Daniel 6:14

Daniel 6:14 KJV describes King Darius's intense reaction and desperate efforts upon realizing the trap set for his beloved servant, Daniel. This verse highlights the king's moral struggle and his futile attempt to counteract an irreversible decree.

Context

Following the new decree instigated by envious satraps and presidents, which forbade prayer to any god or man except King Darius for thirty days, Daniel continued his faithful practice of praying to God three times a day. The conspirators, aware of Daniel's unwavering devotion, caught him in the act and immediately reported it to the king. Daniel 6:14 captures Darius's immediate and profound regret. The king, who had been manipulated into signing an irrevocable Persian law (as established in Daniel 6:8), now faced the dreadful consequence for his most trusted and respected administrator. This moment underscores the gravity of Daniel's perceived disobedience and the king's realization of the malicious intent behind the law.

Key Themes

• The King's Regret and Anguish: Darius was "sore displeased with himself," indicating deep remorse and perhaps anger at his own foolishness or the cunning of his officials. This highlights the burden of leadership and the consequences of unwise decisions.
• Desperate Attempts to Deliver: The phrase "set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun" reveals Darius's profound respect and affection for Daniel. He spent the entire day, from morning until sunset, trying to find a legal loophole or a way to rescue Daniel from the inevitable punishment of the lions' den. This demonstrates his high regard for Daniel's character and service.
• Irrevocable Law: A central theme of the Daniel narrative is the immutability of Medo-Persian law. Once a decree was signed by the king, it could not be changed or revoked, even by the king himself. This legal principle forms the inescapable dilemma that Darius faced, leading to his desperate efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "sore displeased with himself" conveys a strong sense of inner turmoil and distress. It suggests not just disappointment but a deep, personal anguish over the situation and his role in it. The word for "laboured" (Hebrew: yāʿaṣ, though here it's more about "striving" or "exerting oneself") emphasizes the intense, focused effort Darius put into finding a solution, working against the clock until the very moment of execution, which was traditionally at sundown.

Practical Application

Daniel 6:14 offers several timeless lessons:

• The Weight of Decisions: Leaders, and indeed all individuals, must consider the far-reaching consequences of their actions and decrees. Hasty or ill-advised decisions can lead to profound regret and harm.
• Integrity Under Pressure: Daniel's unwavering faith, even in the face of death, profoundly impacted those around him, including the king. His consistent character earned him immense respect, prompting Darius's desperate efforts to save him. This encourages believers to maintain their integrity, knowing it can influence others and ultimately lead to God's glory, as seen in Daniel's miraculous deliverance.
• God's Sovereignty: Despite the king's power and the immutability of the law, God's ultimate plan for Daniel's deliverance was already in motion. Even human efforts, though sincere, often serve to highlight the greater power and faithfulness of God, who ultimately brings about His will (compare with Proverbs 21:1).