Daniel 6:2

KJV

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

KJV (with Strong's)

And over {H5924} these {H4481} three {H8532} presidents {H5632}; of whom {H4481} Daniel {H1841} was first {H2298}: that {H459} the princes {H324} might {H1934} give {H3052} accounts {H2941} unto them, and the king {H4430} should have {H1934} no {H3809} damage {H5142}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with three chiefs over them, of whom Dani'el was one, so that these viceroys could be responsible to them and so that the king's interests would be safeguarded.

Berean Standard Bible

and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

American Standard Version

and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:2 describes the administrative structure established by King Darius the Mede following his conquest of Babylon, detailing the appointment of one hundred and twenty satraps over the kingdom and the oversight of three presidents, with Daniel holding the preeminent position among them. This hierarchical system was meticulously designed to ensure efficient governance, maintain strict accountability among the provincial rulers, and ultimately prevent any financial or administrative detriment to the royal treasury.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the establishment of Darius's reign over the newly conquered Chaldean kingdom, marking a significant transition from Babylonian to Medo-Persian rule. [Daniel 6:1](/daniel/6-1 "Darius Organizes His Kingdom") sets the stage by introducing Darius's decision to organize his vast empire into provinces, each governed by a satrap. The administrative structure detailed in [Daniel 6:2](/daniel/6-2 "Daniel's Appointment as Chief President") is crucial as it directly leads to the central conflict of the chapter: Daniel's exceptional performance and the jealousy it incites among the other officials. The subsequent verses, particularly [Daniel 6:3](/daniel/6-3 "Daniel's Excellent Spirit"), elaborate on Daniel's "excellent spirit" that distinguished him and led the king to consider setting him over the entire realm, thereby creating the catalyst for the conspiracy against him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the swift fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BC, under the leadership of King Darius (a figure often identified with Cyrus the Great or a high-ranking general under him, though scholarly debate persists), the new regime inherited a vast and ethnically diverse empire. Effective governance of such an expansive territory was paramount for stability and revenue. The administrative system described in [Daniel 6:1-2](/daniel/6-1-2 "Darius's Administrative Structure") reflects typical Persian imperial organization, which involved dividing the empire into satrapies (provinces) ruled by satraps. These satraps were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and enforcing royal decrees. The appointment of higher officials, like the "presidents" mentioned here, to supervise these satraps was a common and necessary practice to prevent rebellion, corruption, and financial loss to the central authority, mirroring the administrative pragmatism seen in other ancient empires. Daniel's elevation, despite his status as a Jewish exile, speaks volumes about his recognized competence and divine favor, reminiscent of [Joseph's rise to power in Egypt](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph's Elevation in Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 6:2](/daniel/6-2 "Daniel's Appointment as Chief President") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God elevates His faithful servants to positions of immense influence even within pagan empires, ensuring His purposes are advanced. Daniel's promotion is not merely a political maneuver but a testament to God's strategic placement. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Integrity and Excellence in Leadership**. Daniel's character and administrative prowess, which are further emphasized in [Daniel 6:3](/daniel/6-3 "Daniel's Excellent Spirit"), are the explicit reasons for his distinction. This sets up a stark contrast with the corrupt and jealous officials who seek his downfall. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Accountability in Governance**, as the system is explicitly designed to ensure the "princes might give accounts" and prevent "damage" to the king, thereby emphasizing the critical importance of ethical and responsible administration within any governing structure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **presidents (Aramaic, _çârêk'_):** (H5632) This term refers to high-ranking officials or chief officers. In this context, they are the primary administrators directly overseeing the satraps, indicating a position of significant authority and responsibility within the Medo-Persian bureaucracy, serving as a critical layer of oversight.
* **first (Aramaic, _chad'_):** (H2298) As an ordinal, this word signifies "one" or "first." Applied to Daniel, it means he was the chief or foremost among the three presidents, indicating his supreme authority in this triumvirate and implying his direct access to and highest trust from the king.
* **accounts (Aramaic, _ṭaʻam'_):** (H2941) Properly meaning "a taste," this word extends to a "judicial sentence" or "matter." Here, it refers to the financial and administrative reports or reckonings that the provincial governors (princes) were required to submit, ensuring transparency, preventing embezzlement, and allowing for proper oversight of the kingdom's resources.
* **damage (Aramaic, _nᵉzaq'_):** (H5142) This term denotes loss, injury, or detriment, specifically financial or material harm. The king's concern was to prevent any fiscal or administrative loss to the royal treasury, underscoring the practical and economic motivation behind the new administrative structure and the need for stringent oversight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over these three presidents;":** This phrase introduces the highest tier of the new provincial administration established by King Darius. By appointing three high-ranking officials above the numerous satraps, the king demonstrated a strong desire for centralized control, efficient management, and robust oversight of his vast empire.
* **"of whom Daniel was first:":** This clause immediately highlights Daniel's unique and preeminent position within this new hierarchy. Despite being a foreign exile, Daniel was not merely one of the three presidents but held the chief position, signifying his exceptional trust, proven competence, and perhaps divine favor in the eyes of King Darius, setting him apart from all other officials.
* **"that the princes might give accounts unto them,":** This explains the primary function of the presidents within the administrative system. The "princes" (satraps or provincial governors) were mandated to report directly to these three presidents. This system was meticulously designed to create a crucial layer of accountability, ensuring that the vast network of provincial administrators was properly managed, monitored, and held responsible for their actions.
* **"and the king should have no damage.":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and pragmatic motivation behind this entire administrative reform. The entire structure, from the satraps to the presidents, was intended to safeguard the king's interests, particularly preventing financial loss, corruption, or mismanagement that could weaken the empire's resources, stability, or overall power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** by using "the king" to represent not merely the person of Darius, but more broadly the royal treasury, the stability of the kingdom, and the overall interests of the Medo-Persian Empire. This emphasizes the financial and administrative well-being that the new system was designed to protect. There is also a clear element of **Foreshadowing**, as Daniel's unparalleled position and the king's explicit reliance on his integrity immediately set the stage for the jealousy and conspiracy that will inevitably unfold in the subsequent verses. This administrative elevation thus directly leads to the dramatic test of Daniel's faith in the lion's den. Furthermore, the administrative structure itself can be seen as **Symbolism** of order, control, and the king's desire for efficient, incorruptible governance within his newly acquired and vast empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:2 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in human affairs, even within secular political structures. Daniel's elevation to the chief administrative role in the Medo-Persian Empire, following the fall of Babylon, is not a mere coincidence but a profound testament to God's providence. It demonstrates that God can position His faithful servants in places of significant influence to bear witness to His truth and uphold righteousness, even when surrounded by pagan systems. This divine orchestration ensures that His purposes are advanced, and His people are protected, even amidst political transitions and potential adversity. Daniel's integrity and wisdom, which are the basis for his promotion, reflect a character shaped by unwavering devotion to God, proving that faithfulness to God can lead to favor and elevation in unexpected places, fulfilling God's design for His people to be salt and light in the world.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "God is the Judge Who Raises Up and Brings Down")
* [Genesis 41:39-41](/genesis/41-39-41 "Joseph's Promotion in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:2 serves as a profound reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and can raise up individuals of character and integrity to positions of influence, even in seemingly secular environments. For believers today, this verse challenges us to cultivate an "excellent spirit" as Daniel did, marked by diligence, wisdom, and unwavering integrity in our own spheres of influence, whether in the workplace, community, or family. Our commitment to excellence and ethical conduct, rooted in our faith, can serve as a powerful testimony to God's transforming power and the reality of His presence in our lives. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of accountability and good governance in any organization or society, reminding us that systems designed to prevent corruption and ensure justice are vital for human flourishing and the common good. As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light, demonstrating righteousness and seeking the welfare of the cities and nations where God has placed us, just as Daniel served faithfully and with distinction in both the Babylonian and Persian empires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate an "excellent spirit" like Daniel's, even when it might lead to scrutiny or opposition?**
* **How can you contribute to greater accountability and integrity in your workplace, community, or any organization you are a part of?**
* **What does Daniel's elevation in a pagan kingdom teach you about God's sovereignty and His ability to use unexpected people in unexpected places for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was Daniel, a Jewish exile, given such a high position by a foreign king?**

Answer: Daniel's elevation was primarily due to his exceptional wisdom, integrity, and administrative competence, which were recognized by King Darius. The text later specifies that "an excellent spirit was in him" ([Daniel 6:3](/daniel/6-3 "Daniel's Excellent Spirit")), distinguishing him from other officials. This recognition of his superior abilities, combined with God's divine favor and providence, allowed him to rise to such a prominent role despite his foreign origin and religious beliefs, much like Joseph in Egypt ([Genesis 41:39-40](/genesis/41-39-40 "Joseph's Promotion by Pharaoh")).

**What was the purpose of appointing three presidents over the satraps?**

Answer: The primary purpose of this administrative structure was to ensure efficient governance and prevent corruption or financial loss to the king. By appointing three presidents to oversee the one hundred and twenty satraps, King Darius created a system of checks and balances. The presidents were responsible for receiving "accounts" (reports and financial reckonings) from the provincial governors, thereby ensuring that the king "should have no damage" ([Daniel 6:2](/daniel/6-2 "The Purpose of the Presidents")). This system aimed to maximize revenue and stability across the vast Medo-Persian Empire, ensuring the king's interests were protected and the kingdom's resources were managed effectively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's preeminent position as the chief president, distinguished by an "excellent spirit" and unwavering integrity, serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate and perfect leadership of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel was elevated to administer a vast kingdom and ensure its well-being, Christ is the Head of all creation and the Church, appointed by God to rule over all things, holding all authority in heaven and on earth ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Christ's Supremacy") and [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Christ")). Daniel's role in preventing "damage" to the king's treasury foreshadows Christ's redemptive work, where He, as the perfect Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world, preventing eternal "damage" to humanity and reconciling us to God through His atoning sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Our Righteousness")). Daniel's faithfulness, even unto death, and his ultimate miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, powerfully prefigure Christ's perfect obedience, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection, through which He triumphed over sin, death, and the grave, securing eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Christ's Resurrection") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, Daniel's exemplary leadership and divine protection in Daniel 6:2 are but a shadow of the supreme authority, perfect integrity, and ultimate salvation found in Christ, the true King and Deliverer over all creation.

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

Esther 7:4

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

Ezra 4:22

Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Daniel 2:48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon.

Daniel 2:49

Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king.

Daniel 5:29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Luke 19:13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.