Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God.

Then {H116} said {H560} these {H479} men {H1400}, We shall not {H3809} find {H7912} any {H3606} occasion {H5931} against {H5922} this {H1836} Daniel {H1841}, except {H3861} we find {H7912} it against him concerning the law {H1882} of his God {H426}.

Then these men said, "We're not going to find any cause for complaint against this Dani'el unless we can find something against him in regard to the law of his god."

Finally these men said, β€œWe will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Commentary

Context of Daniel 6:5

This verse is pivotal in the dramatic narrative of Daniel's life under King Darius the Mede. Daniel had been elevated to a position of immense authority, second only to the king, due to his exceptional spirit and administrative abilities (Daniel 6:3). This promotion stirred intense jealousy among the other satraps and presidents, who sought to undermine him. They meticulously investigated Daniel's conduct, hoping to find any fault, corruption, or negligence in his official duties. Daniel 6:5 reveals the surprising outcome of their diligent search: they found absolutely no grounds for accusation against his professional integrity, setting the stage for the infamous decree prohibiting prayer that would directly challenge Daniel's faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unblemished Integrity: The verse highlights Daniel's exemplary character and blameless conduct in public office. His adversaries, despite their malice and thorough search, could not find any legitimate fault with his work or personal life, outside of his religious devotion. This speaks volumes about Daniel's commitment to righteousness and justice.
  • Persecution for Righteousness: Unable to find any professional or ethical flaw, Daniel's enemies realize their only avenue for attack is through his unwavering devotion to God. This foreshadows a common theme throughout biblical history and beyond, where those who live righteously may face opposition specifically because of their faith, not despite it.
  • The Primacy of God's Law: The phrase "the law of his God" underscores Daniel's ultimate allegiance. For Daniel, God's commandments superseded all human laws or decrees when they came into conflict. This sets up the central conflict of the chapter: the clash between human authority and divine authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word translated "occasion" in this verse is 'elΒ·lāh (Χ’Φ΄ΧœΦΌΦΈΧ”), which carries the meaning of a cause, pretext, or charge. The fact that Daniel's enemies could find "no occasion" against him concerning his secular duties emphasizes his impeccable record. Their only recourse was to create a situation where his faithfulness to God would be deemed a transgression against the state, effectively turning his virtue into a crime.

Practical Application

Daniel 6:5 serves as a powerful testament to living a life of integrity and faithfulness in all circumstances. It challenges believers to:

  • Maintain a Blameless Testimony: Just as Daniel's life was beyond reproach in the eyes of his enemies, so too should Christians strive to live with integrity in their workplaces, communities, and personal lives. Our conduct should not give legitimate cause for accusation (1 Peter 2:12).
  • Prioritize God's Commands: The verse reminds us that true allegiance belongs first to God. When human laws or societal pressures conflict with God's clear commands, our ultimate loyalty must remain with "the law of his God." This echoes the apostles' declaration, "We must obey God rather than men."
  • Be Prepared for Opposition: Daniel's experience teaches that living righteously may attract opposition, not because of wrongdoing, but precisely because of faithfulness. This verse sets the stage for Daniel's ultimate test of faith, illustrating that commitment to God may come at a cost, but it also leads to divine vindication.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 24:13 (6 votes)

    Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

  • Acts 24:16 (6 votes)

    And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

  • Acts 24:20 (5 votes)

    Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

  • Acts 24:21 (5 votes)

    Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

  • Esther 3:8 (5 votes)

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • 1 Samuel 24:17 (5 votes)

    And he said to David, Thou [art] more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

  • John 19:6 (4 votes)

    When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him.