MPV Commentary

Darius' Decree: Daniel's Disobedience and Consequent Deliverance by God.

1. Darius was a Medo-Persian king who ruled after Cyrus. His name "Darheush" means "Lord-King," a title applied to several of the Medo-Persian kings, including Darius Hystaspes, who reigned from 521 B.C. and issued a decree for rebuilding the temple (Ezr 4:5; Hag 1:1).

The satraps, or governors, set over the conquered provinces by Cyrus, numbered one hundred and twenty. Daniel was appointed to this position because of his remarkable ability to foretell the fall of Babylon.

3. The king thought to promote Daniel to a high position in the kingdom due to his exceptional abilities. However, God used this opportunity for good, both for Daniel and His people.

4. A pretext for accusing Daniel arose concerning the administration of the kingdom. This highlights the importance of living according to God's law even when it contradicts the ways of the world.

5. It is a testament to a godly person's character that their enemies can find no fault in them except for their commitment to following God's law.

6. The conspirators assembled hastily and tumultuously, demanding that Darius issue a decree requiring all people to worship him as a living god. They claimed this was necessary for the safety of the king.

7. In Persian culture, the king was considered representative of the chief god, Ormuzd. The seven princes near him represented the seven Amshaspands before the throne of Ormuzd. Darius, being a weak despot, might easily be persuaded to issue such a decree as a test of loyalty among his subjects.

8. The decree stated that anyone who did not worship Darius would be thrown into a den of lions. This was an immovable law, peculiar to the Medes and Persians, which they regarded as infallible due to their reverence for Ormuzd.

9. Such a despotic decree is understandable when considering the Persian culture's emphasis on religious obedience as a test of loyalty. Instead of complaining about Daniel, he prayed to God, demonstrating his trust in Him.

10. When Daniel knew that the power to advise the king against the decree had been taken from him, he withdrew from the court and went home. He opened the windows so there would be no obstruction to his view of Jerusalem, drawing his mind off earthly thoughts and toward heaven.

11. The conspirators assembled again, this time to accuse Daniel of disobeying the king's edict. They preface their attack by alleging the king's decree, trying to get him to confirm it unalterably before mentioning Daniel's name.

12. The conspirators accused Daniel of being a Jew from the captivity of Judah and not regarding Darius as his lord. This was an aggravation of Daniel's guilt, omitting mention of his position as prime minister.

13. Darius was displeased with himself for having issued such a hasty decree. He took time to deliberate, thinking that after sunset Daniel would be spared until morning, but the conspirators prevented this delay.

14. The king recognized Daniel's God as a living god who could deliver him from the lions' den. However, he also acknowledged his own inability to save Daniel and expressed regret for the evil he had caused.

15. Darius issued a decree stating that anyone who spoke against Daniel would be thrown into the lions' den along with their families. This was a strong statement of faith in God's ability to deliver Daniel.

16. The king sealed the decree with his own signet ring and those of his lords, ensuring its immutability. However, he also acknowledged that Daniel's God was able to deliver him from the lions.

17. Darius ordered the lions' den to be prepared for Daniel, sealing it with a stone and his own signet ring. This was a divinely ordained event, making the subsequent deliverance even more striking.

18. The king did not approach Daniel or his harem during this time, demonstrating his regret for the evil he had caused. He was sorry but took no steps to remedy the situation.

19. Darius' grief overcame his fear of the nobles, and he acknowledged that Daniel's God was a living god who could deliver him from the lions.

20. The king recognized that Daniel served his God continually, even in times of persecution. He expressed doubt about whether Daniel's God was able to deliver him but also held onto hope.

21. Daniel did not express anger at the king for issuing the decree but instead focused on the glory of God being revealed through his deliverance.

22. The angel of God shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel emerged unharmed. This event demonstrated God's power and protection over His servants.

23. Daniel believed in God's ability to deliver him from the lions, not for a miraculous escape but as an expression of faith in a faithful Creator. He committed his soul to God, trusting in well-doing and sure of deliverance in a better life.

24. The conspirators were devoured by the lions, just as they had sought to tear Daniel's character and person apart. This was a fitting punishment for those who had torn down others with their words.

25. The king issued another decree, stating that anyone who spoke against Daniel would be punished severely. This decree was stronger than the previous one, requiring people not only to say nothing amiss about Daniel but also to fear God before him.

26. Darius' decree was a positive statement of faith in God's power and protection over His servants. It emphasized the importance of fearing God above all else.

27. The events described in this chapter took place during the third year of Cyrus' reign, when Daniel received his visions (Da 10:1-12:13). Daniel prospered because of his prophecies (Ezr 1:1, 2).

28. Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den was a testament to God's power and protection over His servants. It demonstrated that faith in God is not just about miraculous escapes but also about trusting in a faithful Creator for well-doing.