1. By this time, the exile had lived under the 2nd foreign rulership, from Babylon to Persia. (BKC) One of Darius’ first responsibilities was to reorganize the newly conquered kingdom of Babylon. He appointed 120 satraps (cf. 3:2) to rule over the kingdom of Babylon, and put them under three administrators … one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were responsible to the three administrators (perhaps 40 satraps to each administrator) so that the king was greatly aided in his administrative responsibilities. Daniel was an exceptional administrator, partly because of his extensive experience under Nebuchadnezzar (2:48) for about 39 years. So the king planned to make Daniel responsible for the administration of the entire kingdom. This of course created friction between Daniel and the other administrators and 120 satraps.
THE PLOT OF THE LEADERS (6:4–9)
THE PRAYER OF DANIEL (6:10–11)
THE PROSECUTION OF DANIEL (6:12–18)
THE PRESERVATION OF DANIEL (6:19–24)
2. The highlight of the narrative: The king woke up early and rushed to the lion's den and called out to Daniel in a worried voice and said, "“Daniel, servant of the living God, was your God whom you continually serve able to rescue you from the lions?” After he heard Daniel's response, the king was delighted and gave an order to haul D up from the den.
His dramatic turn of emotion was tied to the confirmation of the message that the God of Daniel was able to rescue him. This is more than a person emotion he had with Daniel. The God of Daniel was served by the Israelites whom was defeated by the Babylonians whose in turned was defeated by Him. Would the God of Daniel really able to rescue His own servants? Darius was worried. Now, he confessed that He is the living God who endures forever and His kingdom will not be destroyed and His authority is forever v.27.
(BKC) For 30 days Darius was addressed as God by the people in his realm (cf. v. 7). But Daniel served the true God, who did what Darius could never do: shut the mouths of lions to protect one who depended on Him.
3. Daniel did not answer Darius question of whether God was able or not.
22 My God sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not harmed me, because I was found to be innocent before him. Nor have I done any harm to you, O king.”
23b So Daniel was hauled up out of the den. He had no injury of any kind, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel has no doubt about the power of God. He knew what kind of persons God would rescue, i.e. those who are found innocent before Him and trust Him.
Reflection: The question is not whether God is powerful enough to rescue us, but are we the kind of person that will rescue. Am I innocent? Only by the blood of Jesus Christ.
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