Daniel’s fellow high officials and satraps are so jealous of his recognition, good service and impermeable character that they seek his downfall. They persuade the king to make a ruling that they know Daniel will not keep because of his dedication to God. They plot and plan together to not punish Daniel, harm him or discredit him - they want him dead.
The officials and satraps cleverly come up with an edict that could rid them of Daniel and cause the king to feel esteemed at the same time. Thus ensuring that thier plot to be rid of Daniel can be fulfilled. The plan is that king Darius make an ordinance that all prayers and petitions be directed to himself for 30 days, no other person or god. The king likes the idea - he gets the glory and renown, so it sounds good to him. He doesn’t seem to question it or consider the ramifications other than it would make him look and feel good.
Once the new rule has been put in place we find that despite the rule not to, Daniel has continued to faithfully honour and pray to his God alone. He kept his routine; praying 3 times a day, unhidden, carrying on just as boldly, or even more so, to seek God. The fellow officials and satraps expect Daniel would do so, so they know when, where and how to catch him out. It is no surprise. It seems that it is with glee that they inform king Darius of Daniel’s disobedience, knowing that the king’s favourite must now be dumped in the den of lions;
'14*Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he laboured till the sun went down to rescue him. *15*Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”
*16*Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” *17*And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. *18*Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.'
Daniel 6:14–18.
The punishment is quickly brought about, and we can see the concern, regret, the disturbance of the king. He worried, he planned, he tried to rescue Daniel, but he could not figure out how to do it. So he reluctantly carries out the edict that has been written and without much faith says to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”. Darius does not know that this is possible. A man, chucked amongst vicious beasts does not stand much chance, and he, the king, has decreed it. Unwittingly signing the death warrant of his most loyal, faithful overseer and he can do nothing about it. So he frets, loses sleep, can’t eat and expects the worse. Knowing that Darius showed this level of grief shows that he and Daniel clearly had a good, personal relationship, a mutual trust and respect for one another. Darius clearly sees Daniel as more than a worker or a leader. Through working together, Daniel has become a trusted adviser and friend. So much so, that although the king knows that the rules must be obeyed, he wishes they didn’t so that he could save Daniel’s life.
What are you working relationships like?
Daniel had a mixed experience. King Darius, his boss loved him - he saw Daniel's hard work, success, patience, insight and trustworthiness. Yet, at the same time, Daniel's co-workers were jealous and wanted rid of him. The question is, what are you working for? We all work to receive money, but what is your intent at work? Is it just to earn money? or is it to make God known?
Through Daniel's work ethic, his honesty, care for others, his problem solving attitude and diligence, he made it known that he was following God in what he did. He openly talked about his faith and displayed it by his actions. When at work, we have a real opportunity to display Jesus not just in what we say, but what we do and how we do it.
Do people see you working conscientiously, with care, respectfully?
Do you honour the rules, even the ones that no-one else does?
Do you bring God with you to work -do you make it clear where your strength and abilities come from like Daniel did?
Daniel relied on God throughout. People knew who he was serving - he lived and was prepared to be ridiculed, pushed out and die for it. Some people loved him, some people hated him, he still did what he knew God wanted him to do - Do people see the same dedication in you?
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