Daniel 6:14

KJV

Then the king, when he heard [these] words, was sore displeased with himself, and set [his] heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} the king {H4430}, when he heard {H8086} these words {H4406}, was sore {H7690} displeased {H888} with himself, and set {H7761} his heart {H1079} on {H5922} Daniel {H1841} to deliver {H7804} him: and he laboured {H1934}{H7712} till {H5705} the going down {H4606} of the sun {H8122} to deliver {H5338} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the king heard this report, he was very upset. He determined to save Dani'el and worked until sunset to find a way to rescue him.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him.

American Standard Version

Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:14 profoundly illustrates King Darius's deep distress and moral anguish upon realizing the irreversible trap set for his faithful servant, Daniel. Despite his immense royal authority, the king found himself bound by the immutable laws of his own kingdom, leading him to exert every possible effort, from dawn until dusk, in a desperate and ultimately futile attempt to deliver Daniel from the decreed punishment of the lions' den. This verse encapsulates the king's personal struggle, his high regard for Daniel, and the unyielding nature of Medo-Persian law, setting the stage for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 6:14 immediately follows the conspirators' triumphant report to King Darius that Daniel had violated the recently enacted decree forbidding prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. The preceding verses ([Daniel 6:6-9](/daniel/6-6 "Daniel 6:6-9 - The Deceptive Decree") detail the manipulative scheme of the satraps and presidents to ensnare Daniel, leveraging the king's pride and the unchangeable nature of Medo-Persian law. Daniel, fully aware of the decree, continues his devout practice of prayer ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Unwavering Prayer")), demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to God above all earthly authority. This verse marks the king's realization of the malicious intent behind the law and the dire consequences for his most trusted official, shifting the narrative focus from the conspirators' plot to Darius's personal dilemma and subsequent efforts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immutability of Medo-Persian law is a crucial historical and cultural detail, repeatedly emphasized in the book of Daniel ([Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Irrevocable Law") and [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Persian Law's Immutability")). Once a decree was signed and sealed with the king's signet ring, it became an unalterable part of the kingdom's legal framework, binding even the monarch himself. This legal rigidity created the inescapable dilemma for Darius, highlighting the profound cultural respect for established law, even when it led to unjust outcomes. The practice of executing criminals at sundown was also common, emphasizing the urgency of Darius's efforts as he raced against the clock.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel 6 and the broader book. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **human powerlessness against divine will**, as even the most powerful earthly ruler is constrained by his own laws, paving the way for God's miraculous intervention. It also underscores the **integrity and unwavering faithfulness of Daniel**, whose character earned him such profound respect from the king that Darius was willing to exhaust himself in an attempt to save him. Furthermore, the king's "sore displeasure" highlights the **burden and moral responsibility of leadership**, particularly when leaders are manipulated or make ill-advised decisions that have devastating consequences, as seen in the king's deep regret over the decree he had signed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **displeased (Aramaic, _bᵉʼêsh'_):** This word (H888) means "to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally." When applied to the king, it conveys a profound sense of moral disgust and inner turmoil. Darius was not merely annoyed; he was deeply offended and distressed by the situation, particularly by his own complicity in Daniel's predicament. It speaks to a deep-seated regret and self-reproach.
* **heart (Aramaic, _bâl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "anxiety," this word (H1079) refers to the heart as the seat of thought, emotion, and will. When the king "set his heart on Daniel to deliver him," it indicates a complete and intense focus of his entire being—his intellect, emotions, and determination—on the singular goal of rescuing Daniel. It signifies a profound personal commitment driven by deep affection and moral conviction.
* **laboured (Aramaic, _hâvâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H1934), corresponding to the Hebrew "to exist," is used here in a specific application (often in connection with other words) to mean "to endeavor" or "to strive." Coupled with H7712 (_shᵉdar_), which also means "to labor" or "to endeavor," it powerfully conveys the king's persistent, exhaustive, and intense efforts. He truly "became" or "existed" in a state of striving, pouring all his energy into finding a solution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king, when he heard [these] words, was sore displeased with himself":** This clause immediately establishes Darius's emotional state. Upon hearing the report that Daniel had been caught praying, the king's reaction was not one of anger towards Daniel, but profound self-reproach and moral indignation. He recognized the malicious intent of the accusers and his own foolishness in being manipulated into signing such an unalterable decree, which now threatened the life of his most trusted and respected administrator.
* **"and set [his] heart on Daniel to deliver him":** This phrase reveals the king's resolute determination. Despite the immutability of the law, Darius fixed his entire will and affection on finding a way to rescue Daniel. This demonstrates the deep bond of trust and respect that had developed between the pagan king and the faithful Israelite, highlighting Daniel's exceptional character and influence.
* **"and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him":** This final clause emphasizes the king's tireless and desperate efforts. From the moment he heard the news until the traditional time for executions at sunset, Darius exerted every ounce of his power and ingenuity. He explored every legal loophole, every possible avenue, working against the clock in a frantic attempt to circumvent the decree and save Daniel, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the king's profound personal investment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the king's predicament: despite being the supreme ruler, he is powerless to overturn a law he himself enacted, highlighting the unyielding nature of Medo-Persian decrees and, by extension, the limitations of human authority. The phrase "laboured till the going down of the sun" is a form of **hyperbole** and **synecdoche**, emphasizing the king's exhaustive and continuous effort throughout the entire day, using "going down of the sun" to represent the full duration of his struggle. The king's internal struggle, being "sore displeased with himself," demonstrates **pathos**, evoking sympathy for his moral dilemma and the burden of his office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:14 profoundly illustrates the tension between human decree and divine sovereignty. King Darius, the most powerful man in his empire, finds himself utterly constrained by the very laws he enacted, demonstrating the inherent limitations of human authority, especially when it stands in opposition to God's will. His desperate, all-day labor to deliver Daniel underscores the reality that even the sincerest human efforts are insufficient to thwart God's purposes or to save those whom God intends to deliver. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, showcasing His power to work through, or in spite of, human systems to protect His faithful servants and glorify His name. It foreshadows the ultimate truth that true deliverance comes not from human might or legal maneuvering, but from the sovereign hand of God.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates Plans")
* [Isaiah 43:13](/isaiah/43-13 "Isaiah 43:13 - God's Unstoppable Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Darius's anguish and tireless efforts in Daniel 6:14 serve as a powerful mirror for us, reflecting the weight of our own decisions and the profound impact they can have on others. It reminds us that even those in positions of great power are not immune to regret or the consequences of their actions, especially when they act without wisdom or discernment. For believers, this verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own convictions: like Daniel, are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it incurs the displeasure of earthly authorities or puts us in peril? The king's desperate attempts to save Daniel also highlight the value of a life lived with integrity and faithfulness; Daniel's character had earned him such respect that even a pagan king would labor tirelessly for his salvation. Ultimately, while human efforts may be sincere, this narrative points us to the greater truth that our ultimate deliverance and hope rest not in the power of kings or the rigidity of laws, but in the sovereign, delivering hand of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel constrained by "laws" or circumstances that seem unchangeable, and how does this verse encourage me to look beyond human limitations?**
* **How does Daniel's unwavering faithfulness, which deeply impacted King Darius, challenge me to live a life of consistent integrity before others?**
* **When faced with difficult decisions, do I consider the potential far-reaching consequences for myself and others, or do I act impulsively?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Darius so "sore displeased with himself" and not with Daniel or the conspirators?**

Answer: King Darius's displeasure was primarily directed at himself because he recognized his own culpability in the situation. He had been manipulated by the envious satraps and presidents into signing an irreversible decree ([Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Irrevocable Law")) without fully grasping its malicious intent or its potential impact on Daniel, whom he highly esteemed. His regret stemmed from his foolishness in being outmaneuvered and the realization that his own authority was now bound by the very law he had enacted. While he undoubtedly felt anger towards the conspirators, the immediate and overwhelming emotion described was self-reproach, highlighting the burden of his leadership and the consequences of his unwise decision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:14, with King Darius's desperate and ultimately futile efforts to deliver Daniel, powerfully foreshadows the greater truth of humanity's inability to deliver itself from the condemnation of sin. Just as Darius, despite his immense power, was bound by an unchangeable law and could not save Daniel, so too is humanity bound by the immutable law of God's perfect justice, unable to save itself from the penalty of sin through its own "labors" or good works ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No Justification by Law")). The king's deep anguish and desire to deliver Daniel, though sincere, point to the ultimate, divine "heart" that was set on delivering humanity. This deliverance came not through a king's tireless but limited efforts, but through the perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true King, who willingly laid down His life to fulfill the righteous demands of God's law and set us free ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death"); [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). Christ's work on the cross was not a "labor till the going down of the sun" but a complete and final act of redemption, securing eternal deliverance for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrew/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, Darius's human struggle highlights the glorious, sovereign, and all-sufficient salvation offered through Christ alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:26

And the king was exceeding sorry; [yet] for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

Luke 23:13

¶ And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Luke 23:21

But they cried, saying, Crucify [him], crucify him.

2 Samuel 3:28

And afterward when David heard [it], he said, I and my kingdom [are] guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:

2 Samuel 3:29

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

Daniel 3:13

Then Nebuchadnezzar in [his] rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

John 19:7

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.