1) Here their resolution to return to God, and the comforts where with they encourage themselves in their return in (verses 1-3).
2) The instability of many of them in their professions and promises of repentance, and the severe course which God therefore took with them in (verses 4-5).
3) The covenant God made with them, and his expectations from them verse 6; their violation of that covenant and frustrating those expectations in (verses 7–11).
I) The King’s Proclamation to All Nations.
Daniel: Chapter 6: The Plot against Daniel.
1) Read: (Daniel 6:1); It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; KJV
1) Explanation: (Daniel 6:1); in verse one; this was the number of princes that were fluctuated according to the need. Now it was a short time later on before it was 127 princes in (Esther 1:1); Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces. It pleased King Darius successor to Belshazzar to set over the kingdom 120 satraps who should be in charge through out all the kingdom,
1) Comments: (Daniel 6:1); in verse one; The King set up over the kingdom 120 princes in verse 1, and appointed them their districts, in which they were to administer justice, preserve the public peace, and levy the king’s revenue. We should note that inferior magistrates are ministers of God to us for good as well as the sovereign; and therefore we must submit ourselves both to the king as supreme and to the governors that are constituted and commissioned by him, (I Peter 2:13-14).
2) Read: (Daniel 6:2); 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
2) Explanation: (Daniel 6:2); in verse two; Now this portrays the fact that Daniel was the most powerful man in the world after Darius. And over them three presidents of whom Daniel was one that these satraps might give account to them and that the king should have no loss or damage.
2) Comments: (Daniel 6:2); in verse two: Over these princes there was a triumvirate, or three presidents, who were to take and state the public accounts, to receive appeals from the princes, or complaints against them in case of mal-administration, that the king should have no damage verse 2), that he should not sustain loss in his revenue and that the power he delegated to the princes might not be abused to the oppression of the subject, for by that the king (whether he thinks so or no) receives real damage, both as it alienates the affections of his people from him and as it provokes the displeasure of his God against him.
3) Read: (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. KJV
3) Explanation: (Daniel 6:3); in verse three; this also gives the reason for the people jealousy in verses 4 and 5 listed below. Then 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.
3) Comments: (Daniel 6:3); in verse three; Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes and of these three and Daniel was chief, because he was found to go beyond them all in all manner of princely qualifications). (He was preferred above the presidents and princes verse 3), and so wonderfully well pleased the king was with his management that he thought to set him over the whole realm, and let him place and displace at his pleasure.
3) Extra Comments: (Daniel 6:3); in verse three; Now, we must take notice of it to the praise of Darius that he would prefer a man thus purely for his personal merit, and his fitness for business; and those sovereigns that would be well served must go by that rule. Daniel had been a great man in the kingdom that was conquered, and for that reason, one would think, should have been looked upon as an enemy, and as such imprisoned or banished. He was a native of a foreign kingdom, and a ruined one, and upon that account might have been despised as a stranger and captive. But, Darius, it seems, was very quick-sighted in judging of men’s capacities, and was soon aware that this Daniel had something extraordinary in him, and therefore, though no doubt he had creatures of his own, not a few, that expected preferment in this newly-conquered kingdom, and were gaping for it, and those that had been long his confidants would depend upon it that they should be now his presidents, yet so well did he consult the public welfare that, finding Daniel to excel them all in prudence and virtue, and probably having heard of his being divinely inspired, he made him his right hand. We must take notice of it, to the glory of God, that, though Daniel was now very old (it was above seventy years since he was brought a captive to Babylon), yet he was as able as ever for business both in body and mind, and that he who had continued faithful to his religion through all the temptations of the foregoing reigns in a new government was as much respected as ever. He kept in by being an oak, not by being a willow, by a constancy in virtue, not by a pliableness to vice. Such honesty is the best policy, for it secures a reputation; and those who thus honor God he will honor.
II) What a good man he was: An excellent spirit was in him, in verse 3).
4) Read: (Daniel 6:4); Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. KJV
4) Explanation: (Daniel 6:4); in verse four; Now at this time, Daniel was upwards of eighty years of age. Here Daniel was just as faithful to the truth in his old age as when he was a young man. Now his enemies no doubt hated Daniel because of his determined oppositions to bribery and corruption, and most of all because of his attachment to the “Word of God”.
4) Comments: (Daniel 6:4); in verse four; and he was faithful to every trust, dealt fairly between the sovereign and the subject, and took care that neither should be wronged, so that there was no error, or fault, to be found in him, verse 4. He was not only not chargeable with any treachery or dishonesty, but not even with any mistake or indiscretion. He never made any blunder, nor had any occasion to plead inadvertency or forgetfulness for his excuse. This is recorded for an example to all that are in places of public trust to approve themselves both careful and conscientious, that they may be free, not only from fault, but from error, not only from crime, but from mistake.
5) Read: (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. KJV
5) Explanation: (Daniel 6:5); in verse five; now even Daniel enemies could not find any kind of fault in him. What a testimony for his God in his time. This should be the kind of testimony that every Christian should try to be an example to our Lord and Savior in our life time. Then said these men, we shall not find any occasion (to bring accusation) against this Daniel except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
5) Comments: (Daniel 6:5); in verse five; They concluded, at length, that they should not find any occasion against him except concerning the law of his God verse 5. It seems then that Daniel kept up the profession of his religion, and held it fast without wavering or shrinking, and yet that was no bar to his preferment; there was no law that required him to be of the king’s religion, or incapacitated him to bear office in the state unless he were. It was all one to the king what God he prayed to, so long as he did the business of his place faithfully and well. He was at the king’s service usque acaras as far as the altars; but there he left him. In this matter therefore his enemies hoped to ensnare him. Now when treason could not be charged upon him he was accused of impiety. Now, it is an excellent thing, and much for the glory of God, when those who profess religion conduct themselves so inoffensively in their whole conversation that their most watchful spiteful enemies may find no occasion of blaming them, save only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according to their consciences. It is observable that, when Daniel’s enemies could find no occasion against him concerning the kingdom, they had so much sense of justice left that they did not suborn witnesses against him to accuse him of crimes he was innocent of, and to swear treason upon him, wherein they shame many that were called Jews and are called Christians.
6) Read: (Daniel 6:6); Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for- ever. KJV
6) Explanation: (Daniel 6:6); in verse six; here the phrase, “these presidents”, refers to those other than Daniel. Now the ones that was plotting against him was the entire conspiracy is the work of Daniel’s co-presidents. Then these presidents and satraps came (tumultuously) together to the king and said to him, King Darius, live forever!
6) Comments: (Daniel 6:6); in verse six; it is pretended that this bill which they would have to pass into a law was the result of mature deliberation, that all the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, princes, counsellors, and captains, had consulted together about it, and that they not only agreed to it, but advised it, for divers good causes and considerations, that they had done what they could to establish it for a firm decree. Now they intimate to the king that it was carried unanimously: “All the presidents are of this mind;” and yet we are sure that Daniel, the chief of the three presidents, did not agree to it, and have reason to think that many more of the princes did except against it as absurd and unreasonable.
7) Read: (Daniel 6:7); All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. KJV
7) Explanation: (Daniel 6:7); in verse seven; now their plan was a great plan and was well received. All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted and agreed that the king should establish a royal statute and make a firm decree that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
7) Comments: (Daniel 6:7); in verse seven; these designing men, under color of doing honor to the king, but really intending the ruin of his favorite, press him to pass this into a law, and make it a royal statute, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of the king, shall be put to death after the most barbarous manner, shall be cast into the den of lions, in verse 7). This is the bill they have been hatching, and they lay it before the king to be signed and passed into a law.
8) Read: (Daniel 6:8); Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. KJV
8) Explanation: (Daniel 6:8); in verse eight; here the King, had no doubt, and he was perfectly agreeable with this plan. The King was considering this religion which was so much of a part of a national life and also the secret of his success, or so he thought. Now in his mind, the proper gods of the Medes and the Persians would be suitably worshipped. And the foreign deities would be put in their proper place of submission. Now therefore the King was willingly and ready to sign the decree.
8) Comments: (Daniel 6:8); in verse eight; there is a great deal in it that is apparently evil. It is bad enough to forbid asking a petition of any man. Must not a beggar ask an alms, or one neighbor beg a kindness of another? If the child want bread, must he not ask it of his parents, or be cast into the den of lions if he do? Now those that have business with the king, may they not petition those about him to introduce them? But it was much worse, and an impudent affront to all religion, to forbid asking a petition of any god. It is by prayer that we give glory to God, fetch in mercy from God; and so keep up our communion with God; and to interdict prayer for thirty days is for so long to rob God of all the tribute he has from man and to rob man of all the comfort he has in God.
9) Read: (Daniel 6:9); Where fore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. KJV
9) Explanation: (Daniel 6:9); in verse nine; now the King would have signed this degree and not giving little or any thought to Daniel, what so ever. Here he probably reasoned that in as much as the Temple in Jerusalem was in ruins and that Daniel did not pray to idols, and that he could make no objection to this order. So the King signed the degree.
9) Comments: (Daniel 6:9); in verse nine; and the king, puffed up with a fancy that this would set him up as a little god, was fond of the feather in his cap for so it was, and not a flower in his crown and signed the writing and the decree verse 9, which, being once done, according to the constitution of the united kingdom of the Medes and Persians, was not upon any pretense, whatsoever to be altered or dispensed with, or the breach of it pardoned.
III) (The Steadfastness of Daniel)
10) Read: (Daniel 6:10); Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. KJV
10) Explanation: (Daniel 6:10); in verse ten; Daniel went into his house, and his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, then he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed. Now there was a reason for this, which has nothing to do with the New Covenant. Now it is obvious that Daniel was a man of prayer for he prayed three times a day on his knees and gave thanks to his God.
10) Comments: (Daniel 6:10); in verse ten; now Daniel’s constant practice, which we were not informed of before this occasion, but which we have reason to think was the general practice of the pious Jews). Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Please read the prayers of Daniel below that he prayed to his God.
a) He prayed in his house, sometimes alone and sometimes with his family about him, and made a solemn business of it. Now Cornelius was a man that prayed in his house, (Acts 10:30). Now every house not only may be, but ought to be, a house of prayer; where we have a tent God must have and alter and on it we must offer spiritual sacrifices.
b) In every prayer he gave thanks. When we pray to God for the mercies we want we must praise him for those we have received. Thanksgiving must be a part of every prayer.
c) In his prayer and thanksgiving he had an eye to God as his God, his in covenant, and set himself as in his presence. He did this before his God, and with a regard to him.
d) When he prayed and gave thanks he kneeled upon his knees, which is the most proper gesture in prayer, and most expressive of humility, and reverence, and submission to God. Kneeling is a begging posture, and we come to God as beggars, beggars for our lives, whom it concerns to be importunate.
e) He opened the windows of his chamber, that the sight of the visible heavens might affect his heart with an awe of that God who dwells above the heavens; but that was not all: he opened them towards Jerusalem, the holy city, though now in ruins, to signify the affection he had for its very stones and dust, (Psalms 102:14); and the remembrance he had of its concerns daily in his prayers. And though he himself lived great in Babylon, yet he testified his concurrence with the meanest of his brethren the captives, in remembering Jerusalem and preferring it before his chief joy, (Psalms 137:5-6). Jerusalem was the place which God had chosen to put his name there; and, when the temple was dedicated, Solomon’s prayer to God was that if his people should in the land of their enemies pray unto him with their eye towards the land which he gave them, and the city he had chosen, and the house which was built to his name, then he would hear and maintain their cause (I King 8:48-49), to which prayer Daniel had reference in this circumstance of his devotions.
f) He did this three times a day, three times every day according to the example of David (Psalms 55:17), Morning, evening, and at noon, I will pray. It is good to have our hours of prayer, not to bind, but to remind conscience; and, if we think our bodies require refreshment by food thrice a day, can we think seldomer will serve our souls? This is surely as little as may be to answer the command of praying always.
g) He did this so openly and avowedly that all who knew him knew it to be his practice; and he thus showed it, not because he was proud of it in the place where he was there was no room for that temptation, for it was not reputation, but reproach, that attended it, but because he was not ashamed of it.
11) Read: (Daniel 6:11); Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. KJV
11) Explanation: (Daniel 6:11); in verse eleven; now the governors, the princes, the captains, and the king’s counselors came before the King on the matter of the King’s decree that he had signed. They told the King that they had found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Now Daniel; was their very reason for this plot.
11) Comments: (Daniel 6:11); in verse eleven; here they had Proof made of Daniel’s praying to his God, notwithstanding the late edict to the contrary verse 11. These men assembled; and came tumultuously together, so the word is, the same that was used verse 6, borrowed from (Psalms 2:1). Why do the heathen rage? They came together to visit Daniel, perhaps under pretense of business, at that time which they knew to be his usual hour of devotion; and, if they had not found him so engaged, they would have upbraided him with his faint-heartedness and distrust of his God, but (which they rather wished to do) they found him on his knees praying and making supplication before his God. For his love they are his adversaries; but, like his father David, he gives himself unto prayer, (Psalms 109:4).
12) Read: (Daniel 6:12); Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, the thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. KJV
12) Explanation: (Daniel 6:12); in verse twelve; they came before the king concerning the king’s decree; and ask has thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The King answered them, and said, this is the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be alter.
12) Comments: (Daniel 6:12); in verse twelve; then they came near and said before the king concerning his prohibitory decree, Have you not signed an edict that any man who shall make a petition to any god or man within thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, the thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed or repealed. Now a complaint made of it to the king. When they had found occasion against Daniel concerning the law of his God they lost no time, but applied to the king verse twelve.
13) Read: (Daniel 6:13); Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. KJV
13) Explanation: (Daniel 6:13); in verse thirteen; here the governors, the princes, the captains, and the king’s counselors; all lie about Daniel, they claimed that he had no regard for the King. Then they said before the king, That Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, does not regard or pay any attention to you, O king, or to the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.
13) Comments: (Daniel 6:13); in verse thirteen; now they having appealed to his whether there was not such a law made, and gained from him a recognition of it, and that it was so ratified that it might not be altered, they proceeded to accuse Daniel, in verse thirteen.
14) Read: (Daniel 6:14); in verse fourteen; then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. KJV
14) Explanation: (Daniel 6:14); in verse fourteen; here his efforts were directed to some way out of the constitutional agreement that he had made and which he had been entrapped into. Now the King fully realizes the extent of this trap set for Daniel and his own unwitting decree that he had signed. Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed over what he had done and set his mind on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the sun went down to rescue him.
14) Comments: (Daniel 6:14); in verse fourteen; now when the King heard these words from his counselors he was displeased with himself. And it was well into night, when he through of his excessive folly that he had passed a law that, for its ostensible object, and would have been a disgrace almost to an idiot. But the King set his heart on Daniel and he strove by every means to get the law annulled. The King had already spoken to several of his lords in private, and had gone from one to another till the sun had gone down.
15) Read: (Daniel 6:15); Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. KJV
15) Explanation: (Daniel 6:15); in verse fifteen; now it was true that the King could not save Daniel but still, the Lord God could and so God did save him. Then these same men came thronging (by agreement) to the king and said, Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed or repealed.
15) Comments: (Daniel 6:15); in verse fifteen; then all these men assembled before the King and he had gotten favorable answers from them. And the King called many individuals which he called a parliament. But they now collectively joined the King and urged the execution of the law, and they ask him not to repeal his law.
IV) (Daniel in The Lion’s Den)
16) Read: (Daniel 6:16); Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. KJV
16) Explanation: (Daniel 6:16); in verse sixteen; here there are some who believe that this “Darius” was Astyages, who in some years before, married Esther, choosing her as his Queen. Now if was the case, Darius would have had some knowledge about God. Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, May your God, Whom you are serving continually, deliver you!
16) Comments: (Daniel 6:16); in verse sixteen; then the King commanded by his own law, that Daniel would be cast into the den of lions. Now with a heavy heart the King was obliged to warrant this murderous conspiracy. But when passing sentence his last words were affecting to Daniel. The King tells Daniel to remember, “Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” The King said, when he was passing sentence on Daniel and his last words were affecting. I know that “Thy God, whom thou serve continually, he will deliver thee.” The King reminded Daniel again that “He is thy God,” and thou have served him, not occasionally, but continually; therefore your, “God will deliver thee.” Daniel had now the same kind of opportunity of showing his fidelity to God, as his three Hebrew companions before. Then Daniel said that the lions were a lot less terrible than the fiery furnace.
17) Read: (Daniel 6:17); and a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. KJV
17) Explanation: (Daniel 6:17); in verse seventeen; now the King sealed the “stone with his “own signet” this would serve the purpose of God. When Daniel was delivered, none could say a trick had been played and Daniel escaped accordingly to God’s plan.
17) Comments: (Daniel 6:17); in verse seventeen; now the King sealed the “stone with his “own signet” this would serve the purpose of God. Now all this precaution would serve the purposes of the Divine Providence. There could be no trick nor collusion here; and if Daniel was preserved, it must be by the power of the Supreme God. The same precaution was taken by the Jews, when they crucified our Lord Jesus Christ and sealed Him in a tomb.
V) (Daniel is delivered by God)
18) Read: (Daniel 6:18); 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. KJV
18) Explanation: (Daniel 6:18); in verse eighteen; now as the night descents, the King realizes just what a fool hardy thing that he has allowed himself to be led into by the men that assembled before him. Also the king went to his palace and passed the night fasting, neither were instruments of music or dancing girls brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.
18) Comments: (Daniel 6:18); in verse eighteen; Then the King went to his palace and passed the night fasting, and there was no instruments of music brought before him; and the King sleep went from him.
19) Read: (Daniel 6:19); Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. KJV
19) Explanation: (Daniel 6:19); in verse nineteen; the actions of the King shows and portrays graphically and how much he regard Daniel and also his love for him too. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions.
19) Comments: (Daniel 6:19); in verse nineteen; The King arose very early in the morning, and he went hasted unto the den of lions to check on Daniel and see if His God had deliver him.
20) Read: (Daniel 6:20); 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? KJV
20) Explanation: (Daniel 6:20); in verse twenty; there is some indication that the king took with him and these “presidents” and all of the others who had maneuvered him into signing this decree. Now here they all stand before the lion’s den in the early morning hour. And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?
20) Comments: (Daniel 6:20); in verse twenty; the King went to see if Daniel was safe in the lion’s den. And when he came to the lion’s den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel; and the King spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou serve continually, able to deliver thee from the lions.
21) Read: (Daniel 6:21); Then said Daniel; unto the king, O king, live forever. KJV
21) Explanation: (Daniel 6:21); in verse twenty-one; now the trap is sprung, but it is not on Daniel, but rather it is on his enemies. Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever!
21) Comments: (Daniel 6:21); in verse twenty-one; then said Daniel; unto the king, O king, live forever. Now the person who trusts in God and obeys His will is untouchable until God takes him or her. To trust God is to have immeasurable peace. The same God, who delivered Daniel, He will deliver you too. Now the question here is; “Do you trust God with your life?”
22) Read: (Daniel 6:22); My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocence was found in me; and also before thee, O King, have I done no hurt. KJV
22) Explanation: (Daniel 6:22); in verse twenty-two; now the phrase, “My God has sent His Angel”, this insinuates that Daniel saw the Angel that was sent to save him. Daniel said that my God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent and blameless before Him; and also before you, O King, (as you very well know) I have done no harm or wrong.
22) Comments: (Daniel 6:22); in verse twenty-two; Daniel said my God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths so that they will not hurt me. Here we see the power of God that is over all these fiercest creatures, and we believe that God’s power was to restrain these roaring lions which goes about seeking to devour from hurting those that are His. Also we see the care that God takes of His faithful worshippers, especially when God calls them out to suffer for Him. He keeps their souls from sin, and comforts their souls with His peace, and receives their souls to Himself. God also does in effect shut the lion’s mouths, so that they cannot hurt them. Also see how ready the Angels are to minister for the good of God’s people.
VI) (Daniel’s Enemies Are Destroyed)
23) Read: (Daniel 6:23); Then was the king exceedingly 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. KJV
23) Explanation: (Daniel 6:23); in verse twenty-three; Daniel was taken out of the lion’s den, and he was hurt; because he believed in his God and his God protected him. This is referred to in (Hebrews 11:33). Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel should be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no hurt of any kind was found on him because he believed in (relied on, adhered to, and trusted in) his God.
23) Comments: (Daniel 6:23); in verse twenty-three; He believed in his God and 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.
24) Read: (Daniel 6:24); 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. KJV
24) Explanation: (Daniel 6:24); in verse twenty-four; now the king commanded, that all of those men who had accused Daniel were to be brought and cast into the den of lions, even, their children, and their wives. Daniel had no more say regarding the King’s command to cast these men and their families into the lion’s den than he had over his own situation.
24) Comments: (Daniel 6:24); in verse twenty-four; they brought those men that had accused Daniel and cast him into the lion’s den. Now it was perfectly just that these men should suffer that same death to which they had endeavored to subject the innocent. But it was a savage cruelty to destroy the women and children who had no part in this transgression which was to throw Daniel into the lion’s den to be eaten alive.
VII) (The Decree by King Darius)
25) Read: (Daniel 6:25); Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. KJV
25) Explanation: (Daniel 6:25); in verse twenty-five; then Darius wrote to all the nations and tongues and the countries that dwelled in all his land. The letter said, “Let all men who are in my kingdom stand and worship, and serve the God of Daniel, for he alone abides, and lives to generation of generations forever. The King wrote, I Darius, will worship and serve Him all of my days, for none of the idols that are made with hands are able to deliver as the God of Daniel’s God did. Then King Darius wrote to all peoples, nations, and languages in his realm that dwelt in all the earth: May peace be multiplied to you!
25) Comments: (Daniel 6:25); in verse twenty-five; then King Darius wrote a letter to all the nations and countries. And the substance of this decree, which was made by a heathen king. This king wrote in detail and pointed out the good deeds which he pointed out the perfections of the true God of Daniel. Also he point out the fidelity of his devoted servant in which he had served the kingdom.
26) Read: (Daniel 6:26); I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and sted-fast forever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. KJV
26) Explanation: (Daniel 6:26); in verse twenty-six; the King make a decree that in all my royal dominion men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for He is the living God, that endures forever. Now the King’s statement; concerning; “His Kingdom,” and “His Dominion,” and what their eternal consequence portrays a knowledge which could only be acquired by careful observation.
26) Comments: (Daniel 6:26); in verse twenty-six; then the king made a decree that all men would tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. Also this was done in the case of the three young Hebrews in (Daniel 3:29).
Remember the true God was known by His servants, and by the deliverances that He wrought for them. Now you can see and read his characters in this degree.
First; He is the living God, and the Author and God is the giver of all life; and all gods are false and are dead gods.
Second; Our God is steadfast forever and all things change, but He is unchangeable.
Third; God has a Kingdom; for as He has made all things, so He governs all things.
Fourth; God’s Kingdom shall never be destroyed. There is no human power that can prevail against it, because it is upheld by His omnipotence.
Fifth; God’s dominion is without end. It is an everlasting dominion, under an everlasting rule, by an everlasting God.
Sixth; God will delivereth them that are in danger and bondage.
Seventh; God will rescueth those who have fallen into the hands of their enemies, and implore His succor.
Eighth; God worketh signs in the heavens.
Ninth; And the wonders upon earth; showing that both are under His sway, and are parts of His dominion.
Tenth; And to complete all, He hath delivered Daniel. Now before our eyes He has given the fullest proof of His power and goodness. Also He rescuing his faithful servant from the teeth of the lions. What a fine eulogium on the great God and His faithful servants!
27) Read: (Daniel 6:27); He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. KJV
27) Explanation: (Daniel 6:27); in verse twenty-seven; now despite the unbelief of religious dignitaries and the disavowal of much of the Word of God, we should remember that our God still “delivers” and “rescues”, and God will do it for any and all who will dare to believe in Him. He is a Savior and Deliverer, and He works signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, He Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
27) Comments: (Daniel 6:27); in verse twenty-seven; here God delivereth and rescueth Daniel but first He has an ability to support such an authority. Second God delivers His faithful servants from trouble and to rescues them out of trouble. And third our God has given a fresh proof of all this in delivering His servant Daniel from the power of the lions.
28) Read: (Daniel 6:28); so this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. KJV
28) Explanation: (Daniel 6:28); in verse twenty-eight; now there is evidence that “Cyrus the Persian” was the son of Darius and Esther, and was brought up in Jewish training and taught about God and his Word). So this man Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
28) Comments: (Daniel 6:28); in verse twenty-eight; now Daniel has prospered while he has served five Kings. And their names were Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-merodack, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. There has been few courtlier have had so long a reign, served so many masters without flattering any. Now Daniel has been more successful in their management of public affairs, and been so useful to the states where they were in office, or have been more owned of God, or have left such an example to posterity. Question: where shall we find ministers like Daniel and Samuel? There is none so wise, so holy, so disinterested, so useful, have ever since appeared in the nations of the earth.
A) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the six chapter of the book of Daniel. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the chapter seven of the book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this great book of the Bible.
B) Remember; if you are not saved our God has the power to save anyone that calls upon the name of Jesus Christ and repents of their sins. Now all that are lost need God’s power because we have a problem with sin. The Bible tells us that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).
C) Now you can find the way to Heaven in the book of (Romans 10:9). This scripture in the bible tells us that “If you confess with your mouth, that “Jesus is Lord,” and that you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
D) We all need to confess our sins and ask God for his forgiveness. When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord, then this involves an agreeing with God about your sin and your need for Salvation. You must repent of your own personal sins, by doing this you are willing to turn away from the direction in life in which you are going.
E) Now to “believe in your heart” is to place your faith in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, also you are trusting that Jesus died on the Cross to pay for your sins. But our God proves His own love for us in that while we were sill sinners, Jesus Christ died for all of us. (Romans 5:8).
F) Before we close chapter 6 of the book of Daniel, I would just like to say, I believe that all the scriptures are very important to all of God’s people and every Christian should know and keep them in his heart. I believe that our Lord Jesus said these scriptures in the book of (Matthew 22:37-39). Then one of Pharisees ask Jesus a question and he called Him Master. Which is the great commandment in the Law? Then Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37); Now in verse 38, Jesus said, “This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:38); Here in verse 39, our Lord Jesus said, and the second is like it,
G) “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39); Also our Lord Jesus said, this in verse 40, “On these two commandment’s hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:40); Remember we that are believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and know Jesus as our own personal Savior. Also we should give Him praise and thank Him every day of our life. Why? Because Jesus shed His precious blood on that old rugged Cross so that we all could be free and have eternal life with Him in Heaven. But while we are waiting we must be telling everyone about God’s Salvation Plan. And that plan is called the “Gospel” or the “Good News,” this is the job of every born again believer that calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
H) Now in the book of Matthew, in chapter 28, these scriptures tells us that the disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them to go. (Matthew 28:16); and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him.
But some doubted. (Matthew 28:17); and Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All authority is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18); In verse 19; Jesus said, go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19); Also in verse 20, Jesus said, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, (age). Amen. (Matthew 28:20);
I) Now you have just finish reading the two scriptures in the book of (Matthew 28: 9-20). Most people that are Christians go to church on Sunday morning and then go out to eat lunch or a late dinner. But I would like to ask everyone a few questions about whose job it is to tell the “Good News” or the “Gospel”?
J) Most Christians believe that this is the job of the pastor because that why we pay him for. But then there are the other type of Christians that believe that this job belongs to the Deacon in the church. Well, guess what, I believe that telling the Gospel is my job and every born again believers that has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Yes that means all of us are commanded to go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19); Remember time is running out for all those that are not saved. Also I believe that we are living in those last days right now and we as Christians have very little time left to tell our love ones and those who may not be saved about our Lord Jesus Salvation Plan. And that plan is called the “Gospel” or the “Good News,” this is the job of every born again believer that calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
K) Remember, if you would like to have Salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, you sincerely pray a prayer, like this one; “Please God, I confess to you my sins and I need for you to save me right now. Turn away from my sins and I place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life forever. Amen.”
L) Note: Now this concludes our Bible Study on the six chapter of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach the seventh chapter of this great book of Daniel. Now remember that everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
Frank Rose