchallengeable authority for the law itself. While the king had the power to make laws, he did not have the power to revoke or alter them once they were officially enacted, as seen in Daniel 6:8 and Esther 8:8. This unique feature of their jurisprudence created the profound dilemma for Darius when Daniel was found in violation of the decree.
What was the motivation of Daniel's adversaries in proposing this decree?
Answer: Daniel's adversaries, described as "presidents and princes" in Daniel 6:4, were driven by intense envy and jealousy. Daniel's exceptional administrative skills and integrity had led King Darius to consider setting him over the entire kingdom. Unable to find any fault or corruption in Daniel's official duties, they realized their only way to undermine him was to exploit his unwavering devotion to his God. They knew Daniel's practice of daily prayer was non-negotiable for him. Therefore, they crafted a decree that would make his spiritual faithfulness a capital offense, ensuring his downfall while appearing to uphold the king's honor. Their motivation was purely malicious, aiming to remove a rival and secure their own positions of power.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:12, with its emphasis on an unchangeable law and the resulting predicament, powerfully foreshadows the greater reality of God's unchangeable moral law and humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill it. Just as Daniel was trapped by a law designed to condemn him, so too humanity is condemned by the righteous demands of God's holy law, which "altereth not" and reveals our sin (Romans 3:20). The seemingly insurmountable legal barrier in Daniel's story points to the ultimate legal barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, the miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lion's den, not by the alteration of the law but by divine intervention, points forward to the ultimate deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Christ, the perfect Son of God, fully satisfied the unchangeable demands of God's law by living a life of perfect obedience and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Romans 8:3-4). He did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, effectively "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us" (Colossians 2:14). Through His unchangeable priesthood and once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:24), Christ redeems us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), offering an eternal salvation that is as unchangeable and secure as the character of God Himself.