Daniel 6:13

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

Then {H116} answered {H6032} they and said {H560} before {H6925} the king {H4430}, That Daniel {H1841}, which is of {H4481} the children {H1123} of the captivity {H1547} of Judah {H3061}, regardeth {H7761}{H2942} not {H3809} thee {H5922}, O king {H4430}, nor the decree {H633} that thou hast signed {H7560}, but maketh {H1156} his petition {H1159} three {H8532} times {H2166} a day {H3118}.

They replied to the king, "That Dani'el, one of the exiles from Y'hudah, respects neither you, your majesty, nor the decree you signed; instead, he continues praying three times a

Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

Commentary

Daniel 6:13 (KJV) stands at a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Daniel, revealing the direct confrontation between human law and divine obedience. This verse captures the accusers' formal complaint to King Darius, highlighting Daniel's deliberate act of prayer in defiance of the recently signed royal decree.

Context

This verse follows King Darius's signing of an irrevocable decree, orchestrated by jealous satraps and administrators who sought to undermine Daniel. The decree forbade anyone from making a petition to any god or man, save the king, for thirty days. Daniel, renowned for his integrity and high position in the Persian Empire, continued his established practice of prayer, knowing full well the consequences. His accusers, having spied on him, eagerly reported his "transgression" to the king, emphasizing his status as one of the children of the captivity of Judah, perhaps to underscore his perceived disloyalty or foreignness.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness to God: Daniel's unwavering commitment to his God, even under threat of death, is the central theme. He prioritized his relationship with God above personal safety or political favor.
  • Obedience vs. Human Law: The verse starkly presents the conflict between a human decree and a divine command. Daniel's actions embody the principle that "We ought to obey God rather than men."
  • Perseverance in Prayer: Daniel's consistent practice of "maketh his petition three times a day" underscores the importance of a disciplined and ongoing prayer life, regardless of external circumstances.
  • Jealousy and Conspiracy: The verse is a direct result of the envy of other officials who could not find fault in Daniel's work, leading them to target his religious devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of the captivity of Judah" (Hebrew: b'nei hagolah Yehudah) emphasizes Daniel's identity as an exile, a member of the Jewish people deported from their homeland. This detail was used by his accusers to paint him as an outsider who might not fully respect Persian law, even though he served the kingdom faithfully. The word "petition" (Hebrew: ba'ut) refers to a request or supplication, highlighting the direct and personal nature of Daniel's prayers to God.

Practical Application

Daniel 6:13 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Courage in Conviction: Daniel's example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions, even when faced with opposition or potential persecution.
  • Prioritizing God: It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. When human laws contradict divine principles, our duty is to God first.
  • Discipline in Prayer: Daniel's consistent prayer life serves as an inspiration for maintaining a regular and fervent communion with God, no matter the challenges. This consistent practice of prayer was a cornerstone of his spiritual strength, ultimately leading to God's miraculous intervention, as seen in the deliverance from the lions' den.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 3:12 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 5:29 (4 votes)

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

  • Daniel 2:25 (4 votes)

    Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

  • Daniel 5:13 (3 votes)

    Then was Daniel brought in before the king. [And] the king spake and said unto Daniel, [Art] thou that Daniel, which [art] of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?

  • Esther 3:8 (3 votes)

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • Daniel 1:6 (2 votes)

    Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

  • Acts 17:7 (1 votes)

    Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.