(Reflections and notes on Daniel 6. The series so far had an introduction before considering the way Daniel and his friends settled in the strange land. This was followed by explorations in how the righteous emerged from a ridiculous situation. This was the set up for the trial by fiery furnace that was contemplated. The series then considered the pride of Nebuchadnezzar was brought to a pivotal confrontion with the creator. Previously there was the failure to learn the lesson from the predecessor resulting in a regime change.)
Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus and Darius. You’re unlikely to hear these five names mentioned in casual conversation. These are not the names of the Strangest Hippy Band of All Time (to the best of my knowledge). These are the names of five kings. Five kings from three different backgrounds all of whom played a key part in the life of Daniel. Here in this episode is the end of the recorded encounters of Daniel with these rulers. It’s worth recapping the journey to this point.
Daniel grew up in the rule of Jehoiakim, King of Judah. Daniel knew enough to be devout and faithful to covenant made between the God of heaven and the people of Judah. Although he knew enough, the King of Judah did not and so the Kingdom was taken over by Nebuchadnezzar, king and master of the Babylonian kingdom which was vast for that day and age. Part of his strategy of rule involved taking the cream of the crop when it came to nobility and royalty and look to bring them into the service of Babylon. Daniel was among that crop who were transported to Babylon. Daniel didn’t know that he would never see his home again.
Here he was a stranger in a strange place, by his relationship with God, he and his friends were able to thrive in this new place by the spirit of wisdom and knowledge received from God. Among other noteworthy qualities was the ability to interpret dreams which made him an invaluable member of the Babylonian kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar got to honour this man for his ability to be used as a channel of wisdom by God. And favour followed Daniel.
Just when Daniel was established in a prominent position, the first king died to be replaced by a king who didn’t recognise and apply the lessons. Clearly in King Belshazzar’s rule, Daniel was somewhat sidelined from the heart of prominence, but clearly retained his integrity and spirit of wisdom and insight. This integrity allowed him to reject promotion to being third in charge when he applied the insight to interpret the last thing the proud king was to discover as far as his fate was concerned as his pride was leading to his downfall.
This downfall, however, also led to an upheaval and totally new rule to to be ushered in by Darius who were not obliged to keep the system left by the previous rulers. Yet despite the changes, Daniel’s approach in excellence, integrity and commitment to trustworthiness does not end at all. It is indeed these qualities that allows him to thrive to such a degree that even under new rulers his qualities are recognised and employed in hugely significant positions in the government.
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
Daniel 6:4 (NLT)
Daniel was not competing with anyone – his application to the responsibilities given to him were highlighted and enabled the promotion and even if the eyes of people thought it was a human rule that elevated him, Daniel knew enough to know where promotion really came from. However, those around him, those who were ambitious and keen to hold positions of power for the sake of self saw a threat in Daniel.
There is something about those who walk in the light of what’s right who cast something disturbing and unsettling in those who prefer the darkness. You don’t have to compete with anyone when you operate by the Spirit that God gives generously, it’s ust about being responsible, faithful and trustworthy with what He gives you and leave everything to Him. That is not easy, however, when the mentality and culture around you does not truly value and champion those qualities and go for ones that subtly or overtly oppose what is right in God’s sight.
Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
Daniel 6:5 (ESV)
Its not the first time tht an edict is established that is at odds with the covenant that God’s people ow their primary allegiance. It is the first time that Daniel is directly involved. clearly from a position where he’s found favour with the ruling authority in the land. Now that relationship is put to the test and the issue is will he comply with the law of the land or the law of God. The issues is one that his enemies know full well he will defy the law of the land in preference for his diligence to God. They know it. He knows it. The only one who doesn’t know it is the the one who has the ruling authority in the day. It is fascinating to see the ruling authority being used as a pawn in the effort of the wicked ones against the righteous. It is also of note that Daniel does not change his relationship with God and does not resist the consequence of his civil disobedience. This is no longer a young man who is able to take a stand for righteousness.
This is a man advanced in years who has seen administrations and rulers come and go and has retained primary faithfulness to God. This is a man who can recount the faithfuness of God to his three friends when they were threatened with being burnt to cinders for adherence to the one true God. This is a man who knows his God by the his own experience, the experience of others as well as the wealth of the heritage of the faithful that he grew up learning. That’s quite a formidable foundation to defy the order of the ruling authority and more importantly defy the demonic opposition that sought his downfall. What does that say for those of us today who are ever being challenged to compromise our faith and corrupt godly standards to be acceptable and progress in the society of today?
The role of Darius is crucial in this story. He may not be one who is given over to the worship of the one true God, but he’s significantly impacted by the example of this wise man. The lifestyle of the faithful, responsible and trustworthy gentleman has made him of such great value that the thought of his demise affects this man. It’s remarkable fo rthis king and again it speaks volumes as to Daniel’s conduct to those who may well not be God-fearing but are still appointed by God to that position of rulership. the favour of God establishes such a keen and influential relationship between the king and the subject.
Oh and the bit I get excited about is when the stone is rolled over the den. The stone is rolled over to consign the man to his death. He’s as good as dead. Those who plotted for his downfall have surely won. Even as Darius hopes against hope and can’t eat or sleep and has not time for entertainment, he must surely think that it would be a miracle for this man he admires so much to survive the lions. Daniel is as good as dead. And the stone is rolled away and the call is made.
Come on. Surely I’m not the only one who sees a connnection between that and another stone rolling event that saw life emerge from death? What a glorious hope we have in God to deliver us from the state where we’re deemed as good as dead. What a glorious hope to know that just as the lions couldn’t devour Daniel, so death could not fully consume the Son of God who was buried in that tomb and death could not keep Him down, He had to emerge triumphant. Just as Daniel’s deliverance was because of his innocence and right standing before the King, so our hope and salvation is in the One who knew no sin but became sin so that we could be the righteousness of God. He was falsely accused, He was condemned to death but emerged not just triumphant but also glorious.
Maybe not the same degree as the Son of God, but Daniel gave an indication of that as he not emerged alive and unscathed, but that which the opponents tried to deny was still realised as he conferred that position because of His relationship with the king. Likewise the trap that had been set up for him by his enemies was the same trap they themselves would be caught in. this is a great example of the wisdom offered both by Davd and Solomon warning against conspiring with those who seek to ensnare others. It’s a clear matter of what is right in God’s sight against what is the pursuit of those with selfish ambition.
“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel
For he is the living God,
Daniel 6:25-27 (NLT)
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.
He rescues and saves his people;
he performs miraculous signs and wonders
in the heavens and on earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
So this chapter ends with yet another king of a super power acknowledging that there is no power greater than the one of the Most high God who delivers. It’s not about whether these people signed up to observe fully the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It’s that these people in significant positions of control and power don’t just give a passing or begrudging acknowledgement of how awesome God is. Darius followed Nebuchadnezzar in offering praise to the one who rules a Kingdom far greater than theirs.
Let’s hope that we apply the key lessons to learn about our God, about His relationship with those who revere Him and with those in their sphere of influence that can likewise see those around us acknowledge that there is no rule greater than the rule of God in Jesus. Let’s pray that our example will be ones of people who can navigate the changing seasons in which we live remaining ever faithful to the King who rules over all.
Questions from Daniel 6
What does this episode tell you about the character of God?
What do you think is behind Daniel’s longevity and success in different kingdoms?
How are followers of Jesus Christ challenged by changing situations today?
Why did Daniel continue with his religious practices even having read the legislation?
When is it right for a follower of Jesus Christ to practice civil disobedience?
What does it look like to be faithful to God under trying circumstances today and how can it be encouraged?
What does it mean to be delivered today for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
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