Daniel 6:12

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Then {H116} they came near {H7127}, and spake {H560} before {H6925} the king {H4430} concerning {H5922} the king's {H4430} decree {H633}; Hast thou not {H3809} signed {H7560} a decree {H633}, that every {H3606} man {H606} that shall ask {H1156} a petition of {H4481} any {H3606} God {H426} or man {H606} within {H5705} thirty {H8533} days {H3118}, save {H3861} of thee {H4481}, O king {H4430}, shall be cast {H7412} into the den {H1358} of lions {H744}? The king {H4430} answered {H6032} and said {H560}, The thing {H4406} is true {H3330}, according to the law {H1882} of the Medes {H4076} and Persians {H6540}, which altereth {H5709} not {H3809}.

So they went to remind the king of his royal decree: "Didn't you sign a law prohibiting anyone from making requests of any god or man within thirty days, except yourself, your majesty, on pain of being thrown into the lion pit?"The king answered, "Yes, that is true, as required by the law of the Medes and Persians, which is itself irrevocable."

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 The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Daniel 6:12 records the pivotal moment when Daniel's jealous adversaries confront King Darius, reminding him of the irrevocable decree designed to trap Daniel. This verse sets the stage for Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, highlighting themes of unchangeable laws, political conspiracy, and unwavering faith.

Context

Following Daniel's promotion by King Darius, other high officials and satraps grew envious. Unable to find fault with Daniel's administrative duties, they conspired to attack his spiritual integrity. They knew Daniel's devotion to God was paramount, so they devised a decree making it illegal to pray to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days. King Darius, perhaps flattered or unaware of their true motives, signed this decree (Daniel 6:7). This verse, Daniel 6:12, captures the moment the conspirators "came near" to expose Daniel's perceived transgression, confirming with the king the strict terms of the very law they instigated.

Key Themes

  • The Immutability of Medo-Persian Law: The phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" is central. Unlike some legal systems that allowed for royal pardons or amendments, laws signed under this empire were considered absolute and unchangeable, even by the king himself. This rigidity becomes both a weapon for Daniel's enemies and a source of distress for Darius.
  • Political Conspiracy and Malice: The "they" in this verse are Daniel's adversaries, driven by envy and a desire to remove him from power. Their careful planning and manipulation of the king demonstrate the cunning nature of political intrigue.
  • The King's Power and Limitations: Darius, though a powerful monarch, finds himself bound by his own decree. He has the authority to make laws but not to revoke them, illustrating a unique aspect of Medo-Persian governance and setting up his personal dilemma regarding Daniel's fate.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" (Hebrew: dat medaya u'pharas asher la'tashna) strongly emphasizes the binding and irrevocable nature of these decrees. This concept is crucial to understanding the narrative's tension. Once a law was established and signed, it was considered permanent, even if its outcome was unfavorable or unintended by the king who enacted it. This stands in contrast to the dynamic and sovereign nature of God's character, who is described as the Lord who changes not.

Practical Application

Daniel 6:12 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths relevant today:

  • The Importance of Discernment: Leaders (and individuals) should exercise great care and discernment before making or endorsing laws or decisions, as their consequences can be far-reaching and irreversible.
  • Facing Opposition for Faith: Like Daniel, believers may face opposition or even legal challenges for their commitment to God. This verse highlights the reality of such conflicts and the need to stand firm in one's convictions, as Daniel did by continuing his regular prayer life despite the decree.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Human Affairs: Despite the seemingly unchangeable human law and the malicious intent of Daniel's enemies, the narrative ultimately showcases God's ultimate sovereignty and ability to deliver His faithful servants (Daniel 6:23).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 6:8

    Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

  • Daniel 3:8

    ¶ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

  • Daniel 3:12

    There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

  • Esther 1:19

    If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

  • Acts 16:19

    And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

  • Acts 24:2

    And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

  • Acts 24:9

    And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

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