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Commentary on Daniel 6 verses 18–24
18 ¶ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Here is, I. The melancholy night which the king had, upon Daniel's account, Dan 6:18. He had said, indeed, that God would deliver him out of the danger, but at the same time he could not forgive himself for throwing him into the danger; and justly might God deprive him of a friend whom he had himself used so barbarously. He went to his palace, vexed at himself for what he had done, and calling himself unwise and unjust for not adhering to the law of God and nature with a non obstante - a negative to the law of the Medes and Persians. He ate no supper, but passed the night fasting; his heart was already full of grief and fear. He forbade the music; nothing is more unpleasing that songs sung to a heavy heart. He went to bed, but got no sleep, was full of tossings to and fro till the dawning of the day. Note, the best way to have a good night is to keep a good conscience, then we may lie down in peace.
II. The solicitous enquiry he made concerning Daniel the next morning, Dan 6:19, Dan 6:20. He was up early, very early; for how could he lie in bed when he could not sleep for dreaming of Daniel, nor lie awake quietly for thinking of him? And he was no sooner up than he went in haste to the den of lions, for he could not satisfy himself to send a servant (that would not sufficiently testify his affection for Daniel), nor had he patience to stay so long as till a servant would return. When he comes to the den, not without some hopes that God had graciously undone what he had wickedly done, he cries, with a lamentable voice, as one full of concern and trouble, O Daniel! art thou alive? He longs to know, yet trembles to ask the question, fearing to be answered with the roaring of the lions after more prey: O Daniel! servant of the living God, has thy God whom thou servest made it to appear that he is able to deliver thee from the lions? If he rightly understood himself when he called him the living God, he could not doubt of his ability to keep Daniel alive, for he that has life in himself quickens whom he will; but has he thought fit in this case to exert his power? What he doubted of we are sure of, that the servants of the living God have a Master who is well able to protect them and bear them out in his service.
III. The joyful news he meets with - that Daniel is alive, is safe, and well, and unhurt in the lions' den, Dan 6:21, Dan 6:22. Daniel knew the king's voice, though it was now a lamentable voice, and spoke to him with all the deference and respect that were due to him: O king! live for ever. He does not reproach him for his unkindness to him, and his easiness in yielding to the malice of his persecutors; but, to show that he has heartily forgiven him, he meets him with his good wishes. Note, We should not upbraid those with the diskindnesses they have done us who, we know, did them with reluctance, and are very ready to upbraid themselves with them. The account Daniel gives the king is very pleasant; it is triumphant. 1. God has preserved his life by a miracle. Darius had called him Daniel's god (thy God whom thou servest), to which Daniel does as it were echo back, Yea, he is my God, whom I own, and who owns me, for he has sent his angel. The same bright and glorious being that was seen in the form of the Son of God with the three children in the fiery furnace had visited Daniel, and, it is likely, in a visible appearance had enlightened the dark den, and kept Daniel company all night, and had shut the lions' mouths, that they had not in the least hurt him. The angel's presence made even the lions' den his strong-hold, his palace, his paradise; he had never had a better night in his life. See the power of God over the fiercest creatures, and believe his power to restrain the roaring lion that goes about continually seeking to devour from hurting those that are his. See the care God takes of his faithful worshippers, especially when he calls them out to suffer for him. If he keeps their souls from sin, comforts their souls with his peace, and receives their souls to himself, he does in effect stop the lions' mouths, that they cannot hurt them. See how ready the angels are to minister for the good of God's people, for they own themselves their fellow servants. 2. God has therein pleaded his cause. He was represented to the king as disaffected to him and his government. We do not find that he said any thing in his own vindication, but left it to God to clear up his integrity as the light; and he did it effectually, by working a miracle for his preservation. Daniel, in what he had done, had not offended either God or the king: Before him whom I prayed to innocency was found in me. He pretends not to a meritorious excellence, but the testimony of his conscience concerning his sincerity is his comfort - As also that before thee, O king! I have done no hurt, nor designed thee any affront.
IV. The discharge of Daniel from his confinement. His prosecutors cannot but own that the law is satisfied, though they are not, or, if it be altered, it is by a power superior to that of the Medes and Persians; and therefore no cause can be shown why Daniel should not be fetched out of the den (Dan 6:23): The king was exceedingly glad to find him alive, and gave orders immediately that they should take him out of the den, as Jeremiah out of the dungeon; and, when they searched, no manner of hurt was found upon him; he was nowhere crushed nor scarred, but was kept perfectly well, because he believed in his God. Note, Those who boldly and cheerfully trust in God to protect them in the way of their duty shall never be made ashamed of their confidence in him, but shall always find him a present help.
V. The committing of his prosecutors to the same prison, or place of execution rather, Dan 6:24. Darius is animated by this miracle wrought for Daniel, and now begins to take courage and act like himself. Those that would not suffer him to show mercy to Daniel shall, now that God has done it for him, be made to feel his resentments; and he will do justice for God who had shown mercy for him. Daniel's accusers, now that his innocency is cleared, and Heaven itself has become his compurgator, have the same punishment inflicted upon them which they designed against him, according to the law of retaliation made against false accusers, Deu 19:18, Deu 19:19. Such they were to be reckoned now that Daniel was proved innocent; for, though the fact was true, yet it was not a fault. They were cast into the den of lions, which perhaps was a punishment newly invented by themselves; however, it was what they maliciously designed for Daniel. Nec lex est justior ulla qum necis artifices arte perire su - No law can be more just than that which adjudges the devisers of barbarity to perish by it, Psa 7:15, Psa 7:16; Psa 9:15, Psa 9:16. And now Solomon's observation is verified (Pro 11:8), The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. In this execution we may observe, 1. The king's severity, in ordering their wives and children to be thrown to the lions with them. How righteous are God's statutes above those of the nations! for God commanded that the children should not die for the fathers' crimes, Deu 24:16. Yet they were put to death in extraordinary cases, as those of Achan, and Saul, and Haman. 2. The lion's fierceness. They had the mastery of them immediately, and tore them to pieces before they came to the bottom of the den. This verified and magnified the miracle of their sparing Daniel; for hereby it appeared that it was not because they had not appetite, but because they had not leave. Mastiffs that are kept muzzled are the more fierce when the muzzle is taken off; so were these lions. And the Lord is known by those judgments which he executes.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–24. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER SIX
Verse 21. "'O king, live forever!'" Daniel honors the one who accords honor to him, and prays for him eternal life.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 6:21 captures Daniel's remarkable first words to King Darius after his miraculous preservation in the lions' den. From the very maw of death, Daniel's respectful salutation, "O king, live for ever," serves as a profound testament to God's powerful and immediate intervention. This utterance not only confirms his divine rescue but also profoundly underscores Daniel's unwavering character, demonstrating extraordinary composure, honor, and faith even in the face of grave injustice and immediate peril.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. Irony is profoundly evident, as the man condemned to die by the king's decree is the one who wishes the king "live for ever," having himself just experienced a miraculous preservation of life by divine power. This creates a stark contrast between human fallibility and divine omnipotence, highlighting the limits of earthly power versus the boundless power of God. The phrase "O king, live for ever" functions as a Formulaic Salutation, a common royal greeting in the ancient Near East, which not only adds to the cultural authenticity but also underscores Daniel's respectful demeanor and adherence to social norms, even in extreme duress. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as rich Symbolism for God's ultimate victory over the forces of death and human injustice, with Daniel's voice emerging from the den symbolizing life triumphing over the jaws of death, and truth overcoming deception.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's immediate, respectful greeting, even after being unjustly condemned to a horrific death, speaks volumes about the nature of true faith and submission to God's sovereignty. It underscores the biblical principle that believers are called to honor governing authorities, even when those authorities are flawed or act unjustly, as seen in Romans 13:1. This act of grace, composure, and lack of bitterness in the face of extreme adversity powerfully testifies to God's ability to preserve His faithful servants and to use even the most dire circumstances to display His glory. Daniel's deliverance is a profound testament to God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him, reminding us that God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous, often in ways that confound human expectation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's immediate and respectful response to King Darius, even from the very jaws of death, offers a profound and challenging lesson in maintaining composure, dignity, and a spirit of grace in the face of injustice, betrayal, and immense pressure. It compels us to consider deeply how we respond when we feel wronged, reminding us that our witness for Christ is often most powerful not in our accusations, demands for justice, or expressions of bitterness, but in our calm trust in God's ultimate vindication and our continued respect for others, even those who have caused us harm. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that honors God above all else, trusting that He is able to deliver us from any "lion's den" we may face, whether literal or metaphorical, and to use our trials for His glory. Our faithfulness, expressed through our character and conduct, can be a powerful and transformative testimony that draws others to acknowledge the living God and His sovereign power.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Daniel say "O king, live for ever" instead of expressing anger, relief, or a complaint?
Answer: Daniel's response demonstrates several profound aspects of his character and the spiritual principles he lived by. Firstly, "O king, live for ever" was a customary and highly respectful salutation for monarchs in the ancient Near East, signifying loyalty and a wish for a long and prosperous reign. Daniel, despite being unjustly condemned, maintained his profound respect for the king's office, aligning with biblical principles of honoring governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Secondly, his calm and gracious demeanor, rather than anger or self-pity, powerfully testifies to his unwavering faith in God and his focus on divine vindication rather than human blame. His primary concern was not his personal grievance but God's miraculous deliverance, which had just been spectacularly demonstrated. This response also serves to immediately confirm his survival, alleviating the king's intense distress and paving the way for God's glory to be revealed.
Does this verse imply that Daniel forgave the king for throwing him into the den?
Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly state "forgiveness," Daniel's respectful, non-accusatory, and blessing-filled greeting certainly implies a profound lack of bitterness and a spirit of grace. His response prioritizes the affirmation of God's miraculous work and the king's well-being over any personal grievance or desire for retribution. This aligns with a broader biblical ethic of forgiveness, responding to evil with good, and leaving vengeance to the Lord, as exemplified in Romans 12:17-21). Daniel's character reflects a deep spiritual maturity that transcends human anger and focuses on God's sovereign plan and ultimate justice. His actions demonstrate a heart that has been transformed by his relationship with God, enabling him to show grace even to those who have wronged him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's miraculous preservation from the lions' den and his subsequent declaration of life to the king profoundly prefigure the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over death and His eternal reign. Just as Daniel was cast into a pit of certain death and emerged alive by divine intervention, so too was Christ laid in a tomb, only to conquer death and rise again on the third day (Matthew 28:6). Daniel's respectful salutation, "O king, live for ever," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that shall never be destroyed (Revelation 19:16; Daniel 7:14). He not only lives forever but is the very source of eternal life for all who believe in Him, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25-26). Daniel's deliverance brought glory to God and led to a wider acknowledgment of His power among the nations; similarly, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate testimony to God's supreme power, leading countless souls throughout history to acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior, resulting in every knee bowing and every tongue confessing His name (Philippians 2:9-11). Daniel's calm demeanor and lack of bitterness in the face of death foreshadow Christ's serene submission to the cross, knowing that ultimate victory over sin and death awaited Him.