5. It is the highest testimony to a godly man's walk, when his most watchful enemies can find no ground of censure save in that he walks according to the law of God even where it opposes the ways of the world. read more
When the Medo-Persian alliance overthrew the Neo-Babylonian Empire, it acquired much geographic territory that it proceeded to incorporate into its kingdom. The Persian Empire became the largest that the world had yet seen, eventually encompassing modern Turkey, Egypt, and parts of India and North Africa as well as Babylonia. Darius divided his realm into 120 satrapies or provinces, and set a satrap ("protector of the realm") in charge of each one (cf. Esther 1:1; Esther 8:9). They reported to... read more
1. Daniel’s promotion in the Persian government 6:1-3 read more
As time passed, Daniel distinguished himself above the other commissioners, even though he was in his 80s. Darius purposed to put him in charge of them all, to elevate him to prime minister.These verses set the stage for what follows by helping the reader appreciate how Darius felt about Daniel. read more
The text does not say why the other officials wanted to get rid of Daniel. Perhaps his integrity made it difficult for them to get away with graft and political corruption. Maybe since he was quite old they wanted to eliminate him so someone from a younger generation could take his place. Anti-Semitism appears to have been part of their reason (cf. Daniel 6:13; Daniel 3:12). The text stresses the outstanding personal integrity and professional competence of Daniel."It is known in advance what... read more
2. The conspiracy against Daniel 6:4-9 read more
The accusers’ plan was similar to that of the Babylonian officials who had tried to topple Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (ch. 3). They knew that Daniel was a God-fearing man who did not worship pagan idols. So they set a trap for him believing that he would remain faithful to his faith. When Daniel had to choose between obeying his God or his government, his God came first (cf. Daniel 6:10; Acts 5:29). read more
The Den of LionsDarius the Mede divides his kingdom into 120 satrapies, the whole being superintended by three higher officials, of whom Daniel was one (Daniel 6:1-2). Daniel is in special favour, and Darius meditates giving him a still higher office (Daniel 6:3). This rouses the jealousy of his colleagues, who plot his ruin (Daniel 6:4-5). They persuade Darius to make a decree that no one shall ask anything for 30 days from God or man, save from the king, on pain of being cast into the den of... read more
VI.(1) Princes.—See Excursus A. The LXX. make the number 127, so as to agree with Esther 1:1. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Daniel 6:4
4. occasion . . . concerning the kingdom—pretext for accusation in his administration ( :-). read more