Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Study Bible

Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed
Daniel was aware of the decree signed by King Darius, which prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days. This decree was a result of the jealousy and manipulation of the other administrators and satraps who sought to trap Daniel. The signing of the document represents the legal and political challenges faced by believers in a hostile environment. It highlights the tension between obeying earthly authorities and remaining faithful to God's commandments.

he went into his house
Daniel's decision to return to his house indicates his commitment to private devotion despite public pressure. His house served as a sanctuary for worship and prayer, reflecting the importance of having a personal space dedicated to spiritual practices. This act of returning home underscores the principle of maintaining one's faith in the face of external threats.

where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem
The orientation of Daniel's windows toward Jerusalem is significant. It reflects the Jewish custom of praying toward the holy city, as seen in Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:30, where he asks God to hear the prayers of His people directed toward the temple. This practice symbolizes a longing for the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, serving as a reminder of God's promises and the hope of redemption.

and three times a day he got down on his knees
Praying three times a day was a disciplined practice, demonstrating Daniel's commitment to regular communion with God. Kneeling is a posture of humility and submission, indicating reverence and earnestness in prayer. This practice aligns with Psalm 55:17, where David speaks of praying evening, morning, and noon, showing a consistent and devoted prayer life.

prayed, and gave thanks to his God
Despite the threat of persecution, Daniel continued to pray and give thanks, showing his unwavering faith and trust in God. His prayers likely included petitions for deliverance and expressions of gratitude for God's past faithfulness. This act of thanksgiving amidst trials is a powerful testament to Daniel's character and reliance on God, echoing the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances.

just as he had done before
Daniel's consistency in prayer, even after the decree, highlights his steadfastness and integrity. His unchanged behavior in the face of danger demonstrates a life of habitual faithfulness and obedience to God. This phrase emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and the courage to maintain one's convictions regardless of external pressures, serving as a model for believers to follow.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daniel
A faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. Known for his unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of persecution.

2. Darius
The king of the Medo-Persian Empire who was manipulated into signing a decree that targeted Daniel's religious practices.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city toward which Daniel prayed, symbolizing his connection to God's promises and the covenant with Israel.

4. The Decree
A law enacted by Darius, influenced by jealous officials, that prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days.

5. The Upper Room
A private place in Daniel's house where he continued his practice of prayer, demonstrating his commitment to God over the king's decree.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Adversity
Daniel's commitment to prayer despite the threat of persecution teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God in challenging circumstances.

Consistency in Spiritual Practices
Daniel's habit of praying three times a day highlights the value of consistent spiritual disciplines in maintaining a strong relationship with God.

Courage to Stand Alone
Daniel's willingness to stand alone in his faith encourages believers to have the courage to uphold their convictions, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.

The Power of Prayer
Daniel's reliance on prayer as a source of strength and guidance underscores the power and necessity of prayer in the life of a believer.

Thanksgiving in Prayer
Daniel's practice of giving thanks in his prayers reminds us to maintain an attitude of gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Daniel's response to the decree challenge us to evaluate our own commitment to prayer and spiritual disciplines?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness to God when faced with societal pressures that conflict with our beliefs?

3. How does Daniel's practice of praying toward Jerusalem connect to the promises and hope we have in Christ?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to develop a consistent prayer life similar to Daniel's?

5. How can we incorporate thanksgiving into our prayers, even when we are facing difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:44-49
Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, where he asks God to hear the prayers of His people when they pray toward Jerusalem, connects to Daniel's practice of praying toward the city.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels Daniel's decision to continue praying despite the king's decree.

Philippians 4:6
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, similar to Daniel's practice of giving thanks in prayer.