Daniel 6:19

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

Then {H116} the king {H4430} arose {H6966} very early {H8238} in the morning {H5053}, and went {H236} in haste {H927} unto the den {H1358} of lions {H744}.

Early in the morning, the king got up and hurried to the lion pit.

At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions.

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

This verse dramatically sets the scene for the climax of the story of Daniel in the lions' den, highlighting King Darius's profound anxiety and desperate hope following Daniel's unjust condemnation.

Context

After Daniel was unjustly cast into the den of lions due to the malicious plot of jealous officials (Daniel 6:16), King Darius spent a restless night. The king had been deeply distressed by the decree he was tricked into signing, which, by the immutable law of the Medes and Persians, could not be changed. His night was marked by fasting and a lack of sleep (Daniel 6:18), reflecting his immense concern for Daniel, whom he clearly respected and perhaps even loved. This verse captures the very first action of the king at dawn, driven by a desperate need to know Daniel's fate.

Key Themes

  • King's Anguish and Hope: Darius's "haste" and early rising underscore his deep personal distress and his fervent hope that Daniel's God, in whom Daniel trusted, might have intervened. This demonstrates the powerful impression Daniel's unwavering faith had made on the pagan monarch.
  • The Weight of Authority: The king, despite his supreme power, was bound by his own irreversible decree, illustrating the strict nature of Persian law and the difficult position it placed him in. His actions here show the human side of leadership, burdened by decisions.
  • Anticipation of Divine Deliverance: The king's rapid journey to the den is not just out of curiosity, but out of a desperate, perhaps even prayerful, hope that the God Daniel served would indeed prove Himself mighty to save. This sets the stage for one of the Bible's most dramatic displays of divine protection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "arose very early in the morning" (Hebrew/Aramaic: בַּבֹּקֶר מְהֵרָה מְאֹד, babbōqer məhērāh məʾod) strongly emphasizes the king's extreme anxiety and eagerness. The word "haste" (מְהֵרָה, məhērāh) reiterates this urgency, painting a vivid picture of a monarch who could not wait another moment to confront the outcome of his terrible decree.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even those in positions of power can be deeply affected by the consequences of their actions and the plight of others. It also highlights the profound impact a person of integrity and faith, like Daniel, can have on those around them, even their rulers. The king's desperate hope for Daniel's deliverance serves as a poignant reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to protect His servants in seemingly impossible situations. Just as the king sought Daniel, we are invited to seek God's presence and comfort, trusting in His ultimate deliverance, as we see in the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him, or in the powerful faith described in Hebrews 11:33, where faith stopped the mouths of lions. The king's immediate question upon arrival (Daniel 6:20) further illustrates his deep concern.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5

    For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

  • Matthew 28:1

    ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:13

    I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

  • Mark 16:2

    And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
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