Then the men approached the king together and said to him, "Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed." Then the men approached the king togetherThis phrase highlights the unity and determination of the conspirators against Daniel. The men, likely the satraps and administrators, approached King Darius as a group, emphasizing their collective authority and pressure. This reflects the political intrigue and manipulation common in ancient courts, where alliances were often formed to achieve personal or political goals. The unity of these men contrasts with Daniel's solitary faithfulness, setting the stage for the conflict between human schemes and divine providence. and said to him, “Remember, O king,
The phrase "Remember, O king," serves as a reminder to Darius of his own decree, subtly implying that he must uphold his authority and the laws he has enacted. This reflects the cultural importance of a king's word in ancient Near Eastern societies, where a ruler's decree was considered binding and unchangeable. The conspirators are appealing to the king's sense of duty and the inviolability of his word, which was a cornerstone of royal authority. that by the law of the Medes and Persians
The "law of the Medes and Persians" refers to the legal system of the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its rigidity and permanence. Once a law was enacted, it could not be altered or revoked, even by the king himself. This legal principle is significant in the narrative, as it traps Darius into a position where he cannot save Daniel, despite his personal desire to do so. The unchangeable nature of these laws underscores the tension between human authority and divine intervention. no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.”
This final phrase emphasizes the irrevocability of the king's decree, highlighting the legal and cultural constraints within which Darius must operate. The conspirators exploit this aspect of Medo-Persian law to ensure that Daniel is punished, despite the king's favor towards him. This situation foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of Daniel, illustrating the theme of God's sovereignty over human affairs. The unchangeable decree also serves as a type of Christ, who fulfills the unchangeable law through His death and resurrection, providing a way of salvation that transcends human limitations. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the kingdom of Darius. Known for his unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of persecution. 2. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who was manipulated into signing a decree that ultimately endangered Daniel's life. 3. The ConspiratorsHigh officials and satraps who were envious of Daniel's favor with the king and sought to eliminate him by exploiting the king's decree. 4. The Law of the Medes and PersiansA legal system known for its unchangeable decrees, which played a crucial role in the unfolding of events in this chapter. 5. The Lion's DenThe place of execution where Daniel was thrown as a result of the unchangeable decree, yet it became a place of divine deliverance. Teaching Points The Unchangeable Nature of Human Laws vs. God's SovereigntyHuman laws, like those of the Medes and Persians, may seem unchangeable, but God's sovereignty ultimately prevails. Trust in God's higher authority. Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering faith in God, even when faced with death, serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast in their convictions. The Power of PrayerDaniel's commitment to prayer, despite the decree, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life, especially in challenging times. God's DeliveranceThe account of Daniel in the lion's den is a powerful reminder of God's ability to deliver His faithful servants from seemingly impossible situations. Integrity and InfluenceDaniel's integrity and faithfulness not only preserved his life but also influenced King Darius to acknowledge the power of Daniel's God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the unchangeable nature of the Medo-Persian law contrast with the sovereignty of God as seen in Daniel 6:15? 2. In what ways can Daniel's example of faithfulness inspire you to stand firm in your beliefs in today's world? 3. How does the account of Daniel in the lion's den encourage you to maintain a consistent prayer life, even when facing opposition? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in a difficult situation. How does this relate to Daniel's experience? 5. How can you demonstrate integrity and influence in your own sphere of life, following Daniel's example? Connections to Other Scriptures Esther 1:19Similar to the law of the Medes and Persians, the decree concerning Queen Vashti was irrevocable, highlighting the unchangeable nature of such laws. Acts 5:29Peter and the apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men parallels Daniel's commitment to prayer despite the king's decree. Psalm 37:32-33The wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord will not leave them in their power, reflecting God's protection over Daniel. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Agreement, Assembled, Body, Changed, Decree, Edict, Establish, Establishes, Establisheth, Force, Injunction, Interdict, Issues, Law, Medes, Media, O, Order, Ordinance, Persia, Persians, Recognize, Remember, Saying, Statute, TumultuouslyDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:15 5463 proclamations Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Library A Tribute from Enemies
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'--DANIEL vi. 5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years the real governor of the whole empire; and, of course, in such a position had incurred much hatred and jealousy. He was a foreigner and a worshipper of another God, and therefore was all the more unpopular, as a Brahmin would be in England if he were …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFaith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
'Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Story of the Fiery Furnace
There was in the land of Judah a wicked king-named Jehoiakim, son of the good Josiah. While Jehoiakim was ruling over the land of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, a great conqueror of the nations, came from Babylon with his army of Chaldean soldiers. He took the city of Jerusalem, and made Jehoiakim promise to submit to him as his master. And when he went back to his own land he took with him all the gold and silver that he could find in the Temple; and he carried away as captives very many of the princes …
Logan Marshall—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 6:15 NIVDaniel 6:15 NLTDaniel 6:15 ESVDaniel 6:15 NASBDaniel 6:15 KJV
Daniel 6:15 Commentaries
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