Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Then {H116} this {H1836} Daniel {H1841} was {H1934} preferred {H5330} above {H5922} the presidents {H5632} and princes {H324}, because {H3606}{H6903} an excellent {H3493} spirit {H7308} was in him; and the king {H4430} thought {H6246} to set {H6966} him over {H5922} the whole {H3606} realm {H4437}.

But because an extraordinary spirit was in this Dani'el, he so distinguished himself above the other chiefs and the viceroys that the king considered putting him in charge of the whole kingdom.

Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Commentary on Daniel 6:3 (KJV)

Daniel 6:3 highlights the exceptional character and administrative prowess of Daniel, leading to his unparalleled promotion within the Medo-Persian Empire under King Darius. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, including the infamous plot against him and his miraculous deliverance from the lions' den.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians (as recounted in Daniel 5:30-31), King Darius the Mede reorganized the vast new empire. He appointed 120 satraps (princes) over the provinces and set three presidents over them, of whom Daniel was one. Despite being an exile from Judah, Daniel had already served with distinction under previous Babylonian kings, proving his administrative capabilities and divine wisdom. His age, experience, and divine favor made him stand out among his contemporaries in the new regime.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Favor and Wisdom: The phrase "an excellent spirit was in him" points beyond mere human intelligence or skill. The Hebrew, ruach yattira (רוּחַ יַתִּירָה), signifies an extraordinary, surpassing, or superior spirit, often understood as a divine endowment of wisdom, understanding, and integrity. This was the same divine wisdom that enabled Daniel to interpret dreams and reveal mysteries (Daniel 1:17).
  • Integrity and Competence: Daniel's excellence was not just spiritual but also manifested in his administrative competence. He was highly preferred because of his evident ability to manage affairs honestly and efficiently, leading the king to consider him for the highest position: setting him "over the whole realm." His character was unblemished, a stark contrast to the corrupt officials who would later plot against him.
  • Leadership by Example: Daniel serves as a powerful example of how a believer can excel in secular leadership through God-given wisdom and unwavering integrity. His life demonstrated that spiritual devotion does not preclude professional excellence but rather enhances it.

Linguistic Insights

The core of this verse lies in the description of Daniel as having "an excellent spirit." The Hebrew word ruach (רוּחַ) commonly means "spirit," "wind," or "breath," but in this context, it refers to Daniel's inner disposition, character, and intellect, imbued with divine insight. The adjective yattira (יַתִּירָה) emphasizes its extraordinary, surpassing, or preeminent quality. This wasn't just a good spirit; it was an exceptional, superior spirit, marking him as uniquely qualified and divinely blessed.

Practical Application

Daniel's story in this verse offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Excellence in Vocation: We are called to perform our duties with integrity and diligence, allowing our work ethic and character to reflect God's influence in our lives (Colossians 3:23).
  • God-Given Wisdom: True excellence often comes from seeking and relying on God's wisdom rather than solely on human intellect or connections (James 1:5).
  • Integrity in Public Life: Daniel's unwavering integrity, even in a pagan court, reminds us of the importance of living righteously and being a faithful witness in all spheres of influence.

Daniel's promotion was a testament to God's favor and the power of a life lived with an "excellent spirit," demonstrating that God can use His servants in positions of authority to accomplish His purposes.

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.

  • Daniel 5:14

    I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods [is] in thee, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

  • Proverbs 22:29

    ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • Genesis 41:38

    And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?

  • Genesis 41:41

    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

  • Daniel 5:12

    Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

  • Esther 10:3

    For Mordecai the Jew [was] next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

  • Daniel 9:23

    At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

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