Then Daniel replied
Daniel's response comes after a night spent in the lions' den, a punishment for his unwavering faithfulness to God. His ability to reply indicates his survival, a miraculous event that underscores God's protection. This moment is a testament to Daniel's faith and God's power, echoing the deliverance of other biblical figures like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

O king
Daniel addresses King Darius with respect, despite the king's role in his ordeal. This reflects Daniel's consistent character of integrity and respect for authority, aligning with biblical teachings on respecting governing authorities (Romans 13:1). It also highlights the tension between earthly authority and divine allegiance, a recurring theme in Daniel's life.

may you live forever!
This traditional greeting for kings expresses a wish for the king's longevity and prosperity. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where such expressions were common in royal courts. Despite the king's decree leading to his trial, Daniel's greeting shows no bitterness, illustrating his forgiveness and trust in God's justice. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, despite being wronged, offered forgiveness and sought the well-being of others (Luke 23:34).

1. Daniel
A Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his unwavering faith and integrity. He served in high governmental positions under several kings.

2. King Darius
The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who admired Daniel but was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den.

3. Lions' Den
A pit used for executing those who violated the king's decrees. Daniel was cast into it for praying to God despite the king's edict.

4. Babylon
The city where these events took place, a center of power and culture in the ancient world.

5. The Decree
An edict that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days, which Daniel defied by continuing his practice of praying to God.Faithfulness in Adversity
Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, challenges us to remain faithful in our own trials.

Respectful Communication
Despite being wronged, Daniel addresses the king with respect, teaching us the importance of maintaining a respectful demeanor even towards those who may oppose us.

God's Sovereignty
The account highlights God's control over circumstances and His ability to protect and deliver His faithful servants.

Prayer as a Priority
Daniel's dedication to prayer, even when it was outlawed, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life.

Witness through Integrity
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness serve as a powerful witness to those around him, including King Darius.Verses 21, 22. - Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. The Syriac construction, malleel 'ira, is to be observed. The rendering of the LXX. differs from the Massoretic text in a way that can scarcely be due to differences merely of reading, "Then Daniel called with a loud voice and said O king, I am yet living, and God hath saved me from the lions according to the righteousness found in me before him, and before thee, O king, was neither ignorance nor sin to be found in me; but thou didst hearken to men who deceive kings, and hast east me into the den of lions for my destruction." It is not impossible that the opening clauses of the Massoretic and the LXX. respectively, "O king, I am yet living." and "O king, live for ever," have been derived from the same source. The last clause is to all appearance an expansion. Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. Daniel answers the king, and declares his safety. The angelology of Daniel is an interesting subject, but here the question is complicated by the fact that there is no reference to angelic interference in the Septuagint. Still all through Scripture God does most of his works through the intervention of angels. To Darius, if he had any such beliefs as afterwards are found associated with Zoru astrianism, the ascription of deliverance to an angel would be natural enough. It is doubt ful whether Cyrus and his followers were not idolaters. The rebuke implied in the state merit that not only before God was Daniel innocent, but in the sight of the king, is sufficiently clear without passing beyond the lines of courtly decorum. The expansion in the LXX. is unnecessary, and mars the stately picture; though, on the other hand, the simple answer to the king's question is more likely than the courtly "O king live for ever."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then
אֱדַ֙יִן֙ (’ĕ·ḏa·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

Daniel
דָּנִיֶּ֔אל (dā·nî·yel)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon

replied,
מַלִּ֑ל (mal·lil)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4449: To speak, say

“O king,
מַלְכָּ֖א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

may you live
חֱיִֽי׃ (ḥĕ·yî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2418: To live

forever!
לְעָלְמִ֥ין (lə·‘ā·lə·mîn)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5957: Remote time, the future, past, forever


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OT Prophets: Daniel 6:21 Then said Daniel to the king O (Dan. Da Dn)