Topical Bible: Flattery by Darius's Courtiers

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◄ Flattery by Darius's Courtiers ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Daniel, the account of flattery by Darius's courtiers is a significant event that highlights the dangers of pride and manipulation. This episode is recorded in Daniel 6, where the courtiers, motivated by jealousy and malice, sought to entrap Daniel, a faithful servant of God and a trusted official in the Medo-Persian empire.

Context and Background

Darius the Mede, having taken over the kingdom after the fall of Babylon, appointed 120 satraps to govern the realm, with Daniel distinguished as one of the three administrators over them. Daniel's exceptional qualities and integrity earned him favor with Darius, who planned to set him over the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:3). This provoked envy among the other officials, who sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel concerning the kingdom. However, they could find no corruption in him, as he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4).

The Scheme of Flattery

Recognizing that they could not accuse Daniel of any wrongdoing, the courtiers resorted to exploiting the king's pride through flattery. They approached King Darius with a proposal, saying, "O King Darius, live forever! All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions" (Daniel 6:6-7). This appeal to the king's vanity was a calculated move to manipulate him into unwittingly condemning Daniel.

The Decree and Its Consequences

Flattered by the suggestion and perhaps blinded by the prospect of consolidating his authority, Darius signed the decree, making it irrevocable according to the law of the Medes and Persians (Daniel 6:8-9). The courtiers' scheme was successful in that it placed Daniel in a position where his faithfulness to God would lead to his persecution. Despite the decree, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day to God, as was his custom (Daniel 6:10).

The Outcome

When Daniel's continued prayers were reported to the king, Darius realized the trap that had been set for his favored official. Distressed, he sought to rescue Daniel but was bound by the unchangeable nature of the law he had enacted (Daniel 6:14-15). Consequently, Daniel was cast into the lions' den, but God delivered him, sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths (Daniel 6:22).

The next morning, Darius was overjoyed to find Daniel unharmed and ordered him to be lifted from the den. In a turn of divine justice, those who had maliciously accused Daniel were themselves thrown into the lions' den, where they met their demise (Daniel 6:24).

Theological Implications

This account serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of flattery and the susceptibility of leaders to manipulation through pride. It underscores the importance of discernment and integrity, both in leadership and in the lives of believers. Daniel's unwavering faith and God's miraculous deliverance highlight the sovereignty of God and His ability to protect and vindicate His faithful servants.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:7
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Nave's Topical Index