Daniel 6

Daniel 6

Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6) Daniel 6:1 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, Darius: Da 5:31 1Pe 2:14 an : Ex 18:21,22 Es 1:1 Daniel 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See notes below on Daniel a Man of Integrity Introduction: One of the most familiar stories in the Bible is found in Daniel 6 which picks up where Da 5:31-note left off with Darius the Mede beginning his reign. Just as God had predicted through the dream He gave Nebuchadnezzar, the head of gold, Babylon, was removed and the body and arms of silver, the Medo-Persians, now have been established as the dominant world empire (Da 2:21-note, Da 2:32-note, Da 2:39-note) Judah has been in exile 70 years in Babylon (Da 9:2-note). Daniel is an old man in his 80's (Chronological Structure of Daniel). This chapter marks the end of the "historical" (or narrative) section of Daniel and prepares us for the great prophecies in Daniel 7-12, prophecies that form the "back bone" or foundation for all other Biblical prophecies dealing with the last days that precede and terminate in the Second Coming of the Messiah. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Judah's 70 years of captivity (God's hand of discipline for idolatry -2Chr 36:14, 15, 16. Ezek 8:5-16- and failure to keep the Sabbaths for the land - 2Chr 36:21, Lev 25:4) ended in 539BC just as God had prophesied through Jeremiah… behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, 'declares the LORD,' and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land (Note: This teaches the important and at times confusing principle regarding God's use of evil -- At this time Nebuchadnezzar was a violent, ruthless, evil despot. God is not the source of evil, but He is able in His sovereign rule and His omnipotence to utilize evil to accomplish His purposes), and against its inhabitants, and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them, and make them a horror, and a hissing, and an everlasting desolation. 10 'Moreover, I will take from them the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 'And this whole land shall be a desolation and a horror, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 'Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation (Note: Fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 2 that the Head of Gold would be followed by the body and arms of silver, Medo-Persia),' declares the LORD, 'for their iniquity (Same prophecy in Isa 13:17), and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. (Jer 25:9, 10, 11, 12) For thus says Jehovah, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. (Je 29:10) How would God fulfill His promise in Jeremiah to bring them back to Judah and Jerusalem? Through His prophet Isaiah 44 some 150 years earlier God had given the following promise… Confirming the word of His servant, and performing the purpose of His messengers. It is I who says of Jerusalem, 'She shall be inhabited!' And of the cities of Judah, 'They shall be built.' And I will raise up her ruins again (Note that this was prophesied BEFORE the fall of Jerusalem and Judah - God promises to rebuild even before He allows them to be destroyed!). "It is I who says to the depth of the sea, 'Be dried up!' And I will make your rivers dry. It is I who says of Cyrus (Who had not even been born!), 'He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.' (Pr 21:1) And he (Cyrus) declares of Jerusalem, 'She will be built,' And of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.'" (Isa 44:26, 27, 28) I have aroused him (King Cyrus) in righteousness and I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city (Jerusalem) and will let My exiles go free (after 70 years of Babylonian captivity), without any payment or reward,” says the Lord of hosts. (Is 45:13). How was Cyrus to be God's shepherd to lead His sheep, Judah, back to the Promised Land after 70 years of exile? In 539BC (538BC according to the Cyrus Cylinder - see below) God had Cyrus issue a decree (and Persian decrees as we find out in Daniel 6 are irrevocable and binding!), the scribe Ezra recording… Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD (Jehovah) stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God Who is in Jerusalem. Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.’ (Ezra 1:1, 2, 3, 4, cp additional details were added to this public proclamation in a "Memorandum" - see Ezra 6:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) Cyrus Cylinder Discovered 1879 Archaeology has substantiated the Biblical record (as if the Word of Truth needed any validation!) with the discovery of the famous Cyrus cylinder written in 538BC. On this cuneiform cylinder Cyrus recorded his capture of Babylon and his program of repatriating the conquered peoples to their homelands writing.. From [Babylon] to Aššur and (from) Susa, Agade, Ešnunna, Zamban, Me-Turnu, Der, as far as the region of Gutium, the sacred centers on the other side of the Tigris, whose sanctuaries had been abandoned for a long time, I returned the images of the gods (See Cyrus' words in Ezra 6:5 - "utensils of the temple of God"), who had resided there [in Babylon], to their places [including Jerusalem] and I let them dwell in eternal abodes. I gathered all their inhabitants and returned to them their dwellings. Donald Campbell writes that Daniel 6 sets before us the example of a man who possessed the "invisible means of support," the "inner resources" that gave purpose to his life, molded his conduct, and sustained him in adversity. Contemporary man would do well to study again this well-known episode and learn the secrets of living happily in a stress-filled society. (Campbell, D. Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society - well written, practical, recommended) Daniel 6:1-28 are numbered Da 6:2-29 in the Aramaic text. Recall the 2 major divisions of the book of Daniel… TWO DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL DANIEL 1-6 DANIEL 7-12 On Site Historical Prophetic J Vernon McGee The Historic Night with Prophetic Light The Prophetic Light in the Historic Night Precept Ministries Living Out a — Biblical Worldview Gaining Understanding — of the Time of the End John Phillips Daniel and His Personal Friends Daniel and His People's Future Irving Jensen Mainly Historical: 6 Historical Narratives Mainly Predictive: 4 Apocalyptic Visions Irving Jensen Daniel Interprets Other's Dreams Angel Interprets Daniel's Dreams Rob Salvato The Prophet The Prophecy The maps below demonstrate the increased geographic size of the Medo-Persian Kingdom… PROPHECY FULFILLED: BABYLON FALLS TO MEDO-PERSIA October 12, 539BC (Click map to enlarge) THE HEAD OF GOLD: BABYLON Daniel 2:37, 38 605-539BC THE BREAST AND ARMS OF SILVER: MEDO-PERSIA 539-330BC Daniel in the Lions' Den, Da 6:1-28 Da 6:1-3 The Position of Daniel, Da 6:4-9 The Plot Against Daniel, Da 6:10-11 The Prayer of Daniel, Da 6:12-17 The Prosecution of Daniel, Da 6:18-28 The Protection of Daniel, (Don Robinson - Outline of the Book of Daniel) Warren Wiersbe entitles this chapter "Liars, Laws, and Lions" Daniel 6 instructs us about remaining faithful when the pressure is on. Rob Salvato summarizes Daniel 6… Favored, Framed, Faithful, Fed, Freed! Darius - Who is this Darius? Darius the Mede ruled from 539-525BC and thus overlapped with the rule of Cyrus (539-530BC). Although it is by no means a consensus, many scholars identify Darius the Mede Gubaru, a general in Cyrus' army who led the forces into Babylon. Note in the table below Darius the Mede is not to be confused with Darius I (the Great). THE RULERS OF THE MEDO-PERSIAN EMPIRE 539 Cyrus (Persian) 530 530 Cambyses II (Suicide) 522 522 Darius I (Darius the Great) Son of Hystaspes 486 486 Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) Followed by… Artaxerxes I (465-424) Darius II (424-405) Artaxerxes II (405-359) Artaxerxes III (359-338) Arses (338-336) Darius III (335-330) 465 539 Darius the Mede (?Gubaru) 525 ----- Satraps (translated in other versions as "governors" = ICB, "princes" = KJV) - Name given the governors of the provinces of the Median and Persian empires. The title of the viceroys who governed the provinces of the Persian Empire (Ezra 8:36; Esther 3:12; 8:9; 9:3; Da 3:2; 6:1; etc.). The viceroys or vassal rulers were entrusted with governance of the provinces in the Persian empire. This satrap represented the authority of the king in civil and military matters, and supplied the means for maintaining the king’s sovereignty over the whole empire. Satrap is related to the Persian word meaning "protector of the realm." The satrap was usually chosen from the Persian nobility, often from the royal family. One of his important functions was to collect the tribute (taxes), a role which might tempt him to "dip into the king's coffers." (cp phrase "might not suffer loss.") ISBE adds that… The satrap was virtually a king; he had his own court and absolute civil authority, and he answered directly to the “great king.” To ensure the satrap’s loyalty to the king, other officials who answered directly to the king were appointed to work alongside the satrap: a secretary (who handled all official correspondence), a chief financial officer (who collected taxes), and a commander of the armed forces. In addition, inspectors known as “the eyes and ears of the king” might appear at any time to check on conditions in the provinces. Judea, a part of (Bromiley, G. W.. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised. Volume 4:345. Wm. B. Eerdmans) Wikipedia says that… The satrap was the head of the administration of his province, and found himself surrounded by an all-but-royal court; he collected the taxes, controlled the local officials and the subject tribes and cities, and was the supreme judge of the province before whose "chair" (Nehemiah 3:7) every civil and criminal case could be brought. He was responsible for the safety of the roads (cf. Xenophon), and had to put down brigands and rebels. (Satrap - Wikipedia) Whitcomb writes that… Once again, critics insist that they have found a historical blunder in the book of Daniel. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus (III, 89) states that Darius I divided the empire into only twenty satrapies. So, we are told, the author of the book of Daniel must have been thinking of the 127 provinces in the days of King Xerxes, son of Darius I (Esther 1:1). But one look at the biblical text reveals that it is the critics who have committed the blunder at this point. The book of Daniel says nothing of "satrapies" or "provinces." It states that 120 "satraps" were set over the kingdom, namely, "the kingdom of the Chaldeans" (Da 9:1). A "satrap" was a Persian official who could rule over a large province or over a small group of people.' This would harmonize well with the "Nab­onidus Chronicle," which states that Gubaru installed sub-gov­ernors in Babylon immediately after the fall of the city to the armies of Cyrus. Thus, the statement of Daniel 6:1 has nothing whatsoever to do with the division of the Medo-Persian empire into satrapies or provinces that took place during the later administrations of Darius I and Xerxes. (Daniel- Bible Commentary - Everyman's Bible Commentary) Ray Pritchard reminds us of why this chapter is so important to modern believers reasoning that… we learn the secret of Daniel’s success. Somehow he managed to survive and thrive in a spiritually hostile environment. That point is a good place to begin because Christians live in a world of spiritual hostility where the temptation to compromise our faith is with us every day. The world doesn’t want its conscience pricked and doesn’t reward those who dare to stand up for what they believe. In some parts of the world, standing up for Christ means suffering and death. In America (and in most countries in the West) it means ostracism, ridicule, scorn, being left out and perhaps being passed over. It often leads to tension at home and on the job. The book of Daniel tells us how to live for God in a hostile environment. His example shows us that it can be done but not without discomfort. If you don’t compromise, you are sure to come into trouble sooner or later. The story of Daniel and the lion’s den reminds us that there is a spiritual battle raging all around us. The devil himself is like a roaring lion who would devour us if he could (1Pe 5:8-note). Therefore, it should not surprise us if the devil has an army of supporters whose major call in life is to harass us, trick us, and trip us up if they can. You can tell a lot about a person by the quality of his enemies. Daniel must have been a good man because he had the right kind of enemies. The people who hated him were no friends of God. They came after his faith because they could find no fault in him, and they had no answer for what he believed. (How to Tame Lions - Dr. Ray Pritchard - January 2000) Be in charge of the whole kingdom - The New American Bible renders this interpretatively as "to safeguard his interests" which is a reasonable interpretation in view of the next statement that "the king might not suffer loss." (Da 5:2) Such a position would be responsible to prevent loss from military revolts, tax evasion, fraud, etc Lehman Strauss… The inferiority (Da 2:39) of this second kingdom of silver to the first kingdom of gold is at once noticeable. Nebuchadnezzar's rule in Babylon was one of absolute monarchy. It was autocratic. He refused to share authority with anyone, being sole dictator in his kingdom. Whom he would he put to death, and whom he would he kept alive. But under King Darius there was a change. This second world empire was not an absolute monarchy. King Darius had the government in his kingdom well organized, setting over it one hundred and twenty princes, (Lehman Strauss Commentary – The Prophecies of Daniel) Sermon Starter… Government Employee - Daniel 6 The prophet Daniel worked for the government for many years. If all those who worked for the government or for business had these qualities, the world would be a better place in which to live. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF CHARACTER - Da 6:1-3 He had an "excellent spirit". DANIEL WAS A MAN OF CONSISTENCY - Da 6:4-9 He was faithful. There was no accusation possible against the man, unless he was accused about his God. His enemies plotted to undermine him by putting him in a position of possible compromise concerning his God. DANIEL WAS A MAN OF CONVICTION - Da 6:10-15 Daniel continued to worship his God in spite of the threat of persecution. He continued to do what was right! DANIEL WAS A MAN OF CONSCIENCE - Da 6:16-22 After being falsely accused and spending the night in the lion's den, Daniel still had a clean conscience. He could honestly say, "Oh King I have done no hurt." DANIEL WAS A MAN OF COURAGE - Da 6:23 He had believed in his God and stood firm for Him. Some questions to stimulate study and discussion… How does Daniel 6:1, 28 relate to Daniel 5:30, 31? Daniel 6 picks up where Daniel 5 stopped - Fall of Babylon, rise of Medo-Persian empire How does Daniel 6:1, 28 to Da 2:32, 38, 39? Fulfillment of prophecy of gold giving way to silver, which he said would be inferior. What does this say about God? His word is sure and does not fail (Josh 21:45, 23:14, Lk 1:37, Lk 1:37ASV). His prophecies and promises will be fulfilled How old was Daniel? 70 years plus his age when taken captive in 605BC - At least 80yo or older. How does Daniel's life example relate to Heb 12:1? He is still running with perseverance the race which God set before him, leaving an example for all believers of every age to imitate (Heb 6:11, 12). So many begin well but finish poorly. What do we learn from Daniel 6 about his married life? Fact that Da 6:24 says wives and children were thrown in the lion's den with the accusers but were not thrown in with Daniel (Da 6:16) Why are we surprised that Daniel was one of three commissioners? He had been the third ruler in Babylon and the second ruler Belshazzar had been slain (Da 5:30). Why not Daniel? As noted below God's man is immortal until God's purpose for his life is accomplished! Daniel 6:2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. of : Da 2:48,49 5:16,29 1Sa 2:30 Pr 3:16) (that : Mt 18:23 Lk 16:2 and the : Ezra 4:22 Es 7:4 Pr 26:6 Lk 19:13-27 1Co 4:2 Daniel 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Of whom Daniel was one (KJV rendering gives a slightly different sense - "of whom Daniel was first") - Daniel presumably was in the party room the night of the overthrow of Babylon and had been given a purple robe and a gold necklace which would cause him to stand out as royalty, not to mention that he was now the third ruler in Babylon! And yet Daniel survived. God's man is immortal until God has fulfilled His purposes in and through that man. God never leaves Himself without a witness, whether in positions of power or in the lower echelons of society.