Topical Encyclopedia Envy, a destructive and insidious emotion, is prominently illustrated in the biblical account of Daniel and the princes of Babylon. This narrative, found in the Book of Daniel, highlights the corrosive nature of envy and its potential to lead individuals to commit acts of treachery and deceit.In the context of the Babylonian Empire, Daniel, a Jewish exile, rose to prominence due to his exceptional wisdom and the favor of God upon him. King Darius, recognizing Daniel's extraordinary abilities, planned to set him over the entire kingdom. This decision, however, incited envy among the other high officials and satraps. The Berean Standard Bible records their reaction: "At this, the administrators and satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent" (Daniel 6:4). The envy of the princes was not merely a personal grievance but a collective conspiracy against Daniel. Their inability to find fault in his character or work led them to devise a plot based on his faithfulness to God. They manipulated King Darius into issuing a decree that prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king himself for thirty days. The penalty for disobedience was to be cast into the lions' den. The BSB states, "Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed" (Daniel 6:8). Daniel's unwavering commitment to his faith led him to continue his practice of praying three times a day, as was his custom. The envious princes seized this opportunity to accuse him before the king, exploiting the irrevocable nature of the decree. Their envy had driven them to manipulate the law and the king himself to achieve their malicious ends. The narrative demonstrates the destructive power of envy, as it not only sought to harm an innocent man but also threatened the integrity of the kingdom's leadership. Despite their efforts, God delivered Daniel from the lions' den, showcasing His sovereignty and justice. The BSB recounts, "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king" (Daniel 6:22). The account of Daniel and the princes of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy. It reveals how envy can lead to the perversion of justice and the manipulation of authority, ultimately resulting in the downfall of those who harbor it. The princes' envy not only failed to achieve its intended purpose but also led to their own demise, as the king ordered their punishment in the same lions' den they had prepared for Daniel. This biblical episode underscores the importance of integrity, faithfulness, and reliance on God's protection in the face of envy and opposition. It serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual consequences of allowing envy to take root in one's heart. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 6:4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Nave's Topical Index Library In the Lions' Den Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... Cyrus. The Fiery Furnace An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience... On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. Of Civil Government. The Ascension of Isaiah. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Homiletical. Resources What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love does not envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
    |