Dan 6:1-9 NIV It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, (2) with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. (3) Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (4) At this, the administrators and the 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. (5) Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” (6) So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever! (7) The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. (8) Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” (9) So King Darius put the decree in writing.

• Note: There is some dispute about the rule of king Darius because there is no current evidence that he ruled in Babylon. One of the more favored explanations is that, according to the Nabonidus Chronicle, Ugbaru, governor of Gutium, entered Babylon the night of Behshazzar’s feast. After Ubgaru conquered Babylon on October 12, 539 b.c., Cyrus entered the city on October 29th. Ugbaru was then appointed to rule on Cyrus’ behalf. Eight days later (November 6th) Ugbaru died. Darius the Meade could be another name for Ugbaru. (William H. Shea, “Darius the Mede: An Update”, Andrews University Seminary Studies 20 – Autumn 1982, pp. 229-47)
• Why did the other administrators and satraps decide to bring Daniel down?
• What was their original plan? Was it successful? Reread Dan 6:4b. At this point, Daniel had been in administrative authority for about 39 years. What does this verse say about Daniel? How does this compare with our government leaders today? What is the core difference, do you think?
• What is their second plan (Dan 6:5)? Have you ever experienced jealousy and persecution because of your faithfulness?

Dan 6:10-18 NIV Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (11) Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. (12) So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” (13) Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” (14) When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. (15) Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” (16) So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (17) A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. (18) Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

• Did Daniel know the king’s new law? Did Daniel obey the new law? Why not?
• Even though the laws of the land were established according to their law, does that mean they are just? How might this apply to our own circumstances? How did Daniel justify disobeying this law and not others?
• Even the leader was exploited and manipulated to target one person. What might this suggest about politics and the world’s laws?
• How did the king respond to Daniel’s breaking the law? If he was the one who enacted laws, but tried to save Daniel, nonetheless, what does this reveal about the trustworthiness of the world’s laws? Can this same thing happen in our country?

Dan 6:19-28 NIV At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. (20) When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” (21) Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! (22) My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” (23) The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. (25) Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly! (26) “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. (27) He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (28) So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

• What do you see in the king’s behavior in verses 19?
• What does the king reveal about his knowledge of Daniel and his God in verse 20?
• How did Daniel answer in verse 21? Daniel explained that his righteousness was tested against 2 people? Who were they and in what order? How can you apply this to your own life?
• What attributes of God do you see in Darius\’ decree? When have you seen the same attributes in your own life?
• What were the results of of this miracle? Why do you think this whole event happened?
• Do you think it was any easier for Daniel because God was to be glorified?
• Do you think it was any less worrisome for the king because God would be glorified?
• When does everyone see God’s glory, before the suffering or after? What is your attitude about suffering?
• Do you think God knew that Daniel would remain faithful? (consider also Moses, Job, Esther, Joseph, Abraham, David) What does this pattern of God reveal about his character? How do you think this applies to challenges in our own lives?

REFERENCES

Job 2:9-10 NIV His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (10) He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Est 4:14-17 NIV For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father\’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (15) Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: (16) “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (17) So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.

JOSEPH

Gen 50:20 NIV You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.